Posted by: @dogtalkerer

I often wonder if a belt can really prevent a hernia? I understand hernia to be a torn muscle wall from over stressing abdomen.

this prevention would be very hard to prove, even though manufacturers may claim prevention.  plus belts are stretchy aren't they?

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To your point about stretchiness, one reason Ostomy Armor claims they are better than the competition is that their belts are NOT stretchy. Rather, they use a buckling system and you adjust to the width you want.  Not sure how stretchy the others actually are, but I just ordered an Ostomy Armor belt and can report back after I have used it. 

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So 5 weeks ago, I started playing basketball with the Ostomy Armor belt and am reporting back here.  Overall, I am very happy with it, but less for hernia prevention and more for psychological safety about stoma or bag being hit and also it keeping bag firmly in place.

Regarding hernia prevention specifically, it turns out that my abdomen felt stronger than I expected (I had been relatively active prior to surgery and had been doing abdomen exercises before and after) and I am unsure the belt is really needed for that particular aspect.  At least not for basketball -- maybe it would be different for other activities that put more pressure.  Or maybe for any activity for others who don't feel their abdomen recovered as well from surgery.  (CAVEAT: I am not an expert! It is very possible it is doing a great job for me. Of course, I wouldn't know unless I actually wound up with a hernia.)

All this being said, I am very glad I purchased the Ostomy Armor belt as I play basketball 2 to 3 times a week and hope to do so for many years.  For everyday use, I generally wear a Stealth Belt Pro or wrap -- I like how these supports minimize the pulling of the appliance from my skin when bag gets full. Which in turn reduces leaks I think. 

But when I play basketball, I switch to the Ostomy Armor belt as it gives me confidence to not worry about stoma or bag being hit. (Not thrilled about getting hit in the bag with a basketball and having an explosion on court. Not sure I would be invited back to play!) And the belt been great -- I really forget it is there and can play all out. Not as comfortable as Stealth Belt Pro or wrap but very minor inconvenience and not noticeable once playing.  (Marco gave a review in this post and had some suggestions on making more comfortable.)

One more note: Because I use both Stealth Belt Pro and the Ostomy Armor belt, I have settled on a two-piece system (instead of the one-piece supply they sent me home from hospital with).  The two-piece allows me to easily change from horizontal to vertical or vice-versa when I switch belts.

  if you're a bit off balance,  I can see extending your stomach while lifting.  

Be careful there! It's a good idea to tighten up the old abs before lifting. A squatting position is always recommended before lifting something heavy - regardless of whether or not you have an ostomy!

Stella

Your hubby was right! They may look cute, but you don't want to get too close to a mother bear and her cubs! Mama is extremely protective - she will even risk her life to protect them. 

Stella

the other day I found myself lifting something in an odd position and was extending my abdomen rather than just tightening my core muscles as I usually do .  

Once we were at Lake Tahoe, staying in a condo community at the top of a big hill. Tom woke me up about 2am. He had heard some noise and looked out to see a Mama and 2 baby bears roaming around the parking lot and trying to get into the trash dumpsters. We stood outside the condo for at least 2 hours watching them play. 

Another time we were in Southern Oregon,  going to the Oregon Caves on a windy mountain road when my car broke down. There was no cell service and we were probably 15 miles out of the dinky town on the main highway. Luckily the caves are a relatively popular attraction and a park ranger drove by after about an hour. He said he would go back into town and call a tow truck. So we were just standing by the car, enjoying the nature on the side of the mountain. Then we heard a rustling and then a mama and baby bear come down off the uphill side onto the road about 50 feet from us. They stood there a few minutes then kept heading downhill. It was very cool. The baby was so cute. I wanted to get my camera and follow them to try to get a picture, but Tom was pretty adamant that I didn’t do that. 😂😂

You are right about Vermont being deforested - almost 90% of the trees were cut down to make way for dairy farms. We live on property that is heavy with trees. Some people use a forester to help manage their property, but we find that it takes care of itself on its own. We have had moose, black bear, turkeys, etc. right in our back yard at one time or another. From inside my house, I was about ten feet away from a mother moose and her new calf. It was amazing! However, you don't want to get between her and her baby, nor you you want to get between a bull and his lady during the rut! (Rutting season)

Stella

@football99

  I live in Los Angeles, but as an ex-New Yorker, I am a Nets fan (from when they were the Long Island Nets in the ABA!).  

A former New Yorker, eh. From where about? I was born in Westchester County and lived in Putnam County until we transplanted in VT many years ago.

I was born in Queens but moved to Westchester (Larchmont) when I was 7.  After college (RPI in Troy, NY), I lived in various New York City apartments until moving to Los Angeles.

I have fond memories of ski trips to Bennington, Vermont. A really beautiful state (I remember being amazed to find out that at one point nearly all the trees had been cut down and now it is 80% forest. See https://vtdigger.org/2018/07/15/green-mountains-not-green/)

@football99

  I live in Los Angeles, but as an ex-New Yorker, I am a Nets fan (from when they were the Long Island Nets in the ABA!).  

A former New Yorker, eh. From where about? I was born in Westchester County and lived in Putnam County until we transplanted in VT many years ago.

BTW, it's important to do what your gut tells you (no pun intended!) If you feel more comfortable wearing a belt, by all means do! I just happen to have strong abs, and do not wear one myself, (I also don't lift more than I know I can handle.) but you must do what you feel is best for you!

Stella

I often wonder if a belt can really prevent a hernia? I understand hernia to be a torn muscle wall from over stressing abdomen.

this prevention would be very hard to prove, even though manufacturers may claim prevention.  plus belts are stretchy aren't they?

the best prevention seems to be low belly fat and strong core muscles.  a slow easy build up is your best bet.   my surgeon told me,  keep as fit as you are and you'll have no problems. so far, 13yrs skiing, mountain bike racing, kayaking ...58yrs old -no trouble.

I tried a weight lifting belt early on,  but it was too hot with vigorous exercise. May have worked in cold weather but then clothing provides my colostomy with sufficient protection. 

Interesting -- glad to hear you have had no problems.  To your point about stretchiness, one reason Ostomy Armor claims they are better than the competition is that their belts are NOT stretchy. Rather, they use a buckling system and you adjust to the width you want.  Not sure how stretchy the others actually are, but I just ordered an Ostomy Armor belt and can report back after I have used it. 

Definitely planning on slowly building up and staying in shape.  Have been doing a lot of walking around the neighborhood, can't wait to start doing more.