Can you share your journey to embracing body positivity as a young woman with a stoma?
“Growing up, I was never body confident – I always felt different from everyone else. When I became ill, things got even harder. Being put on steroids left me constantly bloated, and I struggled with how I looked. Then, after my stoma surgery, my body changed forever. I also lost a lot of weight, which was something I had wanted before I got sick, but now it felt different.
Having my stoma completely changed my outlook. My stoma saved my life, and instead of focusing on how my body looked, I started appreciating what it had been through. My body is incredible for everything it has endured – it kept me going through surgeries and recoveries. That shift in perspective helped me become more confident in myself.
Eventually, I realised it doesn’t matter what others think. If you feel confident in yourself, that confidence radiates outward and inspires others too. My stoma became a symbol of strength, and learning to embrace it allowed me to embrace myself fully.”
What were some of the biggest challenges you faced when it came to feeling confident in your own skin?
“Waking up after surgery to such an extreme change in my body – scars and a stoma, was a lot to process. It felt overwhelming at first, but everything shifted when I changed how I viewed my body. Instead of focusing on what had changed, I started seeing it as a positive, a reminder that my body had kept me alive and given me the chance to keep living my life. That perspective helped me grow confident in my skin and truly appreciate the strength and resilience of my body.”
What steps did you take to build your confidence and embrace your body after surgery?
“I started small, allowing my body the time it needed to recover without passing judgment on myself. I focused on healing and listened to what my body needed. As I progressed further in my recovery, I began taking small, intentional steps to care for myself.
I started applying cream to my scars, not just as part of the healing process but as a way to honour them. I looked at them with pride, recognising the strength they symbolised. I would stand in front of the mirror, look myself in the eye, and say out loud, “I’m proud of you. You’ve been through so much, and you’re beautiful and inspiring.”
Saying it out loud was important, it made the words real and allowed me to truly believe them. It was a powerful reminder that self-love starts with how we speak to ourselves.”
What role has social media or community support played in helping you feel positive about your body?
“Seeing other ‘normal’ people living with a stoma has been incredibly empowering – it’s made me feel less alone. Watching others share their highs and lows has shown me that everything I’m feeling is completely valid. It’s a reminder that I’m not alone in this journey, and it’s helped me gain a more positive perspective on myself and my experiences.”
How do you approach fashion and style as a young woman with a stoma? Any tips for others looking to feel confident in their outfits?
“I love wearing high-waisted clothes because they help me feel more covered and secure. A good pair of knickers or supportive briefs can make all the difference in feeling comfortable and confident. I’ve also learned that while it might feel like your stoma is big and noticeable when it’s filling, most people won’t notice it nearly as much as you think. That realisation has been so reassuring!”
What advice would you give to other young women who are struggling with body image after getting a stoma?
“Be kind to yourself and take things one day at a time because progress doesn’t happen overnight. Remember, your body has been through so much, and that makes you incredible. Everyone’s journey is unique, and your body’s journey includes an amazing bag for life that tells your story. Celebrate that strength and resilience!”
What’s one mindset shift or perspective that helped you embrace your new body?
“My body carried me through the hardest times, and I realised I should love it for being there for me, not hate it.”
Can you share a moment where you felt truly empowered and confident as a young woman with a stoma?
“When I went on holiday for the first time, I wore my bikini every single day, proudly showing off my amazing body and the story it tells. (P.S. Noone stopped or stared, they were too busy enjoying themselves!)”
What’s your mantra or message for starting 2025 with confidence?
“You only get one body and one life – don’t waste it on self-hate. Instead, love and appreciate your body for all it’s been through and celebrate how far you’ve come on your journey.”
Thank you to Oktober for sharing her experience with us – we love hearing from our community and supporting them on their ostomy journey.
