Nurse-Approved Resource
New Stoma Patient
Guide
This new stoma patient guide covers everything you need to know after stoma surgery — written with care, reviewed by stoma nurses, and designed to give you confidence from day one.
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New stoma patient guide — your complete resource after stoma surgery. Reviewed by stoma care nurses and available as a free PDF download, this new stoma patient guide walks you through the first weeks and months step by step. Here you'll find everything about stoma care, diet, recovery and returning to daily life. Over 170,000 people in the UK live with an ostomy — and with the right new stoma patient guide, you too can face this change with confidence. Explore our Stoma Blog for more tips and real stories from ostomates.
Understanding the Basics
New Stoma Patient Guide: What Is a Stoma?
An ostomy is a surgical procedure that creates an opening — called a stoma — in the abdomen. This opening allows waste (stool or urine) to leave the body when the normal pathway through the intestines or urinary tract is no longer possible or needs time to heal.
Ostomy surgery can be life-saving and life-changing. People may need an ostomy due to conditions such as bowel cancer, Crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis, diverticular disease, bladder cancer, or serious injury. Some ostomies are temporary — allowing part of the digestive system to heal — whilst others are permanent.
Your stoma is the visible part of the ostomy: a small, round, pinkish-red piece of tissue on your abdomen. It has no nerve endings, so it doesn't hurt. A pouching system (stoma bag) is worn over the stoma to collect output.
You are not alone
Over 170,000 people in the United Kingdom live with an ostomy, and approximately 21,000 new stoma surgeries are carried out each year on the NHS. Across the world, millions of people are living full, active, and fulfilling lives with a stoma. This new stoma patient guide will help you feel confident and well-informed from the very start.
Know Your Type
The Three Main Types of Ostomies
Each type of ostomy is named for the part of the body it involves. Understanding your specific type will help you learn what to expect and how to best care for your stoma.
01
Colostomy
Created from the large bowel (colon). A portion of the colon is brought through the abdominal wall to form the stoma. Output is typically semi-formed to formed stool.
Common reasons: Bowel cancer, diverticular disease, injury to the lower bowel. May be temporary or permanent depending on the underlying condition.
02
Ileostomy
Created from the small bowel (ileum). The end of the small intestine is brought through the abdomen. Output is typically liquid to mushy and more frequent.
Common reasons: Crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis, familial polyposis. Hydration is especially important as the colon (which absorbs water) is bypassed.
03
Urostomy
Created for urinary diversion. A piece of bowel is used to create a passage for urine to exit the body through the stoma instead of the bladder.
Common reasons: Bladder cancer, neurological conditions affecting bladder function, birth defects. Output is urine, collected in a specialised pouch.
Your Daily Routine
Caring for Your Stoma
Learning to care for your stoma is one of the most important parts of your recovery. It might feel overwhelming at first — that's completely normal. Within a few weeks, most people find that bag changes become second nature, taking just 10–15 minutes.
What a Healthy Stoma Looks Like
A healthy stoma is moist, pink to red in colour (similar to the inside of your mouth), and slightly raised from the skin surface. It's normal for the stoma to bleed slightly when cleaning. Your stoma may change in size during the first 6–8 weeks after surgery as swelling decreases.
Changing Your Pouching System
Your stoma care nurse will teach you a routine specific to your type of ostomy and your body. In general, the process involves: gently removing the current bag, cleaning the skin around the stoma with warm water (avoid soap, alcohol, or fragranced wipes directly on the stoma), allowing the skin to dry completely, measuring and cutting your baseplate to fit snugly around the stoma, and applying the new pouching system.
Nurse's Tip
The best time to change your bag is often first thing in the morning before eating or drinking, when output is typically lower. Keep all your supplies organised and within reach — a consistent routine will build your confidence faster than anything else.
Skin Care Around the Stoma
The skin around your stoma (called peristomal skin) should look like the skin on the rest of your abdomen — healthy and intact. The most important factor is ensuring your bag fits properly with no gaps between the baseplate and the stoma. If you notice persistent redness or soreness, contact your stoma care nurse.
When to Contact Your Healthcare Team
Contact your GP or stoma care nurse if your stoma has become significantly darker, purple, or black, if there is heavy bleeding, persistent skin irritation, if the stoma appears to be retracting or prolapsing, or if you have no output for several hours combined with cramping or nausea.
What to Expect
Your Recovery Timeline
Every person's journey is different, but here's a general framework. Be patient with yourself — healing takes time.
Week 1–2 — Hospital & First Days Home
Learning the Basics
Your stoma care nurse will teach you the fundamentals of bag changes and stoma care. You'll be on a limited diet as your digestive system recovers. Fatigue is normal — rest is your best friend. Focus on learning one thing at a time.
