Advice and Tools
For every step of your Ostomy Journey
SASS aims to advocate and align the standard of Stoma care and services across South Africa which will be applicable to both the private and public sectors.
Ostomy Care
Tips and Tricks
The South African Society of Stomates (SASS) is a Non-profit organization formed by Ostomates across Southern Africa to facilitate a “holistic” approach to ostomy patient care by bridging the gap between the private and public sectors whilst advocating for the rights of fellow ostomates throughout the country.
SASS VALUE STATEMENT
SASS is dedicated to advocating for the rights and well-being of ostomates across South Africa. We strive to bridge the gap between private and public healthcare sectors, ensuring that all ostomates receive the highest standard of care.
Our mission is to provide comprehensive support, education, and resources to empower ostomates and their families, helping them navigate their new normal with confidence and dignity. By collaborating closely with clinicians and healthcare professionals, we ensure that our community receives expert care and guidance.
Aligning with global standards set by The International Ostomy Association (IOA), we aim to foster a community where every ostomate feels supported, informed, and valued.
Featured Topics
For Living with a Colostomy, Ileostomy or Urostomy
Help us achieve
What we set out to achieve with YOUR help
GET EDUCATED
Medically reviewed surgery-specific information. Making sure you have access to the best possible care. Ostomy pouch management tips, diet & nutrition, skincare, sexuality, travel tips and more!
FEEL SUPPORTED
Support to you & your family whilst you transition into your new normal. You will have access to a local peer support group, where you can get answers to questions, or connect with our Facebook community.
BE AN ADVOCATE
We aim to advocate the standard of Stoma care across private and public sectors, whilst aligning with the global standards set out by The International Ostomy Association (IOA).
🎄✨ From all of us at SASS, we wish you a Merry Christmas and a joyful festive season! ✨🎄
May your holidays be filled with laughter, love, and comfort — and may your stoma be as stress-free as possible while you celebrate with family and friends 💚
Here’s to good health, happiness, and confidence in the year ahead! 🌟
#SASS #MerryChristmas #HappyHolidays #OstomyAwareness #OstomyLife #OstomatesOfSouthAfrica #StrongerTogether #StomaCare #FestiveJoy
Eat Smart, Feel Good!
Festive meals are meant to be enjoyed — but for ostomates (especially those with an ileostomy), what you eat can make all the difference.
🥦 Build a balanced plate:
Fill half your plate with cooked veggies and lean protein – like chicken, fish, eggs, or lentils. Add small portions of soft carbs such as rice, pasta, or potatoes.
🚫 Foods that may cause discomfort:
Raw or fibrous veggies (celery, cabbage, corn)
Nuts, popcorn, and seeds
Dried fruit
Fatty, fried, or spicy foods
Carbonated drinks and alcohol
💡 Top Tip: Chew your food well and eat slowly — it helps digestion and reduces gas.
🎥 For more practical dietary advice for ostomates, watch our video here:
👉 Watch on YouTube - SASS - Diet. The Dos & Don`ts : https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EtwccCZYmds
#OstomyLife #IleostomyTips #EatSmart #OstomateWellness #SASSupport #HealthyCelebrations #OstomyCare
Feeling dizzy, fatigued, or noticing dark urine this festive season?
These can be early signs of dehydration, and if you have a stoma, staying hydrated is even more important.
Sip smart with electrolyte-rich drinks like Stoney, Powerade, Lucozade, Oros, or Hydralyte, and boost your hydration with water-rich fruits like watermelon, oranges, grapes, cucumber, tomatoes, and melons.
Don’t wait it out, act fast and give your body the fluids it needs.
Stay ahead of dehydration and enjoy every moment of the festive season safely and comfortably! ✨🎄
#SASSTOMATES #OstomyAwareness #StayHydrated #StomaCare #OstomyLife
Choose mocktails or dry spirits with soda over sugary mixers this festive season 🍹✨
Sugar can spike stoma output and leave you feeling bloated or uncomfortable. Swap in:
🥂 Dry gin, vodka, or whiskey with soda water
🍓 Fresh fruit or herbs for flavor
🧃 Mocktails with fresh juice and sparkling water
Enjoy the party without the extra stoma drama — sip smart, stay comfortable!
#SASS #OstomyAwareness #StomaCare #FestiveTips #OstomyLife #StayHydrated #OstomatesOfSouthAfrica #StrongerTogether #SmartCelebrations
Avoid gas-triggering foods before a festive event — unless you want your stoma to steal the party with its own “🎈 ballooning” or surprise “💨 sound effects”!
Watch out for:
🥦 Broccoli, cauliflower, cabbage
🥗 Beans and lentils
🥤 Carbonated drinks
🧄 Large amounts of garlic and onions
Stick to gentle, easy-to-digest options and let the party be about laughter — not your noisy stoma 😅
Check our knowledge base for more information.
https://sasstomates.org.za/knowledge-base/colostomy/diet-and-the-effect-on-my-ileostomy-output/
#SASS #StomaCare #OstomyAwareness #NoisyStoma #BallooningStoma #FestiveEatingTips #OstomyLife #OstomatesOfSouthAfrica #StrongerTogether #StomaFriendly
Travel Essentials & Pre-cutting Pouch Advice (Page 31–32) of our SASS Survival Guide.
Traveling with a Stoma?
Be Prepared!
Don’t let TSA rules slow you down. Scissors aren’t allowed in your carry-on—so pre-cut your pouch barriers at home, pack the scissors with your extra supplies in your checked luggage, and keep your “GO bag” stocked.
Your GO bag should include: new pouch, skin wipes, adhesive remover, measuring tools, a spare shirt—everything you need for a discreet change away from home.
With a little foresight, you can travel with ease and resilience.
📥 Download our Survival Guide now to see the full checklist.
https://sasstomates.org.za/survival-guide/
#SASSTOMATES #OstomyTravel #StomaLife #OstomyAwareness #TravelWithConfidence #OstomateStrong
Party on your terms 🥳✨
Eat before you go, pace your drinks, and hydrate often — your stoma (and tomorrow you) will thank you! 💧
Confidence is knowing your limits and planning ahead so you can enjoy every moment without worry.
Celebrate smart. Live freely. 🌟
#SASS #OstomyAwareness #OstomyLife #StayHydrated #FestiveSeasonTips #OstomatesOfSouthAfrica #StrongerTogether #ConfidenceInCare #SmartCelebrations
Keep festive feasts stoma-friendly 🎄✨
Small swaps make a big difference!
🥣 Trade heavy dips for light, gut-friendly options like hummus or yogurt-based spreads
🍟 Swap fried chips for oven-baked crisps
🥗 Add soft veggies or lean proteins to balance your plate
Enjoy every bite, without the discomfort later 💚
#SASS #StomaFriendly #OstomyAwareness #FestiveEating #OstomyLife #HealthySwaps #OstomatesOfSouthAfrica #StrongerTogether #StomaCare #OstomyTips
SASS Blog
What has been happening at SASS
Restoring Dignity Through Partnership & Education
SASS and Helen Joseph Hospital Lead the Way in Stoma Care In April and May 2025, the South African Society of Stomates (SASS) partnered with Helen Joseph Hospital (HJH) in Johannesburg for a multi-day capacity-building initiative aimed at improving stoma care services in the public health system. What started as a workshop quickly became a […]
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