Hi there, I have responded to two mates with questions on this subject so far. All I can say is I had mine done July 1, 2009. I had the takedown on the colostomy, 2 hernias, and what my surgeon said was a 'tummy tuck'. He did extensive surgery on me.
Was in the hospital 5 days until they are sure there are bowel sounds. After I got home, the first few weeks were not the best. Not all my problems were from the surgery though. Two weeks after the surgery, they took out the staples, told me I could shower every day and just change the dressings. Of course, wear the elastic girdle belt too.
My problems from the surgery were because he did so much of it that there were a lot of stitches. I went in at 6 weeks post-op, and he took out those stitches, and since then I am WONDERFUL. Still have to wear the girdle, but that's okay. Any pain I may have had is completely gone. Still not lift or do heavy-duty stuff.
The throne is used daily, and I am using Activa with fiber. It is doing a great job without having to use laxatives, softeners, etc. It tastes good too, 1 little carton a day or every other day.
I go back to my surgeon next week, hopefully he may release me to bowl. League starts in September.
Please mates, if your surgeon wants to reverse and you are thinking about it, it is the best decision I made. Believe me, I was scared shitless, I have COPD and the thought of going under the anesthetic and the knife had me petrified for weeks. I figured I would probably die on the table, but the Lord knew it was not my time yet and He is keeping me around for quite a while longer. The time between my temporary colostomy and the surgery was 9 1/2 months for those interested. The surgeon thought it was a good time to do it.
Good luck to all you mates who go for it.

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HenryM
If I was a relative newbie with an ostomy, I have no doubt that this site would be very helpful to me. The members are quick to respond to questions and issues and they are filled with experience. When I joined, I already had a lifetime with an ostomy, so I just regard it as a place to meet and communicate with other folks similarly situated. Either way, it is a good site.
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Hollister
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Learn about some strategies that can make it easier to talk about your stoma.