The ultimate ostomy underwear guide
Finding ostomy underwear that is secure and fashionable can be as challenging as finding a fat-free bagel. But, don’t stress – VERA SA has you covered with our guide to stoma underwear for women, men, and children.
If you have a stoma and use a colostomy or ileostomy bag, wearing the right underwear can make a huge difference in how comfortable you feel.
Vera SA: Ostomy Underwear is all about boosting your confidence and making you feel good about yourself.
Our specially designed ostomy underwear is the ideal solution for a more secure fit around your bag and boasts a discreet, flattering high-waisted style.
You’ll love the VERA SA line, which proves that having a stoma doesn’t mean you can’t be confident.
Trying to figure out what to wear with an ostomy, especially at first, can be frustrating, discouraging, and even frightening. It’s easy to get the impression that your bag will be visible to everyone, no matter what you’re wearing.
Fearing that everyone will notice the bulge in your bag can make it seem as if living a normal life is impossible. Personally, I was concerned that I would never feel at ease in my own skin, that I would never be able to wear cute clothes or that I would ever feel beautiful.
This feeling of insecurity is common. You’ve had a major operation, and it’s natural to be self-conscious about your new body. It’s your new reality, whether you have a temporary or permanent ostomy.
Getting used to a new ostomy bag
One way to deal with this change is to learn to accept and be comfortable with it. Keep in mind that this may take some time. Learning how to dress to hide your ostomy will help you regain your confidence and move one step closer to accepting your new lifestyle.
Remember that as you become more accustomed to life with an ostomy and more comfortable dressing in a way that flatters your body, your insecurity will fade.
Following ostomy surgery
You may be unsure whether you’ll need to go out and buy a whole new wardrobe or if your old clothes will still work. My recommendation is to postpone any spring cleaning.
Some of the clothes you’ll be able to wear again in the future won’t be comfortable at first. Your body will be tender and sore after surgery, and you will live in baggy, comfy sweatpants. While this will be your go-to outfit while you’re healing and lounging around, once you start to feel better, you’ll be able to wear “normal” clothes again.
Disguising your ostomy bag
While you will need to make some wardrobe adjustments, having an ostomy does not mean you have to give up your sense of style. Even if your style changes a little, having a stoma does not mean you have to live a life of ugly, oversized clothing. Rest assured that when you feel better and decide it’s time to dress “normally,” there are plenty of tricks to help you conceal your bag!
Underwear for ostomies
First and foremost, the layer of clothing that most people will never see: underwear, is arguably the most essential part of dressing to hide an ostomy bag. This layer of clothing, which is rarely discussed, smooths the bag and secures it against the body, laying the groundwork for the rest of the outfit.
Slipping into underwear for ostomates is a little more difficult than slipping on a thong and calling it a day. Ostomy undies provide support, stability, and concealment rather than just for fashion or comfort. It’s the first step toward designing an outfit that successfully hides an ostomy. Fortunately for us, there is VERA SA: Ostomy Underwear!
You can order ostomate-specific underwear online by shopping here. VERA SA: Ostomy Underwear is different from regular underwear because they are high-waisted and have a front pocket that can hold your bag.
High-waisted underwear is an excellent choice because it doesn’t cut off the bag’s flow of output. It also secures the bag against your body, ensuring that it remains secure and smooth as it fills.
Undergarments and additional coverage for ostomy bags
Other undergarments can be worn to secure and conceal an ostomy bag in addition to underwear. Wearing a wrap over your underwear is one option, while an ostomy belt is another option for added security and concealment.
Ostomy belts are similar to wraps in that they are worn around the waist, but instead of holding the bag horizontally against your body like a wrap, the bag is held vertically inside an enclosed pouch.
The ostomy bag is held firmly against the body by the belt, which also helps to distribute output, making a full bag less noticeable. Belts can be custom-made to fit your stoma and body, but generic versions are also available.
A third option is a stoma guard. Stoma guards can be beneficial if you have a stoma on or near your belt line. Stoma guards, which have a plastic cover that goes over your ostomy, provide an extra layer of protection, particularly when participating in sports or wearing a seat belt. Because they can be bulky, the stoma guard may not be appropriate for every outfit. If the idea of a wrap or belt doesn’t appeal to you, you can also wear Spanx or spandex shorts over your underwear to help secure and conceal your ostomy.
Conclusion
When it comes down to it, the type of underwear you choose is the first step toward successfully concealing your ostomy bag. Regardless of personal preferences, the goal is to secure the bag against your body so that it does not bulge and does not restrict output flow. Dressing with an ostomy can be difficult at first, but you will eventually find a system that works for you.
Vera SA is a proud partner of CANSA and The South African Society of Ostomates.
READ MORE BLOGS BY VERA SA:
HOW TO REDUCE OSTOMY GAS AND ODOURS
REPLACE YOUR COLOSTOMY BAG IN A FEW EASY STEPS
THE PROS & CONS OF DISPOSABLE OSTOMY BAGS
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