Celebrities With A Stoma Bag

2025-10-10
Author: Zodelo Ostomy

The Stoma Bag is often misunderstood as A sign of losing a normal life. But on the contrary, many Celebrities With A Stoma Bag have undergone stoma surgery due to illness. They did not live negatively because of this. On the contrary, with the help of the stoma bag, they started a new life and met a stronger self again.

Zodelo has always been committed to providing all users with the safest and professional ostomy care and best stoma bag products. At the same time, we are always by your side, offering you popular science knowledge and experience sharing related to ostomy. This article will introduce Celebrities With A Stoma Bag to you in detail.

What is an Ostomy?

Stoma surgery is a surgical procedure performed on patients with impaired functions of the anus, bladder or urethra. As these patients are unable to excrete normally, an opening is made in their abdomen through stoma surgery, through which feces or urine can be normally discharged from the body.

Stoma can replace the previously lost excretory function, prevent excrement from contaminating the wound and causing a series of problems such as infection, and help the surgical site recover better and more effectively.

Types of ostomy: Colostomy, Ileostomy, Urostomy.

Category	Colostomy	Ileostomy	Urostomy
Location	Large intestine (colon)	End of small intestine (ileum)	Ureters connected to a small piece of intestine
Output Type	Formed or semi-formed stool	Liquid or mushy stool, contains digestive enzymes	Urine
Pouch Type	Closed or drainable pouch	Drainable pouch only	Specialized urostomy pouch with anti-reflux valve
Common Reasons	Colorectal cancer, diverticulitis, injury	Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis, birth defects	Bladder cancer, cystectomy

What is a Stoma Bag?

A cleaning stoma bag is a medical device used after a stoma surgery. It is attached around the stoma to collect excrement. It has the functions of isolating excrement, protecting the skin, preventing leakage and odor, and is an important tool to help patients return to a normal life.

A stoma bag is usually composed of a bag body, a base or skin barrier, and an outlet. The bag body is used to collect the excrement discharged from the stoma. The chassis or skin barrier is made of colloid or hydrocolloid and is used to be adhered around the stoma to fix the bag body, while preventing excrement leakage and odor. Discharge outlets are usually either openable or sealable.

How Does a Stoma Bag Work?

The base or skin barrier of the stoma is adhered around the stoma skin to form a seal.

The patient’s feces or urine are directly discharged into the stoma into the stoma bag.

Some bags are equipped with activated carbon filters inside, which can absorb odors and reduce the embarrassment of bag swelling and unpleasant smells.

The bottom of the emptying ostomy bag has an opening, allowing it to be emptied and reused multiple times. The closed-end ostomy bag can be directly discarded and replaced after a single use.

Celebrities That Live With a Stoma Bag

1. Historical celebrities with a stoma bag

Napoleon Bonaparte

Napoleon (c. 1769-1821) was a renowned French military strategist and statesman, and the founder of the First French Empire. He seized power through the Fuyue Coup, became the first ruler, and was later crowned emperor.

According to historical records, Napoleon suffered from severe intestinal diseases in his later years, suspected to be colon cancer. He later underwent an extraintestes surgery, which can be regarded as the earliest stoma. Although there was no medical stoma system at that time, it still proved that stoma treatment had emerged before the 19th century.

Dwight D. Eisenhower

Dwight D. Eisenhower was the 34th president of the United States, with a term from 1953 to 1961. During World War II, he served as the Supreme Commander of the Allied Expeditionary Force in Europe and was awarded the five-star rank of General of the Army.

During his tenure as president, he suffered from chronic intestinal obstruction and underwent colon surgery and a temporary stoma was established. Even after the operation, he/she still persisted in governing and handling state affairs.

Thomas P. “Tip” O’Neill

Thomas P. “Tip” O ‘Neill is a Democratic politician from Massachusetts and the Speaker of the United States House of Representatives. From 1977 to 1987, he served as the 47th Speaker of the United States House of Representatives, holding the third-longest term in history.

He once underwent a stoma surgery due to colon cancer. He made his illness public to everyone and advocated that the public should be screened for intestinal cancers and other diseases in a timely manner and always pay attention to intestinal health issues. It has promoted the legislation of colorectal cancer screening in the United States and also made more people realize the significance of stoma and stoma surgery to patients.

2. Athletes or Celebrities with a Stoma bag

Rolf Benirschke

Rolf Benirschke is a former professional American football player and was once a positioning player in the National Football League of the United States.

He suffered from Crohn’s Disease and underwent ileostomy in the 1980s. After undergoing postoperative rehabilitation training, he returned to the field and became the first stoma athlete in the National Football League (NFL) of the United States. Later, she became the image spokesperson of the American Ostomy Association and a spokesperson for the ostomy public welfare organization. He actively promotes knowledge about stoma care, breaks the prejudice that stoma patients cannot exercise, and brings hope and resonance to stoma patients.

