As the weather gets warmer, many people’s thoughts start drifting toward the beach or the pool. If you’re an ostomate, though — especially a new ostomate — those thoughts might give you pause.
When I first had my ostomy surgery, I was under the impression that I’d never be able to get in the water again. No one told me this explicitly, but with a delicate stoma and an external pouching system, I was sure it wouldn’t be allowed.
It turns out that’s not the case at all. In fact, water exercise is a great option for people with stomas. Not only are the pouches waterproof, but swimming is a great way to give your core a workout, helping to prevent peristomal hernias.
But what to wear?
Traditional bathing suits aren’t designed to accommodate a pouch, so not only won’t the suit fit properly, it can also cause chafing, and it may make you self-conscious about the bag being visible.
Fortunately, SIIL Ostomy has got you literally covered, with swimwear specially designed by ostomates for ostomates.
For men, the discreet and functional ostomy belt fits right over or under a regular pair of trunks and contains a pocket that holds your pouch securely in place, so you don’t have any leaks, but you do have plenty of support.
For women, SIIL offers a full line of swimwear, from tankinis to bikinis. All contain a pouch-stabilizing pocket, and the bikini has a two-inch higher-than-average waist to conceal the pouch.
You are more than your stoma. Let SIIL Ostomy help you express yourself comfortably and securely.
To learn more about how SIIL Ostomy supports ostomates in all aspects of their lives, visit our website.
Full disclosure: Miriam Ruff is an ambassador for and an affiliate of SIIL Ostomy. She advocates for ostomates on their behalf.
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