Thick output with new ileostomy

I had a lot of pancaking with mine as well. My stoma was short, so nothing went down into the bag, it went straight and stayed there. What was worse, is that I needed convex and that pushes down and makes space for it to sit there. The stoma nurse told me, you should ask yours - they know a lot more than I do, to blow a little air into the bag before connecting it to the wafer. I tried that, gel sachets and lubricating drops, and at a certain point, I think you figure out what products/techniques will work for you. I never found a great solution for the pancaking or for gas, but people get it down to a science. I've also heard people say gas is much worse early on, after your body adjusts it's less frequent... I only had mine for a few months so I never got there. I did get much better at everything by the end and I learned to be comfortable with the ostomy.

You may be able to control it with your diet to some extent. I know some people swear by coffee for loosening, but most people want it thicker. That real watery output, like I had with my loop, is a lot of trouble. It's acidic, and leaky, and harder to do changes, requires emptying earlier... potatoes always made my output really thick. You probably want to avoid them for the moment.

Thanks NSSG and Clo!
I'm still trying to figure everything out, including what I can eat and when. I did change my bag today (trying out the sensura mio 2-piece and so far I think it is my favorite) and I used some of the lubricant/deodorizer, which has helped for sure.

Now trying to figure out what to buy for undergarments...help? Thinking a "stealth belt" but then also underwear/boy shorts and maybe a wrap??

High waists are in now. There are some cute, sexy high waist styles you can find. I am wearing some right now. I had 2 ostomy wraps that I got covered through insurance. I loved them, but some people don't find them necessary. I think if you're considering making it permanent, you might as well give the wrap a fair shot, especially if you can get it covered by insurance. Then you can decide for yourself. I wore high waist underwear all the time and placed the pouch inside, that made everything feel comfortable for me. Dresses are great too, especially the ones that flare out at the bottom.

Do you order from edge park? I loved the mio too.
I think I had this /www.edgepark.com/ostomy/ostomy-accessories/ostomy-undergarments/options-ladies-ostomy-wrap-brief-with-open-crotch-small-4-5-right-stoma-with-built-in-barrier-support-black%0a/p/8083002sr

there's a pocket for the pouch.