An ostomy surgery can be a life-changing event. How you use the restroom will not be quite the same experience anymore. Fortunately, that will be the only part of your life that will drastically change. Most of the other things you do will return to normal after you’ve fully recovered from the surgery. If you’re interested in which activities you can still do after an ostomy surgery, this article is here to guide you through them.
Exercise the Way You Want
One of the biggest things people worry about is how they will exercise with a stoma. While you’ll need to be careful about not overdoing it on abdominal weightlifting, most other moves will be entirely within your wheelhouse.
Yoga and Pilates are great ways to get back into the swing of things without pushing yourself too hard. Even more physical exercises like running, biking, and swimming are still possible as long as you use the correct ostomy pouch for them.
Eat the Food You Prefer
Food is another area that new ostomy patients tend to worry about as well, especially since you’ll be processing it differently. Fortunately, you shouldn’t have to restrict yourself on what you can eat.
Some potentially troublesome areas might include foods with tough outer skin or those that typically upset your stomach. However, there aren’t any hard and fast rules dictating what someone with a stoma can consume. Don’t be afraid to try new things. Pay attention to how they affect you and avoid them in the future if needed.
Go to Work Like Normal
Another activity you can still very much do after your ostomy surgery is eventually returning to work. You will need to take some time off right after the surgery, but performing your normal job shouldn’t be an issue once you recover. Of course, there will be some things you should know about going to work with an ostomy bag, but none of these things will deter you from doing your job the way you used to.
Travel the World With No Issue
After you’ve returned to work and put in the years needed to retire, it’s time to travel the world. Luckily, your ostomy bag won’t stop you here, either. Whether you travel by car or plane, your pouch won’t give you any issues. Just be sure to stock up on replacement ostomy supplies before you head out. It never hurts to prepare.