Hello.  I was here a few years ago.  I'm just checking in again.  I had a proctocollectomy with a permanent ileostomy almost 5 1/2 years ago.  I've learned so much since then.  Life with an ostomy has been very good for me.  I'm fortunate that my ostomy performs almost perfectly.  The only food that gives me trouble are peanuts.  I can eat a few, but after that, it get a blockage right at the stoma.  No biggie.  Fortunately, cashews don't do this, and I love cashews. 

I've had my share of leaks and broken bags in inopportune times.  I've exploded bags at nighttime more than a few times, and I've even forgotten to close the outlet of my bags after emptying a few times.  I worry about smells in the bathroom like most of us, but have found that M9 drops are my savior.  I use very few products.  I'm a Hollister guy, and I use nonfiltered two-piece bags with only a flange.  I can get a week out of most bags if I take care of them.  I wear a hernia belt almost always (not at night) (5" belt from nu-hope), and a wrap from OstoMYsecrets.  This works great for me.  It holds everything in place and hides things perfectly.  All-in-all, my surgery has been a great success, and as with many of us, has saved my life (I was developing cancer in my colon) and has made my quality of life so much better than when ulcerative colitis was raging inside of me.  I still have peripheral symptoms like joint pains and skin issues, but way better than before surgery.  It's nice to be back at this forum.  I wish the very best for all of you. 

Glenn