When I woke up from my ostomy surgery, the first thing I saw was a huge clear plastic bag, maybe 12 to 14 inches long, snapped onto my body and filled with brown and yellow waste.
Other than a few pictures a nurse had shown me, it was the first time I'd ever seen an ostomy bag in person. And it was mine. Nobody told me there were other options, so I assumed this was just what life looked like now.
It was a shock, to say the least. (If you're still facing surgery, I wrote about that fear in Should You Be Afraid of Ostomy Surgery?)
Why hospitals often start you with a clear bag
From what I've seen, a clear bag is standard at a lot of hospitals right after surgery. My understanding is that it's mostly practical. In those first days, your medical team wants to see your stoma, check how it's healing, and confirm you have output. A see-through bag is the quickest, easiest way to do that.
That makes sense in the hospital. What I wish someone had told me is that it doesn't have to stay that way once you go home.
Going home with a clear bag
I left the hospital still wearing a clear bag and spent my first few weeks at home with it. Every time I looked in the mirror, I saw what looked like waste hanging down my body. It was shocking and, honestly, depressing.
I didn't know I could ask for something different. I just thought this was part of the deal.
Why I'll never go back to clear
I'll be honest: I don't see why I'd ever want a see-through bag again. I don't need to see my waste. I don't need to know its color, shape, or consistency every time I glance down.
There are times it might matter, like if you're very sick, just out of the hospital, or your doctor needs you to keep an eye on things. But for everyday life, constantly seeing my output is just an unsightly part of having an ostomy that I don't need.
What I use now
After trying many different styles over the last 17 years, I've settled on Hollister ostomy products. I like that the opaque pouches keep everything contained and concealed, so I can get dressed, look in the mirror, and just see me.
The Hollister pouch I use. Photo by Richard O'Hamill.
For reference, here's what I personally use:
- Hollister New Image™ Two-Piece Drainable Pouch, Lock 'n Roll™ closure with filter – product #18183, beige, 2-1/4" flange
The beige version is beige on both sides, so nothing shows through from either direction. If you're new to two-piece systems, barrier rings and strips, I break them down in my guide to leakage, skin irritation and pouching systems.
Everyone's body and stoma are different, so talk with your ostomy nurse about what fits you best.
Ask a WOC nurse about your options
The best person to help you switch is a wound, ostomy and continence (WOC) nurse. They can check your stoma, help you find the right fit, and order samples of opaque or beige pouches for you to try.
- Find a WOC nurse in your area through the Wound, Ostomy and Continence Nurses Society (search by zip code or state).
- United Ostomy Associations of America (UOAA) has support groups, guides and patient resources. Here's why UOAA is the resource I recommend most.
- My Ostomy Resources page collects supplies, nurses and support in one place.
- If you're a nurse, see our resources for WOC nurses.
This is your notice
If you just woke up with a clear bag, or that's what you were shown, please know: there are other options, you don't have to see your waste every day, and it's going to be okay.
And if you're still using a clear bag simply because no one told you otherwise, consider this your sign. You can change it. Ask your ostomy nurse or supplier about opaque or flesh-toned pouches.
You deserve to feel comfortable in your own skin.
FAQ: Clear vs. Opaque Ostomy Bags
Why do hospitals use clear ostomy bags after surgery?
In my experience, it's so the medical team can easily see your stoma, check how it's healing, and confirm you have output in the first days after surgery.
Do I have to keep using a clear bag when I go home?
No. Once your care team is comfortable with how you're healing, you can ask about switching. I wish someone had told me this before I went home.
What's the difference between a clear and an opaque ostomy bag?
A clear (transparent) pouch lets you see your stoma and output. An opaque or beige pouch hides what's inside. With Hollister's New Image pouches, the beige version is beige on both sides, while the transparent version has a beige comfort panel only on the side against your body.
Is there ever a reason to use a clear bag?
Yes. Right after surgery, when you're very sick, or when your doctor or nurse needs you to watch your stoma or output, a clear bag can make sense. Follow your care team's advice.
How do I get samples of opaque ostomy bags?
Ask your WOC nurse or ostomy supplier. Many manufacturers, including Hollister, offer samples so you can try different styles before you commit.
Which ostomy bag do you use?
I use the Hollister New Image Two-Piece Drainable Pouch with Lock 'n Roll closure and filter, product #18183, beige, 2-1/4" flange. It's what works for me after 17 years of trying different styles.
Where can I find a WOC nurse?
The WOCN Society has a nurse referral directory you can search by zip code or state. UOAA is also a great place to find support.
More from my journey: How Ostomy Surgery Saved My Life and What to Eat After Ostomy Surgery.