mythem

Great choice! Some advice for once you start pooping out of your butt again - get something called Calmoseptine ointment (usually used for diaper rash) and apply it liberally all around your anus after you get things reconnected but BEFORE your first post-surgery "poop". The first few days are probably going to feel like liquid acid is pouring out from down there. I still keep it around for the occasional spicy poop nowadays, 4 years after surgery.

Have you considered getting a J-pouch (internal pouch made of small intestine connected to your anus) instead of getting the bag? If so, what made you choose the bag over the J-pouch? I got a J pouch when I was 18 for UC and for the few months I had a bag while it was healing, my skin broke out in terrible rashes all the time :/