Ostomy FAQs
Living with an ostomy can bring up a lot of questions, especially if you’re preparing for or recovering from ostomy surgery. You may be wondering what your stoma should look like, how an ostomy pouching system works, or how to get the right supplies.
These ostomy FAQs help answer some of the most common questions about stoma care, ordering ostomy supplies, insurance coverage, and everyday life after ostomy surgery.
Have more questions about ordering, shipping, billing, or managing your 180 Medical account? Visit our Help Center or contact our Ostomy Specialists for more support.
Ostomy Basics
If you’re new to life after ileostomy, colostomy, or urostomy surgery, it can help to start with the basics. These common ostomy questions cover stoma health, ostomy supply options, and daily care.
What is an ostomy pouching system?
An ostomy pouching system is the set of supplies used to collect output from your stoma. It typically includes an ostomy pouch or bag and a skin barrier (also called a wafer or a flange).
What is the difference between a one-piece and a two-piece ostomy pouching system?
Some pouching systems come in one-piece systems, where the pouch and skin barrier are attached. Some people may prefer two-piece systems, where the pouch and skin barrier are supplied separately and connect.
Your healthcare provider or ostomy nurse can help you determine which pouching system best suits your needs.
What should my stoma look like?
Right after ostomy surgery, your stoma may look red and swollen. However, as it heals, the swelling should go down. The appearance usually transitions to a pink color and appears moist, like the inside of your cheek.
If you notice any stoma problems such as unusual color changes, bleeding, irritation, pain, or swelling, contact your healthcare provider or ostomy nurse.
Will my stoma change sizes after healing?
Yes, you may go through several size changes as your stoma heals over time. This means that you may need a different ostomy pouching system or wafer (skin barrier) as your body heals and changes.
Stay in contact with your ostomy nurse if you have any concerns.
Plus, 180 Medical’s team of Ostomy Specialists is here to help you every step of the way with getting you the right ostomy supplies in the right sizes as your needs change. We can also provide handy stoma-measuring guides to help you determine which size will work best for your needs.
How often should I change my ostomy pouching system?
How often you change your ostomy pouching system depends on your type of ostomy, your output, your supplies, and your healthcare provider’s instructions.
Many people change their skin barrier every few days, but your schedule may be different. You may need to change your pouching system sooner if you notice leaking, itching, burning, loosening, or odor that does not go away after emptying or changing your pouch.
How often should I empty my ostomy pouch?
This depends on your type of ostomy, your output consistency, and the amount of output.
In general, a good rule of thumb is to empty your pouch when it’s around 1/3 to 1/2 full. A pouch that becomes too full can become heavy, increasing the risk of leakage.
Your ostomy nurse can help you understand which emptying schedule may work best for your body, as well as which pouching system may be right for your needs.
What ostomy supplies will I need after surgery?
Talk to your surgeon or ostomy nurse to determine what beginner supplies you may need after you return home from surgery. They may have specific recommendations for surgical aftercare.
Ostomy supply needs depend on the type of ostomy you have (urostomy, ileostomy, or colostomy), your stoma, your peristomal skin, your output, and your lifestyle/daily routine.
Common ostomy supplies people use may include:
- Ostomy bags (pouches)
- Skin barriers (wafers or flanges
- Barrier rings or barrier seals
- Ostomy paste
- Adhesive remover wipes or sprays
- Skin prep wipes
- An ostomy belt
- Pouch deodorizers
180 Medical carries a wide range of high-quality ostomy products and accessories. Our specialists are here to walk you through your covered options, including how many products you may receive every 30 days based on your insurance plan and prescription.
Are there specialized pouch covers or ostomy swimwear available?
Yes. While regular clothes often do a great job of keeping an ostomy pouch concealed, some people like the additional security and comfort of specialized ostomy pouch wraps, full-coverage ostomy underwear, ostomy swimwear, and other options.
At Ostomysecrets®, you can find all this and more. Plus, if you’re a 180 Medical customer, you can get a discount code for your first purchase at Ostomysecrets®.
Contact our specialists to learn more!
Ostomy Care & Tips for Troubleshooting
Living with an ostomy is a big adjustment, but many people find ways to return to work, school, travel, relationships, and favorite hobbies after healing. These answers offer general tips and help for everyday life with an ostomy.
How do I care for the skin around my stoma?
Keeping the skin around your stoma (peristomal skin) clean, dry, and healthy is an important part of ostomy care.
Gently clean the skin around your stoma using warm water and a clean towel, or use the ostomy products recommended by your healthcare provider. Always make sure your skin is dry before applying your pouching system.
What do I do if my ostomy bag leaks?
Ostomy pouch leaks can occur for several reasons, such as an improper fit, a skin barrier that’s not fully sealing to the skin due to folds or irritation, or allowing the pouch to become too full.
Check out our guide to troubleshooting pouch leaks. If you continue to experience leakage, your ostomy nurse is the right resource. They can help you determine what may be causing the leak and whether you need a different size or type of product.
