Some people tend to apply the baseplate – to ensure fit and placement – then apply the pouch. Others just apply the whole two piece system like they would a one piece. This is a personal preference and dependent on circumstance – ie I would apply a two piece in its entirety if I was changing and my stoma was abit more active that I would ideally like during a change!

Adjusting to a colostomy can be difficult at first, but it does not mean you cannot enjoy a full and active life. Your prescription can either be taken to the pharmacist or sent to a specialist supplier, who will deliver the products. Colostomy irrigationThis is not to say that you can’t use a different system for your stoma. Ileostomates favour two piece systems as much as colostomates and urostomates. It’s all down to personal choice and preference. In the first few weeks after having a colostomy, you'll probably be advised to have a low-fibre diet. These bags are commonly used for ileostomies. This is due to the nature of their stoma; it products more output of a porridge like consistence and can hold up to being on the skin for days at a time. It is a cost efficient way to wear and use a pouch, if you have a consistent output. This applies very similarly to urostomates too. Above: The Coloplast Sensura Mio one piece system and the Hollister Moderma Flex one piece system. What is a Two Piece System? On all three, you can see thevisible flange area, where thecutting range sits and where the stoma sit inside of the ring to help stabilise the baseplate when it attaches to a pouch. Pros and Cons Pros – One Piece

Colostomy appliances are made from hypoallergenic materials to reduce skin irritation. They also contain special filters to prevent any unpleasant smells. If you have regular and predictable bowel patterns, you may not always need to wear a colostomy bag. But as occasional leakages can happen, it's recommended that you wear a small stoma cap. However, different manufacturers do different things: Salt’s only do two piece in closed and drainable pouches, not for urostomies. And Dansac and Pelican only do one piece bags. A two piece system is where the pouch and flange remain separate and are put together during a change. You'll be given an initial supply of colostomy appliances, as well as your prescription information, before you leave hospital. You can get further prescriptions from your GP.You'll have more gas than usual immediately after having a colostomy, but this will slowly reduce as your bowel recovers. Sometimes, you can get more wear out of a two piece system. If the baseplate is cut and applied perfectly, you can get days wear out of it. This is favourable to colostomates who have predictable output.

Two piece system are usually something that are experimented with after surgery and the stoma has settled down. It can take some dexterity and strength to get the two pieces of the system together. Being able to experience with two piece system if you have always used a one piece is a good learning curve. It can be used well if you are travelling, if you go walking alot without a bathroom break, if you swim or enjoy showering without your bag. Sometimes a two piece bag might be more visible under clothing, as the coupling has to be hard to ensure the integrity of the bag. Most types of exercise are possible with a stoma, including swimming, as all colostomy bags are waterproof.Irrigation is an alternative to wearing a colostomy appliance. It involves washing out your colon with water either every day or every other day. Closed: means that the pouch has no opening at the end. This means that the bag is changed when full, either in its entirety – baseplate and pouch – or just the pouch; if it’s a two piece system. You should be able to return to the diet you previously enjoyed. If you previously had a restricted diet, you should be able to reintroduce the restricted foods. Smell and gas