trouble with belts?

Hi everyone,

I've been a passive observer of this community for a while, but now that I'm a fellow ostomate (as of 4/1/13), I figured it's probably high time to join the conversation.

One problem that I've been having since surgery is that I am having trouble wearing an actual belt - not one for support, although I have a question about that too. Does anyone have any tips/tricks to wearing belts when the ostomy and bag are in the way? As I'm recovering from surgery still, I love my gym shorts and sweat pants, but dang when I want to wear jeans is it bothersome.

Second belt question: how many of you wear support belts? I've got the Phoenix one, but haven't tried it out yet. Been too afraid to put my bag in a horizontal position. I've heard good things about the stealth belt, but have the same issue with the positioning.

Anyway, looking forward to getting through this whole thing with you all. This seems like such a safe place for conversation - I'm excited to be here...minus the whole stoma thing : )

B

Just for public knowledge's sake, I called my WOCN and asked her about this today. She said that as long as the belt isn't right over the stoma or causing any bleeding, it should be just fine. I feel a lot of pressure when I sit down when I wear a belt, but she said that was to be expected and will begin to feel more natural as time goes on.

Reassured me a bit. Hopefully that reassures some other folks on here that may have the same question in the future :)