As usual always a great job Eric. Wishing you and the family a happy and healthy New Year, Aileen

I didn't have as much success with my Hernia Helper. I could tell it was well made and my hopes were initially high, but the width of the belt (i.e., vertically, from top to bottom) was too narrow. The belt ends just above and below the flange opening. So it didn't support the top & bottom of my huge hernia, and the bottom (which was quite rigid because it's actually the bottom of the reinforced opening) rubbed against my skin and created an open sore. So obviously I had to stop wearing it. I think this could be prevented by getting more detailed measurements, like how many inches you need on top & bottom of the opening. In the top photo of you wearing the belt there seems to be more material, at least above the opening. I have hernia belt envy!

Also should mention that the 'stays' on the sides are better than those made by Nu-Hope, but still didn't prevent bunching. I suspect there's no solution to this, for women. As you can see in the photos, most men have straight torsos. But women are often more hourglass-shaped. So belts bunch up and form a thin, tight, and very uncomfortable constriction around the sides and back. I haven't yet found a belt that doesn't do this. But still looking ...

Joan, that's disappointing to hear. One advantage to having a hernia belt fitted by a stoma nurse, is getting those extra measurements that will help to support larger hernias. With a "one-size-fits-all" design, there's not much room to accomodate every body, but I'm curious if you've been able to contact Hernia Helper to see if a new belt (to your requirements) can be done up. Good luck!

Yes, I'm really happy to report that the owner at Hernia Helper got in touch with me and was very concerned. He kindly offered to make me another one and I have to tell you that it's the best hernia belt I've tried (and I've tried them all, sometimes multiple times each). I've worn it daily for over a week now and it HASN'T BUNCHED UP!! This is the only belt I've ever worn that hasn't bunched. It's the first time in years I haven't been in pain or discomfort wearing a belt. He also added more fabric above and below the opening, so it feels very supportive now. I'd highly recommend the Hernia Helper belt, in particular to women with "jelly bellies" for whom bunching is a problem. Make sure you mention that problem and ask for extra stays, and as always, give careful measurements if you don't have a stoma nurse to do it for you.

Joan, that's wonderful! Thank you for letting us know. It's great that they were able to help you directly with this. 

Every single stomal hernia support belt I've used buckles along the top where there is hard plastic is and you can see it through my clothing

Hi Lori, have you used any with softer material (not hard plastic)? They don't offer as much support, but could work better in that situation.