Losing Weight for Colostomy Reversal: Seeking Advice

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229
Tee in TX
Aug 18, 2025 1:45 pm

Hey everyone, I had an unexpected emergency colostomy due to an infection in my colon. Needless to say, I was not emotionally or mentally prepared for this. My surgery has referred me to a weight loss specialist. If I lose weight (50-60 lbs), I could have a reversal. That being said, has anyone had to lose weight in order to have a reversal?

Beachboy
Aug 18, 2025 4:50 pm

So, to be clear, you have a regular colostomy and not a loop colostomy? A loop type is typically temporary.

Knowing exactly what type you have will allow MaO members to provide you with a relevant answer to your question.

Posted by: iMacG5

Hi Crossley. Ya know, I think it’s all about feelings. I don’t mean the pain feelings which could control everything. I mean the feelings inside our heads, our hearts and even our souls. I mean the feelings of who we are now compared to who we were; how we accept our situation or maybe we don’t. My wife asked how I felt and I said, “like crap”. She asked what hurt and I answered, “Nothing hurts, well, everything hurts, I don’t know, It all sucks.” That was a long time ago. You question if your feelings are normal. How normal is it to relocate your butt hole to your belly where it’s usually in the way of your belt and, you know. But that’s where we are and for lots of us we are so much better off than we were before, physically. Emotionally, psychologically, well, that might be a different story. I believe talk therapy is wonderful if we could find a real empathic or sympathetic listener. So guess what! I found MAO and began “talking” with a keyboard with some of the wisest, kindest most sympathetic and compassionate folks on the planet. Regardless of where we’ve been, lots of folks here have been there and worse places and found their way back healthier and happier. We really do help each other.
Keep “talking”,
Mike

IGGIE
Aug 18, 2025 10:44 pm

How long have you had your colostomy? And are you managing it OK?

50 to 60 pounds is one hell of a lot of weight to lose. If you're managing your stoma OK, have you considered keeping it and not going for the reversal?

Regards, IGGIE

Maried
Aug 19, 2025 12:57 am

Do you ask why weight loss is required before the surgery is done?

dtnelsen
Sep 16, 2025 10:09 pm

I say give the weight loss a try; over time, you could do it if you put your mind to it.

 

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