Week 3–4 — Growing Confidence
Finding Your Rhythm
Bag changes start to feel more natural. You can begin short walks and light activity. Your stoma is still settling and may change size — keep measuring before cutting your baseplates. You may begin gradually expanding your diet.
Week 5–8 — Building Strength
Returning to Routine
Many people feel significantly better by this point. You may be cleared for driving and returning to work (desk jobs). Avoid heavy lifting (nothing over 4.5 kg / 10 lbs) until your consultant gives the go-ahead. Stoma size typically stabilises.
Month 3–6 — Full Recovery
Living Fully Again
Most physical restrictions are lifted. You've developed efficient routines for bag changes. Emotional adjustment continues — this is completely normal. Many people find this is when they truly start feeling like themselves again.
Nourishing Your Body
Diet & Nutrition After Stoma Surgery
The good news: most people with an ostomy can eventually eat a normal, varied diet. The key is patience and gradual reintroduction.
The First 6–8 Weeks
You'll start with clear fluids and progress to a low-residue (low-fibre) diet: white rice, white bread and pasta, cooked and peeled vegetables, lean proteins such as chicken and fish, bananas and stewed apple.
Reintroducing Foods
After the initial healing phase, add new foods one at a time, every 2–3 days. Chew everything thoroughly — this is more important than ever.
Hydration Matters
Staying well-hydrated is critical, especially with an ileostomy. Aim for at least 8–10 glasses of water daily. Oral rehydration solutions (such as Dioralyte, available from your pharmacy) can help maintain electrolyte balance. Signs of dehydration include dark urine, dizziness, and dry mouth.
Foods to Approach with Caution
High-fibre vegetables (raw broccoli, sweetcorn, celery), nuts and seeds, dried fruits, and very spicy foods may increase output or cause wind in some ostomates. Fizzy drinks may cause gas, whilst very sugary foods can cause loose output.
Reducing Wind & Odour
Eat at regular intervals rather than skipping meals, avoid chewing gum and drinking through straws, and eat slowly in a relaxed setting. Many modern pouching systems include charcoal filters that manage odour effectively.
Your Mind Matters
Emotional Wellbeing After Stoma Surgery
Adjusting to life with an ostomy isn't just physical — it's deeply emotional. Feelings of grief, frustration, anxiety, embarrassment, and even relief are all completely valid and incredibly common.
Having an ostomy doesn't define who you are. It's something you have — not something you are. And what you are is someone who survived something that required tremendous courage.
Common Emotional Experiences
Grief and loss — It's natural to grieve the way your body used to work. Body image changes — Adjusting takes time, but most ostomates find their self-image improves significantly. Fear and anxiety — Worries about leaks, odour, and what others might think are extremely common early on but nearly always decrease with experience.
Building Resilience
Connecting with other ostomates — through support groups, online communities, or one-to-one peer support — can be transformative. If feelings of depression or anxiety persist, don't hesitate to speak with your GP or ask for a referral to a counsellor. Many NHS Trusts offer psychological support for people adapting to life after stoma surgery.
Take This New Stoma Patient Guide With You
Download our free, nurse-approved new stoma patient guide as a PDF — for home, your hospital appointments, or on the go.
Download Free PDF GuideLiving Your Life
New Stoma Patient Guide: Returning to Daily Life
One of the most reassuring truths: you can do virtually everything you did before. Work, travel, sport, swimming, intimacy, parenting — people with ostomies do it all, every single day.
Work & Career
Most people return to work within 6–8 weeks after surgery (sometimes sooner for office-based roles). There is no obligation to tell colleagues about your ostomy. If your job involves heavy lifting, speak with your consultant about when it's safe to return.
Exercise & Physical Activity
Exercise is not only possible — it's encouraged. Walking, swimming, cycling, yoga, and even running are all popular amongst ostomates. An ostomy support belt can provide extra security and confidence during physical activity. Discover the SIIL Ostomy belt.
Travel
Always carry stoma supplies in your hand luggage (never in the hold), bring more supplies than you think you'll need, carry a brief letter from your consultant or GP, and research where to access supplies at your destination. You can obtain a travel certificate from Colostomy UK or the Ileostomy & Internal Pouch Association.
Intimacy & Relationships
Having an ostomy does not mean the end of intimacy. Open communication with your partner is key. Confidence and communication matter far more than having a stoma.
Swimming & Water Activities
Yes, you can swim. Modern pouching systems are waterproof. Use waterproof tape for extra security, wear a support belt, and empty your bag before swimming. Many NHS hospitals and stoma charities run swimming sessions specifically for ostomates.
Tools for Confidence
Ostomy Accessories That Make a Difference
Beyond your basic pouching system, several accessories can improve comfort, security, and confidence in your daily life.
Ostomy Support Belts
Worn around the abdomen to provide support and keep the pouching system secure. Especially valuable during physical activity and sleep. Discover the SIIL Ostomy belt.
Stoma Protectors
Hard or semi-rigid covers worn over the stoma area to protect against bumps and impact. Ideal for sport, work, and sleeping on your front. Discover the SIIL stoma protector.
Barrier Rings & Paste
Mouldable rings creating a custom seal between stoma and baseplate, preventing leaks and protecting skin. Especially helpful for uneven skin or flush stomas.
Ostomy Wraps & Underwear
Specially designed garments that hold the bag close to the body for a smooth profile under clothing. Brilliant for discretion and keeping the bag secure overnight.
Deodorant Drops & Sprays
Placed inside the bag to neutralise odour. Available as drops, sprays, and sachets. Many ostomates find these give great peace of mind in social situations.
Skin Care Products
Barrier wipes, creams, and powders designed for peristomal skin. Protect against irritation and ensure a good adhesive seal. Available on prescription from the NHS.
Made for Ostomates, by Ostomates
SIIL Ostomy Support Belts
Designed for comfort, discretion, and security. Our belts are crafted from soft, breathable materials and engineered to provide gentle support without bulk. Worn by thousands of ostomates across the UK and Europe — during workouts, at work, and whilst sleeping.
Available for all ostomy types: colostomy, ileostomy, and urostomy.
Explore Our ProductsCommon Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is an ostomy?
An ostomy is a surgically created opening (stoma) in the abdomen that allows waste to leave the body when the normal route is no longer possible. The three main types are colostomy (from the colon), ileostomy (from the small bowel), and urostomy (for urine diversion). Over 170,000 people in the UK live with an ostomy.
How do I care for my stoma after surgery?
Clean the area with warm water (no soap directly on the stoma), ensure your bag fits properly without gaps, change your pouching system regularly, and monitor for colour changes. Your stoma care nurse will teach you the specific routine.
Can I exercise and travel with an ostomy?
Yes, absolutely. Most people return to full activity including exercise, swimming, travelling, and working. An ostomy support belt or stoma protector can provide extra confidence. Many ostomates run marathons, travel the world, and lead fully active lives.
What should I eat after stoma surgery?
Initially a low-residue diet, then gradually reintroduce foods one at a time. Most people can eventually eat a normal diet. Chew well, stay hydrated, and keep track of which foods affect your output. Your dietitian or stoma nurse can provide personalised guidance.
What is an ostomy belt and do I need one?
An ostomy belt provides support, security, and protection around the stoma area. Whilst not medically required for everyone, many ostomates find it gives them greater confidence during daily activities, sport, and sleep. It keeps the pouching system secure and protects the stoma.
How long does recovery take after stoma surgery?
Physical recovery typically takes 6 to 8 weeks, though many people feel significantly better within 3 to 4 weeks. Full adjustment — including emotional adaptation — often takes 3 to 6 months. Everyone's timeline is different.
Can people see my stoma bag under my clothes?
In nearly all cases, no. Modern stoma bags are designed to be low-profile and discreet. Support belts and wraps can provide additional smoothing under clothes. You'll soon learn which clothing styles give you the most comfort and confidence.
Can I swim with an ostomy?
Yes. Modern pouching systems are waterproof. Many ostomates swim regularly. Use waterproof tape, a support belt, and choose swimwear that makes you feel confident. Some stoma charities run dedicated swimming sessions too.
You're Not Alone
Support & Resources
Building a support network is one of the most important things you can do as a new ostomate. Here are trusted UK organisations to help you on your journey.
UK Ostomy Charities & Organisations
Colostomy UK — The UK's leading charity for people with a colostomy. Offers a 24-hour helpline, buddy scheme, and the brilliant "Active Ostomates" programme. Visit colostomyuk.org.
Ileostomy & Internal Pouch Association (ia) — Support and information for people with an ileostomy or internal pouch. Helpline, local groups, and excellent publications. Visit iasupport.org.
Urostomy Association — Dedicated support for people with a urostomy, including a helpline and local groups across the UK. Visit urostomyassociation.org.uk.
Bladder & Bowel Community — A wide-ranging UK charity supporting people with bladder and bowel conditions, including those with stomas. Visit bladderandbowel.org.
Your NHS Stoma Care Nurse
Your stoma care nurse (also called an SCN or stoma nurse specialist) is your most valuable resource. They can help with fitting, troubleshooting, skin issues, product recommendations, prescriptions, and emotional support. Most NHS Trusts offer ongoing stoma care clinics — don't hesitate to book a review.
Getting Supplies on the NHS
In England, stoma supplies are available on prescription and you may be entitled to free prescriptions with a medical exemption certificate (FP92A). In Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland, prescriptions are free. Your stoma nurse can help you set up a delivery service with an appliance supplier such as Fittleworth, Salts Medilink, or SecuriCare.
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