Dwain Chambers

Dwain Chambers is a British sprinter who once underwent surgery for intestinal diseases and had a temporary stoma. After a short period of stoma treatment, she recovered and returned to the track and field arena, publicly sharing her rehabilitation experience and training insights. He emphasized that “proper diet, good sleep and psychological adjustment” are the keys to recovery. His experience proves that as long as there is correct and reasonable care and treatment, one can fully recover and move freely.

Sarah Russell

Sarah Russell is a British triathlete who has undergone stoma surgery after suffering from a permanent ileostomy. After undergoing reasonable and scientific rehabilitation and treatment, he/she still returned to the competition field and continued to participate in multiple triathlon events. Later, he founded the stoma patient support project “C3Life”.

Blake Beckford

Blake Beckford is a British fitness model who underwent permanent ileostomy surgery due to ulcerative colitis. After undergoing surgery, he didn’t stop working out. Instead, he bravely showed off his ostomy bag and figure to the public and appeared on the covers of magazines such as “Men’s Health” and “Muscle & Fitness”. At the same time, he also shares his stoma care experience and training methods on social media, encouraging stoma patients to live with confidence.

Comedian Bob Hope

An American comedian, in his later years, underwent colostomy surgery due to colon disease. After the operation, he continued to perform on stage, facing his illness with humor and encouraging more ostomy patients to live confidently and happily.

Carly Findlay

An Australian writer, speaker and advocate for disability rights. Despite undergoing stoma surgery due to congenital skin diseases and intestinal complications, she did not lead a negative life because of her illness. Instead, she wrote a book openly discussing her illness and mental journey, which became a bestseller and gained the resonance and support of many stoma patients.

She advocated that “stoma should not be concealed but understood and respected.” Later, he was hailed by the Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC) as “a representative figure who changed the public’s perception of stoma patients”.

Common Stoma and Ostomy Bag Problems

Leakage problem:Poor adhesion of the chassis or skin barrier fails to form a seal; The bag body was not emptied or replaced in time, and the bag was too heavy or full inside.

Solution: Choose a chassis that suits you. If the stoma is concave or flat, a convex chassis should be selected. If the stoma protrudes. Choose a flat chassis; Use sealing-type auxiliary stoma products, such as sealing rings, stoma paste, etc. Re-measure the stoma diameter and cut the chassis to be 1-2mm larger than the diameter. Check the condition of the cleaning ostomy bag in a timely manner and replace or empty it promptly.

Odor problem:Consuming foods with strong odors, such as Onions, garlic, eggs, etc. The leakage of the ostomy bag led to the leakage of an unpleasant odor.

Solution: Select bag bodies with activated carbon filters to adsorb odors; Avoid excessive intake of strongly odorous foods and check, empty and replace the cleaning ostomy bag in a timely manner.

Skin problems:The skin is prone to symptoms such as redness, swelling, itching and erosion.

Solution: Remeasure the stoma diameter and cut the chassis to be 1-2mm larger than the diameter. Use skin protective films and stoma powder to protect the skin and reduce irritation. If the symptoms persist, seek medical attention immediately.

Bag swelling problem:Bag swelling caused by consuming gas-producing food and beverages increases the risk of leakage.

Solution: Drain and replace in a timely manner or use a bag with a carbon filter.

Stoma obstruction problem:Due to the consumption of undigested food, the stoma is blocked, causing abdominal pain, reduced or stopped excretion, and nausea may occur.

Solution: If symptoms persist, seek medical attention immediately and avoid consuming hard-to-digest foods such as beans, dairy products and other high-fiber foods.

Psychological and social issues:Postoperative feelings of inferiority and anxiety, reluctance to socialize, loneliness and isolation, fear of leakage and odor, etc

Solution: Communicate more with family, friends and loved ones, and express your concerns and unease in your heart. Join the stoma patient group and exchange experiences and share with fellow patients. Communicate with a professional ostomy doctor to properly and reasonably care for the ostomy and reduce leakage and odor.

What to do when ostomy bag keeps leaking？

1. Reasons for ostomy bag keeps leaking:

Failure to empty in time: Failure to empty in time will cause the bag to be too full and too heavy, resulting in leakage.
The size of the chassis opening is inappropriate: The size of the chassis opening should be 1-2mm larger than the diameter of the air hole to prevent air leakage.
Lack of sealing:There are depressions or wrinkles around the pores on the skin.
There are water stains or other contaminants on the skin:It affects the adhesion of the undercarriage and is prone to peeling.

what to do when ostomy bag keeps leaking？

Remeasure the diameter of the stoma and cut the chassis to be 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 layer and the skin surface and improve the sealing performance.
When the stoma protrudes or is flush with the skin, a flat base should be chosen. When the stoma is concave, choose a convex chassis.
You can contact a professional doctor to choose the most suitable and best ostomy bag system for yourself based on your specific situation and living habits.

