I just had the first step of the 3 step surgery 2 weeks and 2 days ago. I'm wondering how long it takes for the skin to heal around the stoma? I can tell the stoma is shrinking, but on one side of it, the skin isn't catching up! Do I just need to be more patient or does that need to get stitched up? I guess I can't imagine how that'd heal on it's own since it's covered by a wafer all the time. Any insight would be appreciated!

Armywife - I had surgery 1 of 3 - 2 days after you. I have stitches around my stoma that seem to be holding the skin together as it heals. Do you not have stitches? My healing seems to be a bit lopsided also - but the skin seems to be staying attached as far as I can tell. I use a Hollister 2 piece system w/ a Hollister adapt ring (I just use a portion rolled up and put on the wafer before I put it on me). The ring seems to go over my stitches - maybe that's helping hold things together/allowing them to move.

Armywife - I had the surgery two days before you. My stoma is shrinking as well, but I also have stiches holding my skin in place. I also use the ring and it goes over my stitches. Maybe you can call your ostomy nurse to see what he/she suggests.