What is Normal After J-Pouch Surgery

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174
vivi88
Oct 25, 2025 7:36 pm

My husband got his J-pouch around 3 months ago. It's been hard for him because he felt alright with the stoma before the pouch, but now he feels worse. Losing weight, limited food choices, his tummy never feels good. He's been doing all the diets necessary for the pouch.

I know that what is normal is so subjective here. I really don't know what to expect. Will it improve or not? He really wants to go back to the stoma, but he's afraid he will lose more. Anybody have thoughts?

IGGIE
Oct 26, 2025 12:49 am

G-Day Viviana,

I put up with a J-Pouch for way too long with a lot of problems. I demanded going back to my ileostomy, and now my life is perfect with no problems.

Good luck on making the right decision.

Regards, IGGIE

Posted by: Nini4

Well,  I  hit the two year mark. I went back and read my posts from when I first found this site. I was very fortunate in that I stumbled upon it only 4 weeks post op. I have said many times that this community really saved me. The first 2 weeks after my surgery I shut down completely. It wasn't until about the 3rd week that my son came in to my room, flicked on the light and told me I was going to have to get back to living because I was scaring him. I had fallen into such a depression.  He  ticked me off,  but it also made me stop and think- what was I going to do? Feel sorry for myself and sulk, or be grateful I was alive. 

I've re-read my journals from that time and it was after my son kicked my butt, so to speak, I took an honest inventory and had to dig deeper than I've ever had to. I mean, I had survived a pretty nasty divorce, after a pretty crappy marriage and that was tough. But this was different. I felt like I was now a handicapped person who would be limited in their life and be looked at as a freak. My mental state was precarious, at best. 

But then I found this site. I just lurked a bit before posting. I read so many of the other stories and I started to see just how full my life can be, I was not handicapped,  and certainly not a freak! The stories of survival, the sense of humor, the support and compassion was inspiring.  It was then I made myself get out of the dark, and get my sh*t together.  

Not all rainbows and sunshine at first, hardly! But with grace from myself - to myself, and the kindness and willingness of the folks here to be supportive, non judgemental and openly share intimate details about their life circumstances,  l not only survived but thrived. 

I think of all the years I had suffered with such extreme pain, barely functioning,  and the many hospital stays and how that is all behind me now.  (All fingers, toes, and legs crossed that I never have to go near a hospital for myself ever again. I think I'd rather have a fork stuck in my eye. I loathe every about them.)  

So, to everyone who has been a part of this journey with me, to say thank you is not enough. I'm forever grateful to know you all.  My Angels, each one of you. 

 And as the Grateful Dead famously said,

"what a long strange trip it's been!"

Im so happy I'm tripping with you all.


warrior
Oct 26, 2025 2:21 am

Afraid to lose more weight? If he had the stoma and did well with it, he should go back to it. Some have gone back. And those that did improved 💯 %.

Better to know the devil, it's been said (waves to Iggie 👋)

Why did he choose the j-pouch? It's well documented to fail and have serious internal consequences, in my opinion, from listening to members who've had it.

Just wait. They will chime in.

Axl
Oct 26, 2025 10:04 am

I only lasted 12 months with the stupid thing. I know exactly how he feels.

vivi88
Oct 26, 2025 12:20 pm

That is his biggest regret. Well, why he chose the J-pouch is because he was hoping it would be better for sure, and the doctor didn't suggest the other way around. That also, unfortunately, made him lose trust in the doctor.

Thanks for your thought 😊

 

My Ostomy Journey: Ryan | Hollister

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vivi88
Oct 26, 2025 12:23 pm

We thought to give it some time, but it looks like it doesn't provide any hindsight. His worry is whether his condition will really improve if he goes back to the stoma. He is thinking about losing more intestines.

How are you doing after going back?

vivi88
Oct 26, 2025 12:24 pm

Thanks for the insight. We really hope to make the right decision and find a doctor who is really helpful instead of selling dreams or not revealing enough.

vivi88
Oct 26, 2025 12:28 pm

Or is there anybody that survives J-pouch without much problem, antibiotics, etc.? If so, what do you do? Strictly diet? Accepting the weight loss or how? 😞

Bumba
Nov 01, 2025 6:47 pm

In my experience, doctors love the J pouch. Patients, not so much. I only know one person out of many who is happy with the J pouch. So sorry. I have a K pouch, and it changed my life. I would never give it up.