An guard system that aids ostomy pouching systems in preventing the leakage of waste material, guards the user's stoma from blunt force trauma, aids in stabilizing the peristomal region, and helps the user's stoma to protrude is disclosed. The guard system comprises a substantially rigid body having an annular base ring and a cupped area extending generally outwardly from the annular base ring. The cupped area has a top portion and a bottom portion, and the bottom portion and the annular base ring together define an opening dimensioned to permit a waste collection bag employed by the user to be inserted therethrough during use. The guard further may comprise a connecting means to attach to a belt. The guard system may further comprise an adapter that allows the guard to be used in conjunction with a variety of faceplate flange sizes of user's ostomy appliance and provides other beneficial functions.