A gait belt must not be placed on the abdomen in case of: Recent abdominal surgery or back surgery with a healing or tender incision  Pregnancy Umbilical or inguinal hernia PEG tube  Colostomy or ileostomy Place the gait belt higher on the trunk at the level of the armpits. It still needs to be snug and may need to be tightened when the patient stands. If the patient is female, be sure it is not over her breasts.