I know this is minor, but I haven't been swimming with my bag yet. Just got it in April. (1st step) We are leaving Sat. for a family vacation. I have a suit that covers my appliance/bag, but I am really worried about it coming loose. Does anyone have any tips to ensure this doesn't happen. Also we are going to a water park. Should I refrain from the big water slides? Any advice would be appreciated. Thanks. Melonie

I go on all water rides, even at water parks, except ones that might make my bathing suit come off - I figure if the pressure can do that, I won't take the chance with my bag. Otherwise, all is fair game. I use hot tubs too.

I don't do anything special except to use a closed end bag; I've never had a clip give way, but a public pool isn't where I want that to happen.

I know some people use Pink tape to frame their appliances for swimming; I don't. I've never had an issue, I just change every 2 days instead of 3 if I'm swimming on a daily basis.

Perm ostomy 5 years, no swimming accidents.

How long after step one can you take a shower or go in the pool?Just wondering not a big deal.Thanks Laura

what kind of bathing suit "covers the bag". can you still kinda see it? I feel people can notice the bag even with clothes once it slightly stars filling up. What is closed end bag (no opening at the bottom?)... then how do you empty it? I just had the first step 3 weeks ago and I am still trying to learn. I feel the bag hangs on the side of my left and it is noticeable... MGN..how long before you started feeling "normal"-not tired?

Closed end bags are meant for one-time use. You dispose of the bag when it's full. Or you can use a disposable liner inside the closed-end bag. Then you detach the bag from the wafer; flush the liner and its contents; and re-attach the bag with a new liner.

Have fun swimming!
Anjuli

Patricia- It took at least 6 weeks for me to feel normal. The first five weeks my back hurt really bad and I was sooo tired. But now I feel great. I found a tank swimsuit that has bottoms that come up pretty high and then the top comes down pretty low over the bottoms. A little more "grandma-ish" than I would normally get,but it works. I can raise my arms and my stomach doesn't show at all. I didn't know what a closed end bag was either. I don't have any!

I just went to the pool for the first time in two years with my new ostomy. I have a tankini. I put on a small bag (like 6 inches I think) & taped the edges and top of the bag to my skin and tucked it into my suit bottom. Then I put on some shorts that would be comfortable for swimming that went up to my waist and put the swim top over the top of those. The swim top was long enough to cover the fact that my shorts were high waisted.I know this wouldn't work for a water slide because most make you take off shorts, but for other water activities it was very secure.

I have an ostomy... Some of my swimming shorts allow the bag to be seen slightly(the top of it). do you know how many people actually know what this bag is underneath? do you know how many actually care? TRUST ME ITS NOT MUCH so enjoy the pool

Lands End and LL BEan both sell great two piece suits that completely cover the bag. Even if it fills up, no one will see it. Also, I take an Immodium just before going swimming to slow thigns down.

In my bag with sunscreen, drinks, etc...I bring zip lock baggies and my extra closed end bags, one closed bag in each baggie. Then when I go to the rest room, I take out the clean bag, use the baggie to dispose of the used closed end bag, and put on the new closed end bag. It takes a little practice, but you can do it without any messes once you get used to it.

As for people seeing the bag, trust me they can't. When we had a gathering of j-pouchers in Boston several years ago all of them KNEW I had a bag and none of them could figure out where it was. Plus, people just won't be looking that closely at you - how many stranger's bellies do YOU look that closely at?

Get yourself a Ostomy belt that has a velcro flap that covers your stoma and bag, it is great for swimming and being rough. My son uses his when we go to water park.