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After your stoma surgery
Get essential advice on recovery, understanding your stoma, changing stoma bags, and choosing the right products for your needs.

Your Guide to Recovery After Stoma Surgery
Life after stoma surgery involves adjustments, but with the right guidance, you can regain confidence and independence. This guide offers practical advice to help you care for your stoma and adapt to your new routine.

Your Health, Our Priority
Have questions or need assistance with Salts Healthcare products and services? Our team is here to guide you every step of the way.




After Colostomy Surgery
A colostomy is a surgical procedure where part of the large intestine is brought to the surface of your abdomen to create a stoma for waste elimination. Here’s what you need to know:
What to Expect:
After surgery, it may take a few days for your colostomy to start working. You might experience bloating and some changes in bowel habits during recovery.Colostomy Bag Types:
Depending on your needs, you may use a one-piece or two-piece system. Both are designed to securely collect waste and protect your skin.Learning to Change Your Bag
Changing and emptying your colostomy bag becomes second nature with practice. Your healthcare team will guide you through this process step by step.Daily Care:
Proper stoma care is crucial to avoid skin irritation or infection. Using the right products and developing a routine will make this easier over time. With patience and support, you’ll adapt to your colostomy and find it doesn’t limit your ability to live a full and active life.
After Ileostomy Surgery
Feel more prepared for what’s to come with this essential advice after your Ileostomy surgery on waking up with an ileostomy; how your stoma works; changing an ileostomy bag; and choosing the best ileostomy products.
What to expect after colostomy surgery
You may have drips and drainage tubes attached to your body, but there is no reason to be alarmed – this is quite normal. If you are having a loop colostomy formed, it is also possible that you may have a “bridge” which goes underneath the loop stoma. This is a supporting rod which keeps the loop stoma in place for the first few days. This, along with the drips and drains, will all be removed when appropriate and with very little discomfort.When will my colostomy start to work?
Your colostomy will usually start to work within a few days of your stoma operation. You will have no control over when it works and may not be aware of it happening. Your colostomy may produce wind, sometimes noisy! Your stool will thicken as you start to eat and the noisy wind generally decreases.What type of stoma bag will I be wearing?
After your surgery, you will be initially wearing a drainable stoma bag as your stool may be liquid. The bag will most likely be transparent or have a viewing window, so that your Stoma Care Nurses can check on the colour and size of your stoma easily. The nurses will empty your bag until you are feeling well enough to do this yourself
After Urostomy Surgery
Feel more prepared for what’s to come with this essential advice after your urostomy surgery on waking up with a stoma; how your stoma works; changing a urostomy bag; and choosing the best urostomy products.
When will my Urostomy start to work?
You will notice that your urostomy will work as soon as it is formed and also that you have no control or sensation over when you pass urine. Initially, your urine may have a slight red colour to it – this is nothing to worry about and it will quickly return to normal. You may also notice some mucus in your urine or around your stoma. All of this is normal and is to be expected.Changing Your Stoma Bag
Getting used to wearing and changing a stoma bag takes time, but proper care is crucial for your health and comfort.
- When to Change Your Bag:
Colostomy and ileostomy bags are typically changed every 1–3 days, while urostomy bags are often changed every 2–3 days. Empty the bag regularly to prevent leaks or discomfort. - How to Change your Bag:
1. Prepare Your Supplies: Gather a clean pouch, adhesive remover, skin barrier, and cleaning materials.
2. Remove the Old Bag: Use adhesive remover to gently detach the bag and clean the stoma and surrounding skin.
3. Apply the New Bag: Ensure the area is dry, apply a new skin barrier if needed, and securely attach the clean pouch. - Skin Care Tips:
Always check for redness or irritation. Use stoma-specific products to protect the skin and maintain a good seal.

Watch animations on changing and emptying your stoma bag
Videos to help you change your stoma bag
your Stoma Care Essentials
Explore Essential Products
Mouldable Seals
Salts Mouldable Seals are highly flexible, skin-friendly rings that mold to the stoma’s shape for a customized, leak-resistant seal, protecting the skin and extending wear-time for ileostomy and urostomy users.
Stoma Paste
Stoma Paste has been specifically designed to be used as an effective filler where there is scar tissue or gaps around the stoma. It’s easy to use and, once applied creates a smooth surface for secure appliance adhesion.
We’re always here to help!
If you have any questions or require further information on any of Salts Healthcare’s products & services, please don’t hesitate to contact us.
