Question re Support Belts

I've been looking at videos on support belts (e.g. StealthBelt, Comfortbelt, etc) but they never address my primary question:  doesn't this relatively tight fabric over the stoma restrict the flow and cause problems re leakage or pancaking?  Has anyone had any experience with these accessories?  Was flow restriction an issue for you? 

Hi Henry,

Depends... not the underwear, the other depends. I haven't seen the videos on the belt's sites, but I have 2 StealthBelts that Warrior gave me, which I use as patterns for my own BobBelts. The non-neoprene Stealthbelt is a relatively thin Spandex, and you don't wear it so tight that it strangles your stoma. You just wear it tight enough not to fall down. When worn that way, it's not very restrictive to your stoma, assuming your stoma doesn't stick out very far. The Neoprene version is similar, but you'd probably wear it a little tighter if you're wearing it for protection when surfing or MMA fighting. If that one is worn too tight, I could see having the problems you're describing. When I make mine, I'm going to make the outer layer of the belt looser than the inner layer where the pouch for the bag is, so the bag has room to expand and the outer layer won't press on my stoma, like you're describing. I should also note that my StealthBelts are a few years old now, so they may have changed the design to address your concern. If you're contemplating laying down that kind of cash for one, I'd send them your questions and let them explain what they're offering. If you want to try one of the ones I've got (never been worn except to check the waist size), just let me know and I'll shoot it out to you. I'm not sure what size they are... I wear a size 35 waist Levis and the Neoprene one is tight; the Spandex is simply too small for me. But you can always add a bit of Velcro extension to make it bigger, and there's about 6" of adjustment in it to make it even smaller.

Regards,

Bob

Hi Henry

Here's a link with a video by an ostomate; it compares different styles and brands, specifically StealthBelt and ComfortBelt. Eric covers lots of issues within different categories. He's also a long-time wearer of all these different belts; his insights and evaluations are based on hands-on experience.
I'm thinking of purchasing one as well, and I found Eric's detail-oriented approach really easy to understand and comprehensive. Hope it helps!

By the way, the article explains everything in the video with images included if you prefer reading.

https://www.veganostomy.ca/stealthbelt-vs-comfortbelt/

I've used a Nu-Hope Cool Comfort support belt for more than ten years with success. I used to wear it all the time until I was able to build back some abdominal strength. Now I use it when doing any sort of work around the house, boat, backpacking, or while sick and coughing. It doesn't cause output restriction unless the opening slides out of place and over the top of my stoma, which typically only happens while sleeping if I'm tossing and turning. In my opinion, the advantages of a good support belt far exceed any negatives. I tend to consider them a must for active ostomates who want to avoid hernias.

Mark