Amy, I’m glad you found this site. All of us here know what a difficult decision it is to agree to an ostomy. We all made the decision either to extend our lives, or to give us a better quality of life. I was so depressed about needing a colostomy, but cancer gave me no choice. That was 7 years ago. I will tell you that it gets better - much better. My colostomy has become second nature to me now, and it doesn’t stop me from doing anything I want to do. Yes, it’s an adjustment in the beginning, but your dad will find his way. And we are all here to offer help when he needs it. 

Laurie

Do you know of any mens colostomy pants that have both side and front zipper? Thank you! Mary

Hi Mary, I'm not sure about side zippers, but https://www.iamdenim.co.uk carries jeans in a classic style that's designed for ostomates. That might be worth looking at.

I am so happy to find your video. My husband had emergency surgery yesterday and again today when the ostomy was created. His condition means that he'll be hospitalized for some time, but I decided to start searching for good information to help us adjust to this new reality. Tonight I was wondering about pants. Your video is very helpful. Thank you so much.

Hi Sue, Welcome to the forum both of you. Post surgery sweat pants/ joggers are going to be comfortable until the healing process is over. I know for me most of my clothes pre surgery still worked. As long as the waist band doesn’t crush the stoma or restrict flow. A size up for both underwear and trousers is good and knowing some one who can do alterations works great. A lot of independent clothes stores will offer this service. And yes there are specific companies who make clothing for ostomates. Suspenders/braces instead of belts and just thinking a little different helps. A very ordinary and happy day to day life can and will be achieved . Best wishes for a speedy recovery 👍🙏

I would love to buy one of these ostomy swimsuits for men, but I see no way to purchase it on your website. Can I purcharse it?

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I would love to buy one of these ostomy swimsuits for men, but I see no way to purchase it on your website. Can I purcharse it?

If it's the OstomySecrets one you're looking to buy, you need to be in the United States, unfortunately. Their official website is: https://www.ostomysecrets.com/

One of our other members posted information about ostomy swimwear on Etsy, which might also be worth checking out. The link to the discussion is HERE.

@JEFFREY REIMAN If you're in the UK or Europe, check out Vanilla Blush. They have ostomy swimwear for men.

@cat-momma I have bought a hernia support from Vanilla Blush, and I like it very much. I feel it is well made. It’s more of a binder than a hernia belt, but that’s what I think I need when I’m doing heavy lifting in the garden. I haven’t bought a bathing suit from them, but they sure look intriguing. I probably will at some point. 

Laurie

my son has a stoma and has a hernia the problem now is he cannot put anything round where the stoma and his hernia is he cannot let anything touch these areas we have suggested loose pants with a cord to no avail we are trying to find a seller who does velcro side fastening pants so he can comfortably fasten under the areas that are causing him great distress is there anyone out there who could advise me please as to a solution to this i would be very grateful Mrs Rowlands

Hi Jacqueline.

I'm sorry to hear that your son is having difficulties.

I know of people who will hire a seamstress to customize pants according to an ostomate's needs, so that might be an option for you. You can tell them exactly what you'd like, and they can modify an existing pair of pants without needing to find something specialized.

If you're looking for something already made, this might be an option for a side-opening pants: https://joeandbella.com/products/mens-everyday-side-zip-pant

Best of luck!

Hi,

Not knowing your son's age I am throwing out an idea,  I like wearing bib overalls.

I wear them pretty loose (its a style choice) and I like them because they are a easy throw on with a hoodie and go if you are talking casual wear.

Also I bought a pair of used military pants at a thrift store that have side adjustment on each side that changes the waist by a couple inches.  

Thai Fisherman Pants are a wrap around pant (yoga style pant).  

I hope you find a workable solution.

cygo

I have a few pairs of these suspenders which work really well with my colostomy and hernia belt or a stealth belt. I wear them under my shirt.

https://hikersco.com/collections/button-fly-suspenders

Brian

Those are really interesting, Brian! Thank you for sharing.

Are there any downsides to that style of suspenders?

I am trying to get my husband a stoma shield were am I able to get one the on you have on your site Thanks

Hi Diane. I don't sell products (I'm someone who lives with an ostomy), but the official website for the Stoma Shield is: https://www.stomagear.com/

They can be ordered directly from the manufacturer. I hope that helps.

I have found suspenders to be the most comfortable way to wear my bag under my pants. Especially in the case of working. This article has given me some new options to try in addition to or alone for other activities. I thank you greatly for this in depth breakdown.
1 1/2 year ostomate.

The level of my stoma means that neither high or low is really satisfactory. I use braces and a massive waistband size (clown's trousers) and adjust the height so that the band sits below the stoma. I have a problem (partly psychological perhaps) that the bag doesn't fill with any pressure on it so my best system is with the bag hanging outside but that involves very long shirts / jumpers.
Nightwear is a nightshirt; ideal and pretty stylish aamof. Any belt / cord gets in the way.
There are very few suitable braces on the market as they're mostly for decoration and those don't last long; the elastic over stretches and goes 'frilly'. Workmen's braces are fine but not elegant.

Thank you sharing your experiences, Andrew.

The ostomy accessory market, unfortunately, doesn't cover everyone's needs (no pun intended!). But I've heard some people having been finding success by either creating a DIY support band, or having a seamstress custom-make something to their specifications. 

If either of those are options, I would give that a try. 

In some cases, companies who already offer ostomy support products can customize an existing band or belt to accommodate certain needs.

Best of luck!