Preparing for an active life with an ileostomy or colostomy involves some thoughtful planning and preparation. If you're scheduled for ostomy surgery and are wondering what to discuss with your surgeon and care team, here are some practical tips and insights to help make life with a pouch easier, especially if you enjoy activities like swimming, sailing, cycling, and surfing.

- Stoma Placement
- Consult with a Wound, Ostomy, and Continence Nurse (WOCN) before surgery to mark the stoma site while you are in different positions and wearing your usual clothes or swimwear.
- Avoid placing the stoma on the belt line, as even a small difference in height can affect comfort and posture.
- Some surgeons allow you to choose the stoma spot, so consider shopping for bathing suits first to help decide.
- Request a stoma length of about 1¼ inches for better appliance fit.

- Product Sampling and Suppliers
- Reach out to manufacturers for free samples to find what works best for you. Brands like Convatec, Coloplast, Hollister, and others offer options.
- Try both one-piece and two-piece systems; many active users prefer two-piece systems from Convatec or Coloplast.
- Check out websites like www.ostomysecrets.com for concealing underwear and swimwear, and consider NU-Hope hernia/adhesive tapes for heavy activity.

- Clothing and Concealment
- You can wear snug jeans if you empty the pouch when it's about one-third full to avoid bulging.
- Leggings, tunic tops, high-waist swimwear, and belts or suspenders can help conceal the pouch.
- Use a sample pouch filled part-way to test how it looks under your clothes.

- Emptying and Changing Norms
- Most people empty their pouch when it's about one-third full, which can be 3 to 8 times a day for those with an ileostomy.
- Colostomy irrigation might be an option for some, allowing for once-daily emptying.

- Diet and Hydration
- Keep a food diary and start with four small meals instead of three large ones.
- Ileostomy output tends to be more liquid, so chew food thoroughly and introduce fibrous foods slowly.
- Foods like bread, pasta, rice, and well-cooked meat can help thicken output. Be mindful of trigger foods like corn, raw carrots, cabbage, and some dairy.
- Stay well-hydrated, especially during activities like swimming or in hot weather.

- Activity and Lifestyle
- Most people return to their full range of activities once healed. Waterproof seals are effective for swimming, surfing, and sailing.
- Appliance failures are rare; one member only experienced it once in 50 years while floating in the Dead Sea.

- Skin and Hair Care
- If you have a hairy abdomen, consider electrolysis before surgery to avoid skin irritation from shaving.
- Electric trimmers are gentler than razors if shaving is necessary.

- Hernia Prevention
- Discuss the possibility of using prophylactic mesh or support garments with your surgeon, as heavy exercise and coughing can lead to hernias.
- NU-Hope belts or similar support wear can be helpful during workouts.

- Mental Outlook
- Many people find that the relief from pain and renewed energy after surgery outweigh initial fears.
- Concerns about intimacy and social acceptance usually diminish over time, with many reporting normal relationships post-surgery.