I've been asked several times to review their products, however:

1) Being that they are incredibly expensive, I can't possibly afford to purchase one just for a review.

2) I have reached out to the company to see if they'd be interested in sending me a product for review, and I had not heard back from them. 

I would love to hear from others who have used their products, but I do value that many of the testimonials they have on the site are from law enforcement/military.

@iamjay Is there any particular reason why you're looking at Ostomy Armor, instead of other brands? There are quite a few similar guards that are made from plastic, but offer similar benefits. 

I'm not sure how well these can prevent a hernia, however. I know the Ostomy Armor site says that their guards prevent hernias, but I don't think that's been verified by any medical body.

@veganostomy I want to find something that will help prevent hernias while lifting about 50 pounds and will protect my stoma. I would like to be able to wear this comfortably for a full day while kayaking. I'm open to other products but find it hard to chose and some.of the hernia belts looks really stiff and uncomfortable to wear while sitting removed link

The Ostomy Armor is expensive indeed....maybe I'll keep reviewing other options.

Posted by: @iamjay

some.of the hernia belts looks really stiff and uncomfortable to wear while sittin

This is by design. While I don't think there's any published evidence that these products really do prevent hernias, the stiffness, in theory, should help.

You tend to find more flexible hernia bands for existing hernias, but I've only seen harder/stiffer belts for prevention. 

You may be able to prevent hernias, simply by keeping in shape, minding your weight, using correct technique when lifting, etc.

Factors like age, quality of your surgery, time since surgery, and so on simply can't be avoided and increase the risk. 

You may want to consult with a stoma nurse to assess your risk factor. 50lbs is a weight I've lifted without incident, but it does begin to get risky the heavier you go.

Good luck in your search! Let me know if you have any questions about the guards/belts I've reviewed. 

Jay, I'm 59yrs old.   i do have a colostomy.   I can pick up 50lbs all day long, if you are somewhat in shape,  I'd suggest improving your condition and loosing all the belly fat you can.  if you pay attention, one can lift heavy objects by tightening/contracting abs or extending your abdomin, try it. it seems better to contract the abs than extend them-personal opinion.  i pick up a 90lb cement bag from the ground with no problems, but i pay attention to how i am doing  it.

try kayaking using the paddling technique surf skiers use.   you paddle with your core muscles and NOT your arms.   my first year with my surf ski I paddled 300miles and had abs that looked more like a 30yr old athlete. I like the Oscar Chalupsky utube videos.   also, I would suggest paddling while sitting up straight and NOT using a back rest.  I've paddled for over 20yrs white water and sea kayak without ever using a back rest, again, this strengthens your ab muscles.

I think condition is far more important than protection.

@dogtalkerer 

Thanks for that information. I do have a bit of a flabby belly but have been working on doing the abdominal exercises to strengthen my abs. That's amazing that you can lift 90 pounds without issues!

Posted by: @iamjay

That's amazing that you can lift 90 pounds without issues!

There are bodybuilders with ostomies! Physical fitness if probably the best thing you can do to reduce your risk of developing a hernia, second to using proper form. But, you can never be risk-free, unfortunately

@veganostomy good points, thanks

Posted by: @iamjay

Hi, Does anyone have any information/feedback about a product called Ostomy Armor?

It looks like a good product to prevent hernias and protect your stoma when doing physical stuff. There aren't any independent reviews only testimonials on their website.

removed link

Thanks in advance

---

J

 

Hi,

I have a permanent ileostomy (surgery in June of 2022), I have been using an Ostomy Armor for a couple of months and I like mine.

I use it for any kind of exercise activity including trail running, hiking, paddle boarding, core work out, weight training ect. Also use it for yard work that involves lifting or digging and while driving.

Not sure I need it for all of the activities but for now I am wearing it for everything. 

I am looking into getting Stealth Belt for trail running and hiking type activities that don't use the abs as much.

After speaking with the people at Ostomy Armor I ordered the petite size as I am female with a average waist and did not want to the guard piece over my belly button and I think on me the standard size might have been too close to my belly button.

I am happy with mine.  I feel confident during my workouts and throwing sessions. The belt is well made.

I wear it pretty tight and it does stay in place for the most part.  I am planning to get a second one so that I can wash one and wear the other.

It does show under my workout tights but pretty much any belt would.  

cygo

Hi,

Just thought I would follow up, still wearing my Ostomy Armor for 2-4 hours 3-4 days a week and I am still happy with it. I would not consider training with out it.

I have started to do rock climbing again and it works well with my climbing harness, no interference.

Eventually I will order a second one just so I can rinse one to get the salt water out of it (post paddling) with out worrying about it being dry for the next use.

Have a good one.

cygo

@cygo Wonderful long-term feedback! Thank you, Cygo!!

@cygo 

I must have missed your first post... You are a great example of an active woman/role model! I am definitely getting stronger and will soon be having my bladder removed so will be looking at having two stomas... I'll have to check out some new options once I've recovered. I wonder if the best bet for me will be a custom ostomy belt like the stealth belt to keep everything tucked in. I'll also see if I can do a double ostomy armour.

Thanks for your responses.

J

Hello,

I am still using my original Ostomy Armor belt and I am still happy with it, haven't gotten around to ordering a second one yet but will this spring.  The belt has held up will with no fraying or wearing out of components.  I am wearing it 4-6 times a week depending on the time of year.

I no longer wear it for driving, biking, running or hiking.   After using it in the pool on a couple for of swims I found I do not need support while swimming either. 

I still wear it on the riding lawn mower ( my back yard is very bumpy ) at the gym, while throwing, climbing, digging and while lifting of heavy items. 

cygo