Adjusting to Life with an Ostomy Bag

2025-09-30
Author: Zodelo Ostomy

It is believed that many people cannot adapt to the existence of a stoma after their first stoma surgery. So it is crucial to know how Adjusting to Life with an Ostomy Bag. Ostomy bags is not an obstacle to life, but a good partner that helps us live more comfortably and conveniently. Correctly Adjusting to Life with an Ostomy Bag is also an important step in starting our ostomy life.

Zodelo has always been committed to providing the safest and most comfortable ostomy care for all stoma patients. This article will give you a detailed introduction on how to Adjusting to Life with an Ostomy Bag.

What is an ostomy

A stoma is an opening made in a patient’s abdomen through stoma surgery, serving as a new passage to replace the original excretory function. Usually, some patients with colorectal cancer, inflammatory bowel disease or anorectal trauma will create a stoma.

1. Types of stoma

Colostomy: The feces are mostly solid or formed. You can choose a closed ostomy bag and replace it directly at one time, which is more convenient and hygienic.
Ileostomy: The stool is mostly loose or liquid. You can choose a drainage ostomy bag with an opening at the bottom for excretion. It can be reused after cleaning.
Urostomy: The feces are urine, and a dedicated urostomy bag with an anti-reflux valve and a night drainage ostomy bag interface are required.

2. The function of the stoma

Stoma can replace the previously lost excretory function, prevent excrement from contaminating the wound and causing infection or a series of problems, and help the surgical site recover better and more effectively. Enable patients to return to a normal life.

3.The Differences between Ileostomy, Colostomy and Urostomy

Dimension	Colostomy	Ileostomy	Urostomy
Location	Colon (Large intestine)	Terminal ileum (Small intestine)	Ureters + Segment of small intestine
Output Characteristics	Formed or semi-formed stool	Thin or liquid stool, contains digestive enzymes	Urine
Frequency of Output	1–3 times per day	6–8 times per day or more	Continuous urine drainage
Main Care Focus	Odor control, leak prevention	Prevent skin damage, maintain hydration	Prevent reflux, prevent infection
Common Indications	Colorectal cancer, diverticulitis	Inflammatory bowel disease, congenital anomalies	Bladder cancer, cystectomy
Pouch Type	Closed pouch / Drainable pouch	Drainable pouch only	Specialized urostomy pouch

4.Understand How Your Stoma Changes After Surgery

In the early postoperative period: The stoma may be relatively red and swollen, with a bright red color and a moist state.
Recovery period: The swelling of the stoma gradually subsides, and the stoma gradually shrinks, presenting a bright red and moist state.
Under normal conditions:the stoma is bright red and moist. If it turns black or purple, medical attention should be sought immediately.

Explore the Different Types of Ostomy Bags

Knowing and choosing the most suitable Ostomy Bag for yourself correctly Adjusting to Life with an Ostomy Bag. The following are the types of colostomy pouches.

One-piece ostomybag: The base and the bag body cannot be separated. When replacing, the entire bag can be replaced, making it thinner, lighter and more comfortable. The operation is simple and quick, suitable for beginners or those who pursue simple operation.
Two-piece ostomybag: The base and the ostomy bag body are separated. The base can be adhered to the skin for multiple uses, and only the ostomy bag body needs to be replaced. There is no need to frequently change the chassis, which may irritate the skin. It is suitable for patients with frequent excretion or sensitive skin.
Drainableostomy bag: The bottom of the ostomy bag has an open excretion port for discharging the excrement inside the ostomy It can be emptied and reused multiple times, which is more economical and practical. It is suitable for patients with loose stools or frequent or large bowel movements, such as those with ileostomy
Closed-endostomy bag: No discharge opening, for single use only, and discarded as a whole after use. It is more hygienic, easier to replace, and suitable for people with solid feces or regular excretion patterns, such as patients with ileostomy.
UrostomyPouch: Specifically designed for urine excretion, it features an anti-reflux valve and a night drainage interface, making it suitable for patients with urinary tract stoma.

