An ostomy belt secures a colostomy bag during physical activity, allowing patients to maintain an active lifestyle. Newer belts cover the entire bag, prevent moisture from reaching it, and hold it securely in place. Patients should evaluate their needs before purchasing a belt.
An ostomy belt is a medical device designed to hold a colostomy bag against the body. While it is not necessary to use an ostomy pouch, an ostomy belt properly secures the pouch during physical activity, a boon for patients who wish to maintain an active lifestyle. Because belts come in many shapes and sizes, a patient may need to try on more than one before finding the best belt.
After a colostomy, a patient must use a colostomy bag to remove solid waste from the body. This pouch rests against the abdomen and is attached to the body by an adhesive that surrounds the stoma site. This system is appropriate for sedentary activities such as working at a desk; during physical activity, however, there is a possibility that the colostomy can become loose and detach. This has been known to happen to patients who toss and turn during sleep. Thus, the ostomy belt is an extra layer of protection that allows patients to engage in a wider range of activities without fear of embarrassing accidents.
The earliest ostomy belts, still commercially available, were simple rubber bands 1 to 2 inches (2.54 to 5.08 cm) in diameter that spanned the abdomen, holding the bottom portion of the colostomy bag. While these belts provide an extra layer of protection for patients, they are not appropriate in all situations such as swimming or sexual activity. A new generation of ostomy belts is aimed at patients who regularly engage in these or other strenuous activities.
The ostomy belts developed in recent years have three advantages that the first ostomy belts do not provide. The first is that a new ostomy belt covers the entire ostomy bag. About 10 cm wide, they resemble a trellis; an invisible colostomy bag reduces any possible embarrassment a patient may feel after undergoing the procedure. The second advantage is that the new tapes do not allow moisture to reach the colostomy bag; this feature is an advantage for swimmers. These belts also hold the colostomy bag securely in place, allowing the patient to perform many physical activities without fear of releasing waste from the ostomy bag.
Before purchasing an ostomy belt, it is best to first evaluate your specific needs. If you don’t exercise much, buying just a smaller belt may be the best option. For those deciding on a larger, watertight belt, investing in a smaller belt might also be a good thing; using a smaller belt for sleeping increases range of motion and reduces discomfort.
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