How to Choose the Best Ostomy Bag?

1. According to the characteristics of excrement

Loose stools:Frequent bowel movements, large volume, and difficult to control. It is suitable to use a drainage bag, which can be drained in time and avoid the irritation to the skin caused by constantly changing and sticking the base.
Solid feces:Regular and easy to control. It is suitable for using sealed stomatopoietic bags. After one-time use, discard the old ostomy bag for more convenient and quicker replacement.

2. According to lifestyle

Closed-endcolostomy bags are suitable for people who often go out or are busy with work. Because it cannot be cleaned in time when exposed, the closed colostomy bag is easier and more convenient to replace.
For people who live at home on a daily basis, it is suitable to use adrainable colostomy bag. It can be emptied and cleaned at home at any time, which is more economical and cost-effective.
For patients in the early stage of stoma surgery, it is suitable to use a transparent stoma bag to facilitate the observation of the recovery of the stoma.

3. According to the condition of the skin

For people with sensitive skin: Choose a two-piece disposable stoma bag. The baseplate can be adhered to the skin for repeated use, and only the bag body needs to be replaced, reducing the irritation to the skin around the stoma caused by frequent replacement.

Get the Right Colostomy Pouch For You at Zodelo

At Zodelo, we offer a full range of bag 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 ostomy care, aiming to enable all users to lead the most reassuring, comfortable and confident life. Get our product catalog.

FAQ About Celebrities With A Stoma Bag

Q1. Can athletes have a stoma?

Yes, athletes can definitely have stoma.

After fully recovering and stabilizing after the operation, athletes can continue their training and competitions. However, it is necessary to avoid collision sports such as boxing or wrestling, and also choose appropriate stoma AIDS, such as support straps or sports lumbar supports, to prevent the bag from falling off due to friction or shaking.

Q2Are ostomy bags permanent?

Whether the ostomy bag is permanent depends on the specific condition and physical state of the patient. The surgeries that patients undergo are generally divided into temporary colostomy and permanent colostomy.

Temporary colostomy is suitable for certain inflammatory bowel diseases or intestinal repair surgeries. A temporary stoma will be established to discharge excrement. When the surgical site has recovered well and the intestinal excretion function can be used normally, the stoma can be cancelled.
Permanent colostomy is suitable for some irreversible colorectal cancers or intestinal necrosis. It requires the removal of the diseased intestine, so the mouth becomes the permanent outlet for excrement and the ostomy bag needs to be worn for life.

Q3. How do celebrities manage their stoma in the public eye?

Many celebrities will publicly disclose their conditions and stoma experiences to the public, and also share their stoma experiences and care tips on social media. They face everyone with the most genuine and confident attitude, encouraging everyone to live positively, confidently and bravely with their personal experiences, and proving to everyone that stoma is not an obstacle to life, but a continuation of life.

Q4.Can you swim with a stoma bag？

Yes, it’s completely possible.

The disposable ostomy bag has the performance of being leak-proof and waterproof. As long as it is correctly installed and fully prepared, you can enjoy the pleasure brought by swimming with complete peace of mind. However, it should be noted that the chassis must be in complete contact with the skin and have good sealing to prevent leakage. Use leak-proof rings, leak-proof pastes or support tapes and other auxiliary products in combination; After swimming, promptly check and clean the skin around the stoma and keep it dry.

Conclusion — Celebrities With A Stoma Bag

Zodelo has always believed that stoma surgery is a medical intervention to improve the quality of life, rather than a restriction. No matter how famous or great a president or leader is, whether it’s a celebrity or an ordinary person, ostomy is the starting point of a new life for all. The life of Celebrities With A Stoma Bag does not stop because of stoma bag. Instead, it makes their life and work more convenient and comfortable with the help of the best stoma bags .

As a professional ostomy bag manufacturers, Zodelo believes that whether you or any other stoma patient, you can continue to live with the confidence and brilliance of these celebrities. Zodelo will also always be with you, providing you with the most comfortable, safe and reassuring ostomy care.

If you have any needs, please feel free to contact us or get our product catalog.

More resources:

Embracing Life With an Ostomy Bag— wustl
Adjusting to Life With an Ostomy Bag: What To Expect— clevelandclinic
Celebrities With A Stoma Bag (ostomy)— meetanostomate
Colostomy— NHS

Celebrities With A Stoma Bag

Table of Contents

What is an Ostomy?

Types of ostomy: Colostomy, Ileostomy, Urostomy.