What can cause skin irritation around a stoma?
Skin irritation around a stoma may occur when output leaks beneath the skin barrier and comes into contact with the skin. It may also happen due to skin stripping if pouching system changes are too frequent, or if you have a sensitivity to the adhesive in your current pouching system or ostomy wafer.
If you’re experiencing peristomal skin irritation, talk to your healthcare provider or ostomy nurse, especially if the skin is painful, bleeding, weeping, or causing issues with proper attachment of your skin barrier.
Will my ostomy pouch smell?
No, aside from the normal output odor you may smell when emptying or changing your pouch, your ostomy pouch should not smell when properly attached to your stoma.
Many modern ostomy pouches are designed to stay discreet and help contain odor while filtering out any gases.
If you’re experiencing ostomy odor issues, you may want to try a pouch deodorizer, such as ESENTA™ Lubricating Pouch Deodorant. It’s not made with overpowering artificial fragrances, and it’s also designed to help stop common issues like pancaking for ileostomy and colostomy bags.
Will I have to change what I eat after ostomy surgery?
It’s possible, depending on the type of surgery and your unique needs. However, many people find that their diet doesn’t have to change once they’ve healed from surgery.
The best go-to for advice on what to avoid or include in your diet after surgery is your ostomy nurse or prescribing healthcare provider.
Can I still be active with an ostomy?
Yes, many ostomates enjoy exercise and physical activity with an ostomy. However, it’s important to get your healthcare provider’s approval on when it’s okay to start easing back into physical activity after your surgery and which types of exercise may be approved.
Some people in the 180 Medical Community have shared how they like to stay active with their ostomy, like Debra, who still loves to go hiking after her ileostomy surgery, and Linda, who still regularly swims at her community pool while wearing her colostomy pouch.
Can I travel with ostomy supplies?
Yes, you can travel and even fly with ostomy supplies.
180 Medical offers a helpful guide for traveling with an ostomy, including tips for packing, preparing for TSA security, and more.
Common Questions About Ordering & Insurance
Not sure what supplies you need? Wondering how insurance covers the ostomy products you’ve been prescribed? 180 Medical has answers.
Does insurance cover ostomy supplies?
In many cases, yes. Medicare and many private insurance plans cover ostomy products when they are prescribed and medically necessary. Coverage varies based on your specific insurance plan, diagnosis, documentation, and allowable monthly quantities.
Learn more in this quick ostomy insurance guide or get started by securely submitting your insurance info to be verified. 180 Medical’s Insurance Specialists will work quickly to verify your benefits, then we’ll reach out to go over your options and help you understand what may or may not be covered under your plan.
Does Medicare cover ostomy supplies?
Medicare may cover ostomy supplies when they are prescribed as medically necessary and meet guidelines. Your exact coverage and allowed product quantities may depend on your prescription and documentation.
Learn more in this quick guide about Medicare and ostomy supplies.
Where can I buy ostomy supplies online?
180 Medical provides high-quality ostomy supplies with friendly, reliable service and support. We work hard to make ordering the insurance-covered supplies you need easier.
Our team of Ostomy Specialists can help verify your insurance, coordinate obtaining any required documentation, review your product options, and request free samples when available. Once we’ve customized your order to your needs, prescription, and insurance, we’ll ship your supplies quickly and discreetly to your home.
How do I reorder my ostomy supplies?
180 Medical customers have a variety of easy ways to reorder their ostomy supplies, including online through the My 180 Medical customer portal and the My 180 Medical App, as well as options by phone, text message, or email, depending on your account needs and preferences.
The My 180 Medical App makes it easier to confirm your orders, request updates, track shipments, and manage your supplies from your phone or tablet.
What if I need to change my ostomy supplies or sizes?
Our ostomy specialists are here to help. Reach out to us to let us know how your needs have changed, and we’ll do our best to update your orders.
If you need more products per month or another change that requires an update to your prescription, you may also need to schedule an appointment with your prescribing healthcare provider.
Can I get free ostomy samples?
Depending on your prescription, insurance, and product request, 180 Medical may be able to help you get free ostomy samples. We can also help you explore your ostomy product options.
Trying out samples may help you determine which product type works for your body and pouching routine.
Have More Ostomy Questions? Ask Us!
Whether you’re a new ostomate or simply experiencing a new issue, you may need answers. We’d love to provide them! We’ve made some videos answering common ostomy questions, which you can check out on our YouTube channel.
We’re always working to make our ostomy resources more helpful. If you have a general question about ostomy supplies, ordering, insurance, or daily life with an ostomy, you can submit it for our team to consider for future FAQs or educational resources.
Please do not use this form for urgent medical needs or personal health concerns. For medical questions, contact your healthcare provider.
Disclaimer: Content provided on 180medical.com is for general educational purposes only and should not be used as a substitute for medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment from a qualified healthcare professional. Product and sample availability may vary based on your insurance plan, prescription, and other requirements. Please consult your healthcare provider with any questions about your condition, treatment, or medical supply needs.