This page aims to help in 3 ways:

1. Identify some of the common bag-on-my-belly issues and how to deal with them.

2. Give examples of releasing happy hormones to help improve your mood. 

3. Provide best-practice tips from people with a wealth of bag on my belly experiences.

Please note: this page does NOT offer medical advice. Always consult professional medical experts for problems. 

Living with a bag can result in a number of issues. Here are some of the more common ones (as posted to a variety of social-media sites) and some suggestions as to how to manage them:

When attaching your bag to your belly, there are a number of factors that can reduce or encourage leakage. Try positioning your bag at different angles to determine what works best for your belly size and shape. Put your ego / fears aside and look at how you bag bag fits across your folds, or bulges, of skin, fat or muscle. If there is any puckering, gaps, etc. between the bag and your skin, then try slightly rotating the position of the bag, or changing supplier as not all suppliers offer the same sticky shape attachment.

Additionally, almost every bag supplier offers flat or convex bags and a variety of protective seals. Try different products and don't lose heart...  The solution for you is out there, you just may need to experiment to find your best fit. 

Talk to your stoma nurses as they have a wealth of experience on how to help find the best bag for you.

Causes

• Swallowed air – from eating or drinking quickly, chewing gum, or talking while eating.

• Gas-producing foods – such as beans, onions, cabbage, eggs, carbonated drinks, or dairy (if lactose intolerant).

• Bacterial activity in the gut – especially with certain foods or changes in digestion.

• Closed or filtered pouch issues – if the filter clogs or gets wet, gas can’t escape.

Problems 

• Bag detaching or leaking.

• Skin irritation from leaks.

• Embarrassing bulging under clothing.

• Discomfort or pressure around the stoma.

• Disturbed sleep if it happens overnight.

Prevention / reduction

• Use a pouch with a working filter – many modern pouches have charcoal filters that release gas slowly.

• Avoid blocking the filter – don’t cover it with clothing or water; replace the bag if it’s clogged.

• Release gas manually – “burp” the bag in private or use a venting system.

• Adjust your diet – note which foods cause more gas and reduce them gradually.

• Eat slowly and avoid carbonated drinks, straws, or chewing gum.

• Try pouch deodorants or drops – they can help reduce odour if venting.

Causes

• Thicker output (common with colostomies)

• Too little air in the pouch (creates a vacuum effect)

• Filter working too well, removing all air from the bag

• Tight clothes pressing the bag flat

• Dehydration or low-fibre diet, causing sticky stool

Solutions

• Let some air in: Cover the filter temporarily or choose a bag with a vent you can control.

• Use a lubricating deodorant or oil inside the bag: Makes the stool slide down easily (a few drops of baby oil, olive oil, or a stoma-safe lubricant).

• Gently “inflate” the pouch by blowing some air into the bag before attaching it.

• Stay hydrated and eat fibre (if safe for your stoma type).

• Avoid tight clothing pressing on the pouch.

• Empty regularly before it gets too full.

Causes:

• Leaks or poor seal of the pouch

• Allergic reaction to adhesive

• Moisture trapped under the wafer

• Frequent pouch changes

Solutions:

• Use the correct size and shape of flange/wafer

• Apply barrier wipes or rings

• Keep the area clean and dry

• See a stoma nurse for assessment

Causes:

• weakened / hole in abdominal muscles

Solutions:

• wear support garments

• avoid heavy lifting

• consult your stoma nurse for management options.

Release your happy hormones...

One of the easiest ways to release endorphins and dopamine is by exercising. The more you exercise, the more endorphins your body will produce (however, not everyone is able to exercise). Many people feel a “runner’s high” after a good run. But you don’t have to run to feel this high. These activities help you release endorphins: