And the women's competition suit he's referring to: 

Without the "girl's suit" on:

With the "girl's suit" covering his ostomy (the shoulder straps are brought up when he leaves the locker room.

If anyone has any further questions please feel free to ask.

Hi Ryan,

Welcome to the forum.

I am also a swimmer and have a very similar solution to the apparel issue. I am a female, so maybe it is a bit easier. I wear a tankini with high cut ( up to my waist) bottoms. That adds a good layer of lycra support for  my appliance ( also the Hollister). I swim both in the ocean and a pool. When its cool I add a lightweight wetsuit ( with no arms) that is cut to just above my knees.  I wear a rash guard under that, both as yet another layer of lycra and as a sun screen ( San Diego.. lots of sun). When its warm I also wear jammers. Those things are great.

Also the rash guards are available in all kinds of bright colors and patterns,which supply a useful layer of camouflage for bumps and stuff.

To all you swimmers out there, you CAN do it!

I am going on a cruise in a few weeks and told myself I'd avoid the beaches while my daughters go to them. After reading this maybe I will bring my swimsuit.  It's a two piece tankini style.  I'm kind of worried about the sand though and it'd be difficult to change the appliance at the beach if I start leaking or something.  

Posted by: Illona

 I'm kind of worried about the sand though

What worries you about the sand? 

Have a wonderful cruise!!

I'm picturing the sand somehow getting under the appliance or just making me uncomfortable. 

I hope we have a nice relaxing cruise no matter what.  My family needs a break after surviving this year with my cancer. Thank you!

Sand can be annoying, but I don't think there's any particular risk to your appliance. And you should be able to wash it off when you need to.

I'm looking forward to hearing how it goes! You've come so far!! 

Hi Illona,

I was happy to hear you are recovering.  Your upcoming  cruise sounds great. I just wanted to add that I swim in the ocean all the time ( just got out a few hours ago in Fact). The sand really isn't any problem at all.   It does not get under the appliance in any way. If your bag has a cover ( mine does..a Hollister) some sand ...very fine silty stuff ) might get between the 'cloth' cover and the plastic of the bag. This is no way affects the wear time. The main thing I do after swimming and dressing again is drying off the bag and the flange. With a towel or hairdryer (not TOO hot) if you have one. Keeps the undies dry!

Have a wonderful trip and by all means, go to the beach and have a blast!

Ryan:  I was looking for advice about swimming and was referred to your posting.  My initial question has to do with ordering one of those custom-made water-proof pouch covers, or more specifically, whether to go for a horizontal or vertical cover.  Since they cost about $100 I was reluctant to just "experiment." As things stand now, I  wear my baggy swim trunks and a jock for additional support.  My two-piece Coloplast "Easi-close" seems to be water-proof and so far the wafer hasn't become loose, but I am a little concerned that if I spend a longer time in the pool, something might happen. ( Alas, we don't have an ocean here in New Mexico, but I would definitely want more security if I were dealing with waves.)  

I've browsed the internet for covers and support belts, but I am hesitant to click on "vertical or horizontal" without getting some "input." from other swimmers.   I imagine that horizontal would lessen drag, but I imagine that a horizontal pouch wouldn't fill up very easily.  Vertical seems to be more consistent with gravity.   I'm relatively new to the ostomy world, ( only two and a half months)  but  I am determined to resume my regular swimming habit, so if any one reading this has experience with vertical or horizontal pouch covers, please share your reactions.

I am also determined to get back to weights and exercise machines so I imagine my question can be applied to stealth belts as well.

David D. 

Hi I am a female and swim a lot. I posted  more about that somewhere else here ( and so have others) . ( maybe The Bag Master, Eric can find it).

I wear swim jammies over my bathing suit bottoms. Speedo makes them .. mostly for men I think. They are kind of knee length speedos. Look at them on the speedo website. They add extra coverage and support.  You can even wear them under your regular swim trunks. Surfers often do ( I live in SoCal). Good wishes towards your full recovery. It is WONDERFUL to get back in the water. Enjoy it.

P.S> I just noticed that at the top of this thread are the photos...duh!