This topic is about someone who is preparing for an ileostomy reversal surgery, which is scheduled for the 15th at 7:00 a.m. After 17 months since their original operation, they are feeling a mix of excitement and nervousness. To mark the occasion, they plan to enjoy a hearty meal of spicy foods before the surgery.

Here are some helpful insights and advice shared by others:

- For the pre-surgery feast, they plan to indulge in an authentic Mexican burrito with salsa verde, green chilies, chicken tamales, dinner tamales, and jalapeño venison sausage.
- After the surgery, they intend to avoid spicy foods for a while and switch to a bland and soft diet, including B.R.A.T. items, scrambled eggs, soups, ground beef, and baked fish.
- Six days after the operation, they are back on a regular diet but are testing their tolerance with small portions of foods like tuna sandwiches, bits of hamburger, white cake, baked Lay’s chips, Dole peaches, dry Rice Chex, and limited hospital scrambled eggs.
- To stay comfortable in the hospital, they brought along a comfort kit with Butt Paste, soft toilet paper, and baby wipes to prevent irritation.
- A surgical drain was in place for a week to prevent fluid build-up, which is a standard procedure to avoid infection or accumulation.

Additional advice includes:

- "Your only job tomorrow is to take a deep nap" – it's important to relax and let the surgical team handle everything. Bringing extra items to the hospital is okay if it makes you feel more comfortable.
- As you transition from thick liquids to solids, Gerber Baby Puffs can be a gentle snack option, and they are also enjoyed by family members.
- Drains are a common part of this surgery to prevent blood and fluid accumulation and are usually removed before or shortly after discharge.
- General recovery tips from others include:
1. Rest as much as possible and avoid rushing into activities.
2. Introduce new foods slowly and test small bites to see how your body tolerates them.
3. Expect gradual improvement and remember that you are on your way to recovery.