One of the issues that many ostomates face is that they’re often confronted with challenges when it comes to clothing and their new stoma.
Table of Contents
Intro
For some, having a pouch means they can’t wear their shirt tucked in comfortably or jeans are awkward to wear. For others, exercising or general activity is uncomfortable because of their “extra baggage”.
Many ostomates go YEARS without finding a solution, and others try every accessory they get a hold of until the right one works. One solution that I’ve found is the Stealth Belt, which is a custom-made support belt, which offers a comfortable pocket to keep your ostomy pouch out of sight and secure.
UPDATE: I have a newer review for the 2017 version of the Stealth Belt Pro HERE. The review below is based on my experience with their 2013 version.
Disclosure: I purchased this product directly from the manufacturer, and they’ve had no input into the content of this review.
About The Stealth Belt Pro
Product name: Stealth Belt Pro
Product code: n/a (this one was custom made)
Dimentions: Custom made for a 3″ flange; 34″ waist.
Quantity: 1, reusable.
The company offers several options, but I went with the Stealth Belt Pro. The Stealth Belt Pro seems to be the most popular and it’s fully customized, specifically to fit your flange and waist size. I got mine for $110 + $10 for the “noise mufflers” (which I haven’t used) plus $49 for shipping to Canada.
Because each belt is handmade, it takes some time to receive after an order is placed.
I ordered mine Sept 10, 2013 and received it Oct 8, 2013. A long wait, but it was well worth it.
Using The Stealth Belt Pro
Putting it on is pretty easy, your ostomy pouch fits into a pre-cut hole in the back of the bag and then it sits securely in a pocket inside the belt.
Here’s a “how-to” collage, courtesy of Stealth Belt.
Once the belt has been secured and your pouch is happily resting in the pocket, you are good to go and enjoy whatever activity you like – the company’s founder even water skis with his!
I usually wear the belt when I go out, but if you work in an office or enjoy the security it offers, you can wear the belt all day.
Emptying your pouch while wearing the bag is easy enough since there is a zipper on the bottom, which gives you access without the need to remove the belt.
Keep in mind that it can take some practice to empty your pouch while it horizontal.
I often rotate the pouch vertically, empty it, then rotate it back – this is easy to do with most Coloplast 2pc systems.
Tip: If your 2-piece pouching system doesn’t allow for easy rotation, I do have a NICE TRICK that can help you.
How Does It Look?
UPDATE July 2016: I’ve had my Stealth Belt Pro for over two years now, and it’s still one of my most valued accessories. Wearing the belt during summer was not a problem, and it keeps me comfortable.
I took a few photos so that you can see how it looks with different clothes on.
Conclusion
Here are a few PROS and CONS that I’ve found with the belt. I’m not being paid for this review, so these are my honest thoughts after using my belt for a few weeks.
Pros:
- Comfortable to wear, allows me to wear jeans with a belt, tuck my shirt in and even wear a seat belt without getting in the way.
- My pouch feels REALLY secure, which is great if you’re active.
- The belt does offer a level of protection if your bag leaks.
- The Stealth Belt is very well-made. I was extremely impressed by the workmanship.
- Helps to maintain a low-profile of your pouching system.
- Looks great, so if you’re on the beach, it’ll look like a simply support belt/fanny pack/exercise band.
Cons:
- Shipping was expensive $49 to ship to Canada :(
- For the Stealth Belt Pro, your ostomy pouch must be placed in a horizontal position. If your pouch doesn’t rotate, this could be an issue (but there’s a trick HERE that can help)
- To add to the point above, wearing your pouch horizontally can also cause a problem if you have very liquid output as your stoma will “sit” in the liquid output and this could reduce your wear time. I’ve read other reviews online and while this can be a potential concern, many other users don’t have this issue.
- The “Noise Muffler” was a bit of a disappointment.
Recommended
While the Stealth Belt is an expensive accessory, I find that this investment will offer me years of comfort. US residents will pay less for shipping, so it’s a better value for those living Stateside.
If your ostomy is temporary, then you’ll have to decide if the cost is worth the short time you’ll have your stoma.
I have yet to use my belt in the summer, and when I do, I’ll be updating this review as I’ll have a better idea of how the heat affects my comfort.