Tips For Adjusting to Life with an Ostomy Bag

1. Healthy eating with a Colostomy

Most ostomy patients can resume their normal diet, but they should pay attention to a light diet, chew food slowly and eat small meals frequently.

Practical tips:

In the early postoperative period, one should mainly consume light and easily digestible food to avoid indigestion or diarrhea and constipation from affecting the stoma.
However, it is necessary to avoid eating foods that are prone to producing gas, such as bean products, garlic, carbonated drinks, etc., to prevent the bag from swelling due to excessive gas production.
Avoid indigestible foods such as celery, nuts and rice cakes to prevent the stoma from being blocked.

2. How to Exercise With an Ostomy Bag

After the stoma has fully recovered, one can engage in moderate exercise. Long-term exercise is beneficial to both physical and mental health.

Practical tips:

A one-piece small-capacity colostomy bag can be used, which is more lightweight, preventing the ostomy bag from being too heavy and falling off. It is also simpler and faster to replace.
It can be used in combination with leak-proof accessories, such as leak-proof rings, leak-proof pastes, and reinforced belts, to prevent hernias, enhance sealing performance, and avoid loosening and leakage during movement.
Before exercising, the excrement and gas in the colostomy bag should be drained in time to prevent the bag from becoming loose and leaking due to excessive weight.
Prepare spare ostomy bags and ostomy cleaning and care products in advance in case of emergency.
However, it should be noted that the range of motion during exercise should not be too large, and after exercising, it is necessary to check in time whether the edges are lifted and leaking due to sweating or whether the ostomy bags are swollen due to active intestinal peristalsis.

3. Back to Work with an Ostomy

Most patients can return to work normally after the stoma has recovered. Their daily clothes can completely cover and hide the stoma bag, but there may be a problem of inconvenience in changing it in public places.

Practical tips:

Choose a colostomy bag with an activated carbon filtration device. Activated carbon can absorb the unpleasant odors in the stoma bag and reduce the problem of stoma bag swelling, avoiding the embarrassment of unpleasant odors in the office.
Choose the two-piece colostomy bag. There is no need to change the base. Just quickly replace the bag body, which is more convenient and fast, avoiding the embarrassing trouble of cleaning and changing in the office toilet.
It can be used in combination with anti-leak rings, anti-leak pastes, etc., to enhance the sealing performance and prevent leakage or odor problems in the office.
Choose loose and soft tops to avoid rubbing and squeezing the bags, and it’s also convenient to hide the bag

4. You can hide your ostomy

In daily social interactions, since bags can be hidden in clothes, others basically do not notice their existence.

Practical tips:

You can wear loose and soft clothes to easily cover the bag
You can choose skin color or transparent bags, which are less noticeable inside the clothes.
You can choose a small-capacity ostomybag, which is thinner, lighter and more concealed.

5. How To Dress With a Colostomy Bag

Stoma patients can choose their favorite clothes to wear freely. The stoma bag can be completely hidden inside the bag without affecting daily dressing and going out.

Practical tips:

You can wear loose, soft and breathable clothes to avoid discomfort and leakage caused by friction and compression of the bags.

Avoid wearing a tight belt to prevent squeezing the stoma.

6. Traveling with an ostomy

Stoma patients can travel anywhere they want. Although it is inconvenient to change outdoors for a long time, as long as they observe in time and make good preparations, they can enjoy the pleasure of traveling.

Practical tips:

Prepare an adequate supply of spare ostomy bags, cleaning supplies and some ostomy bag accessories in case they cannot be replaced.
Choose a colostomy bag with an activated carbon filtration device. Activated carbon can adsorb the odor in the stoma bag and reduce the problem ofcolostomy bag swelling, avoiding the embarrassment of odor and leakage.
It can be used in combination with anti-leak rings, anti-leak creams, etc., to enhance the adhesion and sealing with the skin, and reduce the risk of leakage and odor.
Empty the airbag in time on the plane to avoid the air pressure at high altitudes.

