To J-Pouch Or Not To J-Pouch?

The loop has been pretty annoying to deal with compared to the end ileo, but it's been manageable - just needed to make a few new adjustments.

My biggest issue/annoyance is the consistency and frequency of the output. I HATE when the bag is filling with liquid (it just feels bulkier and heavier and makes me nervous) I've also had issues with my skin around the stoma since my surgery (After my very first bag change there was about a 50 cent piece size patch of skin missing/damaged and completely raw). So the heavy amount of liquid output has required me to change appliances more frequently as a result (I can still get four days out of a wafer sometimes though) to keep the skin issue under control.

Rice, pasta, potatoes, all the typical thickeners haven't really helped too much. I've pretty much been relying on oatmeal and bananas to keep everything thick.

Other than that things haven't been too bad. Like i said, just had to make some minor adjustments and accept the fact that a loop is fussier than an end ileo but it's only temporary. I haven't had to change set ups at all. The only difference is now I use seals with the wafers instead of paste and they've been a godsend. Pretty sure I would have had sound leaking issues if it hadn't been for them.

I hope that your mind is at ease. I wish you my very best and keep us informed as you move further!!!!

I'm happy for you that you've made your decision- that alone is huge! I swear the decision process is worse than the actual surgery... and now, at least you'll know- if it's great, awesome!@ If not, well then... But there'll be no 2nd guesses. I can't believe the amount of views/responses thise post has generated- quite a hot topic! Please, do post ASAP after surgery- I'll be thinking of you (& CarenZ, & embersglow...) as the days come to pass. Best of luck, man!

I walk A LOT and can echo Probiotic's statement. It is also extremely therapeutic, so could well help NCOT with her depression.
Eva Lou: Thank you for the kind words, one thing I am grateful for is this board, and the technology that allows it to exist/us to access it. Things must have been so much tougher for pre-internet patients, not forgetting the fact that they also had much less effective drugs/ostomy supplies and surgeries.
Time for me to stop moping around and face the rest of this journey head on I guess!
Edited to thank Probiotic for the well wishes too, how awfully redundant of me