I did purchase two “noise mufflers” for the Stealth Belt, which can be used for stoma protection, but I find that they put too much pressure on my stoma when wearing them in the belt, so I don’t use them.
If I were doing contact sports, I’d likely opt for a harder stoma protector (like the Ostomy Resolutions Stoma Guard, Stoma Shield, Ostomy Armor or Freedom Guard by Stomaplex).
For more info and to order your own, visit the Stealth Belt site at www.stealthbelt.org
Question: Do you use a Stealth Belt? What has it allowed you to do?
From Stealth Belt: Thank you for your comments and suggestions. My goal is to help make the perfect product to help all of us who live with an ostomy have a better more productive lifestyle.
I have recently announced new tougher style belt which has the just completed the Worlds Toughest Mudder. It includes a protective and noise muffling layer.
We also make a vertical or diagonal style Stealth Belt so the bag can be worn vertical if preferred.
If you have a very liquid output it is always recommended to use a skin barrier ring to keep your skin healthy around the stoma. I would love to offer a new shipping option. Please send me your suggestions. Must include tracking from the U.S. to your address in Canada. I am happy to help. Richard – Designer and Wearer.
First of all, million thanks to you Richard and for Stealth Belt team.
I am about to order my Stealth belt pro. I’ve ileostomy, and ofcourse liquid output happens, actually that’s is my main concern. I’m afraid that wearing the pouch horizontally will reduce my wear time, will it ?
Can I wear it diagonally ?
Looking for your reply.
Hello Abbas, Your welcome. I am just happy to be out of the hospital and able to help others who have gone through the same type of surgery as I went through. Wearing your pouch in a horizontal position should not affect your wear time as long as you have a good seal around the stoma. ( If you do not then try a barrier ring to keep your skin healthy. When you sleep at night the pouch will most likely fall to the side anyway. The Stealth Belt helps to hold it in this position all the time to keep it nice and secure. The waist will stay in the bottom 3rd of the pouch when in the horizontal position. It is recommended to empty it when it 1/2 to 1/3 full by most doctors. We can make belts so the pouch can be worn diagonal or vertical if you prefer a specialty style.
Thanks for the quick reply
OK I’m convinced.
and, thanks again :)
I’m glad that Richard was able to help you; I don’t find that my wear time is affected, but I do have thicker stool. Have you tried any gelling products for your liquid output? It’ll help to thicken your output and make things a bit more manageable.
@VEGANOSTOMY
Couldn’t reply to your comment directly, I think it got too much nested :)
Gelling, no, never heard of. can you guide me to a source to learn from ?
thanks for all of your reviews, really helpful.
Check this out: https://www.veganostomy.ca/guide-to-ostomy-gelling-products/
Just watched it, great :)
gonna order some.
Which product do you recommend?
Try as many samples as you can. While the Convatec diamonds work for me, they are very expensive compared to other products; I’m sure you can find something as effective at a lower price.
I have had mine for a year and a half and can say that it has held up well to daily wear. I am planning on buying a new one as mine is getting a little long in the tooth from being worn daily It still works perfectly but the fabric is starting to pill and the zipper gave up a while back. But neither one affects the functionality of it. I have met others that use tube tops and belly bands for the same affect but at a much reduced price, I have not tired them yet but may since they are under 10.00 and it might be nice to have a couple options that don’t show thru light colored shirts. The biggest disservice that I have found is that no one told me about irrigation until I had my ostomy for over a year, a game changing event was being introduced to it, thanks again to my Auzzie friends who turned me onto it! It and the stealth belt make living with this almost painless!
That’s awesome! I don’t wear my Stealth Belt daily, so I do expect to last a very long time. If I could change one thing about it, it would be to have a zipper on the top too.
I also use maternity bands, but while they are cheaper, they don’t have support on the bottom to keep the pouch from dangling, so if you’re going with something like that, I’d recommend the Ostomysecrets Classic Wrap as it has a pocket to put your pouch into. I reviewed it recently if you’re interested: https://www.veganostomy.ca/ostomysecrets-classic-wrap-review/
I’m a little late to respond, but since Stealth Belt does custom – sew the Stealth Belts per order, the zipper can be sewn on top. – Just call 800-237-4491 and request it :)
Glad you liked it :)
Thank you for your review! :) It was really helpful.
Thank you for your review! :) It was really helpful.
Glad you liked it :)