4 weeks since surgery

I havent posted on this forum for a while, but i decided to have surgery, and had a total proctolectomy with end ileostomy on Jan 3. Ive had Crohns for 12 years, and have been through the ringer since last June, developing 2 abscesses, one which turned into a fistula in my left labia, and urgent trips to the bathroom for even longer. I also had a herniated disc that required back surgery in November. When it rains, it pours.

I was really scared to have the colo-rectal surgery, but Im glad its over and Im adjusting to the new routine. Im having good luck with Hollister 2-pc pouch so far. I also have some Convatec samples I havent tried. They have a filter. Does this let the air out and help keep the pouch flat?

Im enjoying eating a variety of foods and trying to gain weight. Im 5 foot 3, and usually weigh about 125, and am down to 98. The only thing that disagreed with me so far is spaghetti, either the pasta or the sauce.

I also need to experiment with how my clothes will fit over my pouch. Id like to try the belly band or just snug tank tops under my shirts.

I spent many hours on this forum as I was making my decision about surgery, and posted a few questions. Thanks to everyone for your advice, encouragement, and experience. I hope and pray that Im going to be healthy and well now, and get back to my life with family, friends, work, vacations, and line dancing! :)

lynn024, 44 yrs old

I still use Hollister 2 piece. I also use Eakin seals and the Sure Seals from ALP which goes over the wafer edges. I had leaks in the beginning as my stoma was shrinking but now I never have them.

I used to weigh 185 before my last flare up and now I can't ever get above 138lbs. I could eat McDonalds for weeks on end and probably be at the same weight :/

As for clothes. I usually just let the bag hang on the outside. My shirts that I wear are long enough to cover the bag. Also I found that using the sticky velcro dots you buy at office stores help with tucking the white flap thing at the end of the hollister bags up under the fabric of the bag. This way it shortens the length of the bag just a little bit.
There are also some products out there like Ostomy Secret and Phoenix belt(?) that you tuck the entire bag into so it keeps it snug against your abdomen.

As for food, I can eat anything. Heck, I don't even worry about chewing any more. Today I plan on going to subway, and getting a foot long chicken buffalo sandwich with lots of green peppers, onions, tomatoes, and chipotle sauce. Om nom nom.