If you're preparing for a special event and feeling a bit self-conscious about your belly with an ileostomy bag, you might be considering shapewear options like Spanx. Here are some friendly tips and insights to help you find something comfortable and safe to wear:

- Safety first – test at home:
- It's generally okay to wear Spanx or similar compression garments as long as they don't press too hard and block the stoma output.
- Try wearing the garment at home for a few hours to see how it feels, and consider limiting the time you wear it during the event.

- Choose lighter or sized-up compression:
- Consider buying Spanx or similar garments one or two sizes larger to reduce pressure.
- Jockey "Skimmies" offer light smoothing and can be pulled up to just under the bra. It's recommended to size up by two sizes.
- Support boyshorts underwear, available at places like Walmart, can provide gentle support. Sizing up is suggested, such as choosing a medium or large instead of a small.

- Alternative shapewear & substitutes:
- Maidenform "Self Expressions" hi-waisted boy shorts or thigh slimmers are soft and comfortable, helping to keep the abdomen flat.
- Target maternity "BeBand" belly bands can be worn over the pouch, giving a mild hold and appearing like a long tank top.
- Standard pantyhose can help flatten the pouch for short periods, but use the same caution as with Spanx.
- High-waisted Jockey panties and Jockey Sports for men offer less compression than Spanx.
- For men, unitards can be worn, but they might increase leakage if the pouch overfills. Cutting a slit to let the pouch hang outside can help.

- Tips to prevent leaks or discomfort:
- Empty the pouch frequently to keep it as flat as possible.
- Make sure elastic or seams do not sit directly on the stoma or wafer edge.
- If you're concerned about output volume, some people take 1–2 tablets of Imodium a few hours beforehand, but it's best to check with your healthcare provider first.

- Cost considerations:
- Ostomy-specific undergarments can be pricey, but mainstream brands at Walmart, Target, or Amazon can offer similar benefits at a lower cost.

- Style notes:
- "Boyshorts" refer to a style, not a single brand. They have a rectangular cut, cover the butt and lower belly, and usually have a low or mid-rise. Look for packaging that mentions "high waist," "tummy control," or "waist hi."

- General consensus:
Light-to-moderate compression garments like Spanx, boyshorts, and belly bands can be worn successfully with an ileostomy if you:
1. Choose higher-waisted or longer garments that clear the stoma.
2. Size up or select lighter support to avoid excessive pressure.
3. Test the garment before your event and keep an eye on the pouch fill level.