7. Sex After Ostomy Surgery

Stoma patients can have a normal and happy sex life, and stoma will not affect physiological functions. However, some patients may experience a sense of shame or anxiety due to stoma, worrying that their partners cannot accept it.

Practical tips:

It is necessary to communicate more with your partner, reduce psychological burden, and build a sense of security and intimacy.

When having sex, a small-capacity ostomy bag can be used, which is light, thin and comfortable.

Pay attention to your posture and force. Avoid improper posture or excessive force that may cause friction at the stoma and damage the skin. At the same time, it may cause pressure and lead to leakage and shedding.

What to expect when you get an ostomy bag?

In the early stage after the surgery, the stoma is bright red and swollen, and the surrounding skin is also relatively fragile and sensitive, requiring careful care.
At the same time, in the early stage, it is also necessary to choose the most suitable one for oneself among the many styles of ostomy One can make a choice based on their own illness, physical condition and the professional advice of a doctor.
We also need tolearn how to wear, empty and replace the ostomy bag correctly. Proper care is an important step for a healthy and comfortable life.
Choose ostomy products accessories that suit you to better protect your stoma.

1. Understanding Your Feelings After Ostomy Surgery

Many patients may experience some negative emotions after stoma surgery, which is very normal and common.

Anxiety and unease: Worrying about others’ strange looks, and being concerned about the embarrassing problem of bagleakage or unpleasant smell.
Sadness and sorrow:It’s hard to accept an extra stoma in the body and one feels sad about their illness.
Inferiority complex and loneliness: Feeling different from normal people and often sensing that one is ill. I feel inferior about having to wear a ostomy

2. Learn How to Regain Your Confidence

Learn to take proper care of the stoma: You should learn the correct way to replace and empty the stoma bag, and at the same time, use stoma care or leak-proof products that suit you, such as stoma powder, sealing rings, leak-proof ointment, etc., to further protect the stoma and also make your life easier.
Positive communication: One should communicate more actively with family, friends or partners to reduce psychological burden, gain psychological support and become more confident and brave. One can also join a stoma patient group to share experiences with each other and reduce feelings of loneliness.
Positive living:Return to work normally. In your spare time, you can do some appropriate exercise and fitness or go on a trip to promote both physical and mental health.
Appropriate dressing:Wearing clothes that you like and are comfortable with can completely cover the bags inside the clothes and also make you more confident and happy.
A healthy diet: Avoid foods that easily produce gas, such as bean products, garlic or carbonated drinks, which can cause bag swelling problems. Avoid using foods with strong odors such as Chinese chives and garlic sprouts to prevent the embarrassing problem of unpleasant smells. Avoid eating indigestible foods such as celery and nuts, which may cause problems like stoma blockage.
Intimate relationship: You can communicate more with your partner to gain support and understanding. Use a small-capacity ostomy bag during intimate relationships. Intimate relationships are an important part of making life happier and more positive.

Caring for your ostomy

1. How often should the ostomy bag be replaced?

One-piece ostomybags: It is generally recommended to replace them every 1 to 3 days.
Two-piece ostomybag: The base can be attached to the skin for multiple uses, and the bag body can be replaced separately according to one’s own defecation situation.
The drainableostomy bag: The replacement frequency depends on the patient’s own condition. Generally, more than half of the excrement in the bag needs to be emptied.
Open-closed ostomy bag:For single use only. Once the bag is full of excrement, it needs to be replaced as a whole immediately.

