As the owner of GBmates, I’ve had the privilege of connecting with so many incredible people who’ve faced the challenges of living with an ostomy head-on. One of the most common topics that come up in our conversations is fitness. There’s a lot of curiosity, some fear, and a whole lot of determination when it comes to staying active with an ostomy. So, today, I’m sitting down with a fellow ostomate who’s been through the ups and downs of this journey, and we’re going to share some real, practical tips on how to keep moving and grooving, ostomy and all.
Me: Let’s talk about the elephant in the room—fear. It’s completely natural to feel hesitant about jumping into a fitness routine after surgery. How did you overcome that?
Jenny: Oh, I was terrified at first! I remem
ber thinking, “What if I damage my stoma?” or “What if my bag leaks in the middle of a workout?” But the turning point came when I realized that my ostomy wasn’t a limitation—it was a new way of living. The fear started to fade when I took things one step at a time. I started with light activities like walking and gradually worked my way up.
Me: Absolutely! It’s all about baby steps. I always tell people, start slow, listen to your body, and don’t push yourself too hard too soon. Fitness is a marathon, not a sprint.
Me: Now, let’s talk about gear because, let’s face it, the right equipment can make or break your workout. How important has it been for you to find the right ostomy support?
Jenny: Game changer! I cannot stress enough how crucial it is to have the right support. I’ve tried different belts, wraps, and covers, and they make all the difference. When I found a belt that fit just right, it felt like a security blanket. It gave me the confidence to move freely without constantly worrying about my ostomy.
Me: That’s music to my ears! It’s exactly why I started GBmates—to create products that make people feel secure and stylish. I wanted to design something that you can wear with pride, something that doesn’t just support you physically but also boosts your confidence.
Me: Let’s dive into the actual workout routines. What kind of exercises did you start with, and how did you gradually increase the intensity?
Jenny: I began with low-impact activities like walking, swimming, and yoga. These were gentle on my body but still helped me stay active. Yoga, in particular, was fantastic for building core strength and flexibility, which are so important when you have an ostomy. Over time, as I felt stronger, I started incorporating light weights and resistance bands into my routine.
Me: Yoga is such a great starting point. It not only strengthens the core but also promotes mindfulness, which helps in dealing with any anxiety about your ostomy. And like you said, as you get stronger, you can start incorporating more resistance and weight training. But again, the key is to go at your own pace.
Me: One thing people often overlook is hydration and nutrition, especially when you’re working out with an ostomy. How do you manage that?
Jenny: Hydration is vital. I make sure to drink plenty of water before, during, and after my workouts. And let’s not forget about electrolytes—sometimes, plain water isn’t enough, especially if you’re sweating a lot. I keep a stash of electrolyte drinks handy to replenish what I lose. As for nutrition, I focus on a balanced diet with plenty of protein and fiber, which helps keep my energy levels up without upsetting my stomach.
Me: Spot on! Hydration can’t be stressed enough, particularly because an ostomy can change how your body absorbs fluids. And yes, a balanced diet is crucial. I always recommend keeping a food journal to track what works for you and what doesn’t. Everyone’s body reacts differently, so it’s important to listen to yours.
Me: Let’s be real—setbacks happen. How do you stay motivated when things don’t go as planned?
Jenny: Oh, I’ve had my fair share of setbacks! There were days when I just didn’t feel up to working out, either because of fatigue or just not feeling well mentally. But I learned to be kind to myself. If I missed a day, I didn’t beat myself up about it. Instead, I focused on what I could do. Maybe that day it was just stretching or a short walk, and that was okay.
Me: That’s such an important message. Self-compassion is key. It’s easy to get frustrated, but remembering that every bit of movement counts can make a huge difference. It’s not about perfection; it’s about progress.
Me: Now, confidence—how do you maintain it, especially on days when you’re just not feeling it?
Jenny: Confidence, for me, comes from preparation and mindset. When I know I’ve got the right gear, like my GBmates belt, and when I’ve planned my workout around how I’m feeling, I’m more confident. I also try to keep a positive mindset. I remind myself of how far I’ve come and that I’m stronger than I give myself credit for. Some days, just putting on my workout clothes is a victory!
Me: I love that! It’s all about those small victories. Whether it’s putting on your workout gear or completing a session, it’s important to celebrate every win. And having the right support system, whether it’s your gear or your community, can make all the difference.
Me: Before we wrap up, let’s share some tips for staying motivated. What keeps you going?
Jenny: Setting small, achievable goals has been a big motivator for me. Instead of focusing on long-term goals that can feel overwhelming, I set short-term ones like increasing my walking distance by a little bit each week. I also find it helpful to mix things up—try new activities to keep it fun. And, of course, connecting with others in the ostomy community for support and encouragement is invaluable.
Me: Great advice! Variety really is the spice of life, and it keeps things interesting. For anyone reading this, remember that fitness is a journey, and it’s okay to have ups and downs. What matters is that you keep moving forward, one step at a time.
You’ve Got This!
To everyone out there with an ostomy, remember that staying active is possible and incredibly beneficial, not just for your body but for your mind as well. It’s about finding what works for you, taking it one day at a time, and most importantly, being kind to yourself along the way. With the right mindset, gear, and support, you can achieve anything you set your mind to. So, lace up those sneakers, strap on that GBmates belt, and get moving—you’ve got this!
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