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self conscience of the bulky bags under my clothes!

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Ostomies
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Posted 3/1/2009 4:49 PM (GMT 0)
I had my surgery 3 months ago and i am still feeling very self conscience about the bag underneath my clothes.  Any suggestions,tips or ideas to help it not feel so noticeable?  Thanks a bunch!
Posted 3/1/2009 4:58 PM (GMT 0)
I like to wear babydoll type tops that cover the pouch and also empty it when it starts to fill up. In the beginning, there was more gas/output than now, so it will slow down over time and not fill up so much.
Posted 3/2/2009 12:50 AM (GMT 0)
Remember, you'll be the only one who notices it and that's because you're very aware of it. In time, you'll spend less time thinking about it and soon you'll realise you didn't think about it from one empty to the next :)

If it does get a little full, no one will have a clue what they're looking at anyway and think nothing of it. Do you go around looking at all the bumps and bulges other people have?
Posted 3/2/2009 5:29 AM (GMT 0)
LOL shaz, that's what i was fixing to say!
I promise you that noone knows what is there, you are just seeing it cause you know its there.

A woman, maybe on this board, told a story that i love and tell to people.
She was getting ready to go out and had put on some new jeans and was askign her friend if she could see her pouch, and her friend said, oh yeah i can actually. so the woman asked her where it was noticebale, and the friend pointed to her LEFt side! and her ostomy was on the right said, the woman laughed and pulled out some kleenex from her pocket!
I have worn bathing suits in front of people, gone almost skinny dipping all kinds of stuff and until i told my friends last week, the people i see almost everyday for the past 8 months, had NO idea at all, and they have seen me in lots of situations.
If you are feeling subconcious, try looser pants and tighter undies, or try wearing a tummy sleeve or tube top over it to keep it smoothed down!
Posted 3/2/2009 5:51 AM (GMT 0)
You completely beat me to this post!!! I was just going to ask the same things!!!

I went to the store today on my own for the first time in a very very very long time, and I hid behind my cart most of the time. However, I forget I have my accessory most of the time (unless it hurts and I can't ignore it), and I had a conversation with a woman standing openly and she never glanced at my tummy once. I was wearing a slightly baggy top, but it was sticking out a bit nonetheless.

I'm looking forward to it being healed more so I can wear pantied over it, and I have purchased a couple cute babydoll tops for the spring/summer. I wear a lot of collared shirts layered over a tank or camisole, so that kind of keeps it under wraps. However, I am still super nervous and concerned about people gawking.

I guess it's just something I have to get used to. : )
Posted 3/2/2009 3:27 PM (GMT 0)
My crowning glory (and would like to get back there someday ... ) was enough weight loss and having gotten myself into SUPER shape ........ to go to the gym in running tights and a sports bra! I made sure there was the right amount of air in the pouch (pre filter days) and went and did my workout. I was self conscious the whole time, but I did it!

I wear ordinary clothes and no one has a clue. The only people who know are the ones you tell (and the stray ostomate who recognizes the little things!).
Posted 3/2/2009 9:58 PM (GMT 0)
The only time I notice other people's is when I am at the doc's office...we are always the one's with the bags full of supplies!!! But, I am pretty sure the "non ostomates" don't have a clue!!
Posted 3/4/2009 5:30 AM (GMT 0)

I found something I LOVE!!!  I purchased a few tighter fitting stretchy, silky feeling tanks from Wal-Mart the other day.  I absolutely adore how they keep my accessory flat and I started tucking the bottom of it in my panties...weird at first but easily accepted.

Anyway, wearing those amazing tanks have improved my self-image tremendously!  The area around my stoma is finally not in excrutiating pain, so I can start wearing pants closer to my waist area.  It's awesome!  I actually wore my pants directly on my stoma today and it was fine!

I am so EXCITED!!!

smurf
Posted 3/4/2009 11:44 AM (GMT 0)
Good for you!!! You'll discover your own comfort zone and then the style to match. There WILL be the stray day, but for me, for 25 years, they really have been stray. You go!
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