2. How to change an ostomy bag?

Step 1: Wash your hands thoroughly before replacement to prevent surgical bacteria from contaminating the stoma.
Step 2: Gently remove the adhered base plate. If it cannot be removed, it can be used in combination with a glue remover. Discard the old ostomy bag
Step 3: Observe the stoma. A normal stoma should be bright red and moist.
Step 4: Gently clean the area around the stoma with warm water and a soft towel, and wait for the stoma to dry.
Step 5: Use a measuring card to measure the diameter of the stoma.
Step 6: Based on the measured diameter, confirm that the opening diameter of the cutting base needs to be increased by 1-2mm and be smooth and flat.
Step 7: Remove the backing of the chassis, and gently press and stick it on the joint to ensure a firm and seamless bond.
Step 8: Empty the bottom of the bag, fold it and fasten the clips or Velcro tightly. Finally, check to ensure the seal.

3. Common questions about stoma

Leakage in the ostomy bag is the most common problem, which may be caused by incomplete adhesion between the base and the skin, an unsuitable base, or excessive or heavy weight inside the ostomy bag.
Skin redness, swelling and allergic reactions may be caused by leakage of the ostomy bag irritating the skin or allergic reactions to the undercarriage. It is necessary to replace it in time.
If the skin remains persistently red, swollen, itchy or even ulcerated, it is necessary to go to the hospital for a check-up in time and seek the advice of a professional doctor before proceeding with the operation.

FAQ About Adjusting to Life with an Ostomy Bag

Q1. Can an Ostomy Be Reversed?

Whether a stoma can be reversed depends on the type of disease, specific circumstances and the patient’s health condition. It is generally divided into temporary colostomy and permanent colostomy. Patients should clearly communicate with their doctors before or after the operation whether the stoma is temporary or permanent

Temporary Ostomy:It is to ensure that the anus and intestines can fully recover after ostomy surgery, and to prevent excrement from contaminating and damaging the intestines, causing infections and lesions, etc. After the surgical area has fully recovered, surgery can be performed to remove the temporary stoma and restore the intestinal excretion function.
Permanent Ostomy: It is applicable to some irreparable colorectal cancers, intestinal necrosis or intestinal trauma damage. The diseased intestine needs to be removed, the stoma cannot be reversed, and a stoma bag will have to be used for life.

Q2. What To Do When Ostomy Bag Keeps Leaking?

1. The reason why Ostomy Bag Keeps Leaking:

Failure to empty in time: Failure to empty in time will cause the bag to be overly full and heavy, leading to leakage.

The opening of the chassis is too large or too small: The size of the opening of the chassis should be 1-2mm larger than the diameter of the stoma to prevent leakage.

Poor underbody fit: Depression around the stoma or wrinkles on the skin.

There are water stains or other contaminants on the skin: It affects the adhesion of the chassis and makes it prone to peeling off.

2. Solution

Remeasure the size of the stoma: At the same time, remeasure the diameter of the stoma, cut the chassis and make sure the opening size is 1-2mm larger than the stoma size.

Use leak-proof products: such as leak-proof rings and leak-proof pastes to enhance the adhesion between the base and the skin and improve the sealing performance.

Select the appropriate chassis: The stoma should be flush with the skin, and a flat chassis should be chosen. When the stoma is concave, choose a convex chassis.

To change the style of the bag: You can contact a professional doctor and, based on your specific condition and living habits, modify the bag style or choose a more adhesive base

Increase the frequency of replacement: Avoid leakage due to the bag being too full of contents.

Conclusion — Adjusting to Life with an Ostomy Bag

Learning how to Adjusting to Life with an Ostomy Bag is an important step towards a healthy and comfortable life and an essential part of rebuilding confidence. Zodelo will always accompany you at every stage and provide you with the most suitable products, such as:Airlora Series, Calmlora Series, Mellora Series, Joylora Series and Ostomy Product Accessories. These products are suitable for patients with all diseases and physical conditions.

Zodelo has always been dedicated to professional stoma care, aiming to enable all users to lead the most reassuring, comfortable and confident life. Let you correctly Adjusting to Life with an Ostomy Bag to live and socialize freely, comfortably and confidently.

If you have any questions or needs, please feel free to contact us at any time.