Stoma Swelling Unchanged Despite Weight Loss

My stoma is at the tip of a swelling.The swelling was not there after surgery

I have a big belly.Could it be because of that.Although i have lost 14 pounds in the last month,the swelling has not become any smaller.It is not very big,and is not painful,but it does notice when in swimming trunks.Thought,s please.

Hi Welshman! Is it possible that you might have a hernia underneath the stoma? That would cause that portion of your belly to appear larger and possibly show under bathing suits. My entire belly on the side of my stoma protrudes more than the other normal side, so I always look off kilter when wearing more fitting clothes. Also, because I wear a 2 piece system, you can always see the flange ring (which is like a Tupperware seal). So, I've just ordered free samples of the 1-piece systems to see if that helps to "hide" my one-sided bulge. As far as your ostomy actually sticking out further, you might want to contact your ostomy nurse. Every stoma changes in size and usually gets smaller, but I don't think it gets longer. I hope some of this info. helps. Just keep in mind, that we are always open to getting hernias because of the abdominal muscles being weakened by surgery. Of course, losing more weight might help the situation a bit more...I'm doing the same dieting as we speak and I feel more comfortable (even knowing that more hernias have cropped up again with me). Take care!

Hi Welshman! My stoma is in the center of a four inch mound which protrudes about half an inch from my right side. My GI looked at it last year and said it is normal and not to worry. I actually think this mound provides an ideal base for my flange because it is firm without any creases. When I change my device (about every 5 days), the seal is still very solid and looks like it could last another week. On your other point, I wear comfortable swimming trucks, and the outline of my flange is just a little noticible only when I come out of the water dripping. The good news is that people at the beach have much more interesting scenery to check out than my waistline.  Good luck with your weight control!  PB

Hi Primeboy.Sorry to take so long to reply.The engineers cut me off two weeks ago.It,s  taken this long to get it fixed.And living in the hill,s means there are not a lot of options apart from wait for it to be fixed.As for my stoma.Like you,the mound does help with fitting my pouch.Now i know i am not the only one with a mound,i will no longer worry.I will,however make the most of the advantages. of the mound. THANK,S FOR THE HELP M8.