Swimwear Choices: Bikinis, One-Pieces, Trunks, and Ostomy Concerns

Summer is coming!
I was wondering, how many of you women wear a bikini, or a full one-piece?
And men, how many just wear trunks?
When it comes to an ostomy, it takes a lot of confidence to show it off (in my opinion).
Also, I was wondering, would a monokini look awkward?
Just looking for a little advice, feedback.
xoxo.
(:

Hi Miss Catalyst -



       I've had my ileostomy for what seems like eons and, from a man's point of view, I've always worn a regular bathing suit (as opposed to a Speedo), cut a little high, just to cover the top of my bag.

    

        I never really considered it from a woman's point of view, but I'm sure a monokini would be perfect, especially a dark color or a print. And speaking for myself (although I think most men would agree) I think a woman looks more appealing in a one-piece swimsuit.



- PJT from NY

Hi Miss Catalyst,
I have worn a one-piece, specially designed for ostomists, which has a lining and pocket to fit the bag in. They are patterned, which detracts from the bag being visible to anyone. The only problem I encountered was that after swimming, the bag filters get blocked and they fill up alarmingly with gas like a balloon, and it is very difficult to let the gas out discreetly. However, they do sell tankini-style costumes, which are far easier to manage. You can just lift up the top slightly, or the waist of the bottoms, to get to the bag without undressing. The firm 'white rose' sells various ones.

I just wear the same one-piece swimsuit I wore before surgery, always have preferred a one-piece because I often swim in the surf and it's just more practical (nothing worse than getting dunked and emerging without a top!).  

I think a tankini top and bikini bottom would work (although personally would prefer boardies as in boardshorts like the surfers wear!).

As far as I can tell (and I'm sure my family & friends would tell me!) there is no outline of the bag and I have never had a problem with ballooning even after spending all day at the beach.

I have seen pics of girls with an ostomy in a bikini and more power to them because it takes a certain amount of confidence to do that, me, I just prefer to be comfy!

Am sure you will find something that suits you, and hope you do, because after all there is nothing better than swimming in the ocean (or river, or lake, or pool)!



Cheers,



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  Jo x  

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Wow, is there a time lapse here or what! I have an ileostomy, left side and an inch below the belly button spot. I wear lightweight control panties underneath a tankini, a two-piece---the top piece of the suit lays down over the top of the bottoms about an inch or two. It works fine. No loosening of the appliance, and if I wear a dark bottom with a printed top, the ostomy isn't noticeable unless you know it's there. I was told that with all that one sees at the beach, no one will notice and heck, you'll probably never see them again anyway! Jump in with both feet!

Words of Encouragement from Ostomy Advocates I Hollister