Hello! And welcome to our little corner of the World Wide Web.
I have a colostomy, 16 months post-op. I had a perforated colon due to hernia repair mesh migration.
Still have most of my colon, resulting in output that is usually thick and sometimes formed like little stools. My stoma sticks out from 1 to 2 inches (stomas change shape all the time). I've never had a major leak or bag blowout. Though I have had a few close calls, usually my fault for being too lazy to drain the bag. I empty my bag once or twice a day. Sometimes if I don't eat too much, I empty every 2 or 3 days.
I use a Hollister 2-piece system with a Coloplast moldable ring and 3M Cavilon barrier spray. I like the fact I can change a soiled bag without changing the wafer. Also makes it easy to burp the bag to release excess gas. I change my wafer every 7 days. I experimented and once went 10 days with no problem.
I wear a thin, elastic Hollister bag retention belt all the time. Clips onto the bag flange.
All ostomy supply manufacturers offer free samples of their products. Try out different products to discover what works for you.
It will take several months for surgical recovery and your stoma to assume its final size and shape.
I was ambivalent about the colostomy at first, just happy to survive my medical adventure. As the months rolled by, I got used to it all. I was offered and refused reversal surgery. My ostomy sticks out a lot, making me appear frumpy and lopsided. But it's OK.
Everything I learned about how to care for my ostomy came from the fine folks on this website. Worldwide... "They've been there, done that." Nothing like the voice of experience.
In closing, I must say: I had a long, hard, painful hospitalization. A colostomy gave me my life back.