Hi Tower, welcome to the forums!

Are you looking for more support, protection, or a combination? There are many options available depending on what you need.

Thanks for the reply, looking for what belts  would be good for working out and sports. I have looked at selthbelt as it seems to be the best from reviews I have read. I have tried 2 piece holister and coloplast milo and like the milo for security of the bag but is bulky unlike the holister. I have talked to convotec, coloplast, holister on trying different things as everyone says it's individual what works best but looking for direction so I don't spend a fortune on belts or order supply's that will not work. Plus note I have been using moldable rings and the new coloplast ones have just been started to be sold in the USA as of a week or two ago. Btw I am in Texas so I assume things can differ a little from Canada.

The biggest concern when you're doing sports and exercise is hernia prevention. So at the very least, find a good hernia support belt. Your surgeon needs to give you the OK before you get into anything too strenuous. 

The StealthBelt is great for support, and the new "Hybrid" version will offer some protection against impact, but neither will prevent hernias so you may need to be creative.

Nearly all accessories work with all bags, although some accessories need to be custom fit (especially the hernia belts).

I've reviewed several support bands and stoma guards, but have yet to cover hernia belts since they are specialized (and I'd need a prescription to get one covered by insurance).

Also note for support, didn't seem to much and issue with the milo two p mechanical but can feel it pulling a bit with the holister two p. Think I want to get support regardless. Currently using one of those cheap tab belts to make sure the holister bag stays on while I try it out.

Any idea where I should start looking for hernia belts?

Posted by: Tower

Any idea where I should start looking for hernia belts?

Nu-Hope is perhaps the most popular in North America. But you may also be able to visit a local medical supply shop (that carries ostomy supplies) and be fitted for a hernia belt. They may offer other brands, but they'll work just the same.

Unless you want a belt that has a pocket for the bag then you don't need to buy a specialist ostomy belt, any abdominal binder will work. 

Disadvantage with a normal belt is that pancaking often occurs, not a problem if the belt is only being warn for an hour or so. Advantage is that they are cheaper and reduce the risk of a hernia (and prolapse) more because there isn't a hole in them

Okay, I know this is going to sound dumb so forgive me. I live a rather sedentary life, working in the office, going to church, and taking daily walks. I don't really do any active sports, just a little hiking or kayaking in the summer. I am a little confused on the different types of belts, the reasons for using that type, or the situations in which you'd want to use a specific kind.

There are belts, covers, wraps, and hernia belts (unless there's more I am not aware of). What is the difference between them? When do you use each? In what situations would you need as specific one?

Also, neither the doctors or nurses have mentioned hernia's but I have seen them mentioned here several times. I have also seen some comments about prolapse. Do you have or do you know how I can get more info on hernias and prolapse in regards to ostomies?

Sorry to be so dumb but my knowledge and experience in these matters is very limited.

Posted by: Kae

Okay, I know this is going to sound dumb so forgive me.

No question is too dumb ;) 

There are belts, covers, wraps, and hernia belts (unless there's more I am not aware of). What is the difference between them? When do you use each? In what situations would you need as specific one?

Spoiler alert: I actually recorded a bunch of videos explaining the differences for each accessory. I plan to start putting them together soon, but it'll be similar to the mini-guide I have for ostomy supplies.

Also, neither the doctors or nurses have mentioned hernia's but I have seen them mentioned here several times.

This should have been discussed, but perhaps since you aren't very active they might have assumed you were "low-risk"?

I have also seen some comments about prolapse. Do you have or do you know how I can get more info on hernias and prolapse in regards to ostomies?

I don't have first-hand experience with either, but my friend Ryan Stevens had a prolapse last year. His twitter handle is @ryan_crohnsguy. I'll see if he'd like to post some info about his experience.

A prolapse happens more so with a loop ileostomy. You for sure will know if it ever happens to you as it becomes extremely engorged and also comes out of your body way further than normal. It can be painful especially the first time it happens. Mine was chronically prolapse from January of 2016 until my surgery in December. It would only go back to normal if I were lying down on my back.

The risk of getting a parastomal hernia within the first 3 years of getting a stoma is approximately 30% and you remain at risk. The figures are quite scary. Those substantially overweight or have a weakened abdominal walls due to previous surgeries are the greatest risk

I wear a binder whenever doing anything strenuous, just to be on the safe side

Dealing with one now. Hoping to see my surgeon and get her opinion on it. Seems to be getting larger and larger. Last surgery was December 12, 2016.

OMG

I almost wish I hadn't asked. I may be low risk because I do little strenuous activity however, I a quite over weight which seems to negate that 'low' risk. 

Anyway, back to the original post about products. How are these belts supposed to help and which are best for what?

Posted by: Kae

 

Anyway, back to the original post about products. How are these belts supposed to help and which are best for what?   

Short answer:

• Hernia belts are meant to put pressure on your abdomen, which helps to prevent hernias.
• Support belts (like the Stealth Belt, ComfortBelt, etc.) are for supporting your pouch when it's sideways but offers no hernia prevention.
• Pouch covers are used to cover your appliance and adds a bit of fashion to your bag. Great for people who use clear bags.
• Wraps are used for concealment and offer some support.
• Stoma guards are used mainly for protecting your stoma from impact either from sports or a belt (if your stoma is at your beltline). 

There are pros and cons to each, which I hope to explain in the upcoming accessories guide.

I do have a video (taken during a live presentation) where I explain a bit more about these accessories, and you might find it helpful: https://www.veganostomy.ca/secrets-dressing-ostomy/

Thanks Eric, I appreciate the explanation! Actually, I love bullet type info in general. I tend to lose focus with long or drawn out explanations.  Just give me the important stuff! 

• Hernia belts - this would probably make me vomit. Not for me if I can avoid it. 
• Support belts - I can't imagine wearing my bag sideways. I am just weird about the thing.
• Pouch covers - I used clear bags for a reason. >_>
• Wraps - This interests me but I am worried that it will put too much pressure on the bag itself and with my thick output that the wrap may 'choke' it, causing pancaking. 
• Stoma guards - This is something I will likely invest in. Doing dishes or laundry is especially difficult as I am always bumping the appliance. However, I have the same concern as with the wrap. I know they do allow for space but with my thick output I usually have to push it down into the bag and I would not be able to do that with the guard on. 

Considering the above, are there any products I should avoid or look for specifically? I know with the guard I can get away with not using it all the time.