This topic is about understanding what happens after a J-pouch takedown surgery, especially in terms of how much small bowel remains and the implications for Short Bowel Syndrome (SBS). The person sharing their experience had a J-pouch that didn't work out due to severe inflammation, and they are now trying to figure out how much of their small intestine is left and what that means for their health.

Here are some helpful insights and advice:

1. The exact length of the remaining small bowel can vary from person to person. It's best to get this information from your surgical team. Often, the focus is on how well your body functions rather than just the length of the bowel.

2. Short Bowel Syndrome happens when a significant portion of the intestine is removed, leading to problems with absorbing fluids and nutrients. The severity of SBS depends on both the length and the specific parts of the intestine that were removed.

3. If the terminal ileum has been removed:
- You may need to take Vitamin B-12 supplements.
- Be aware of possible fat intolerance and adjust your diet as needed.
- It's important to stay well-hydrated.

4. There are medications that can help slow down bowel movements and improve absorption:
- General anti-diarrheal medications like loperamide or diphenoxylate/atropine.
- Some people use codeine phosphate for its side effect of causing constipation, but only under medical supervision.

5. After ileostomy surgery, it's common to have a high output initially. This usually improves over time, often taking weeks to months.

6. If you experience very high output and dehydration, you might need:
- Intravenous fluids to stay hydrated.
- Total Parenteral Nutrition (TPN) to give your bowel a rest and ensure you get the nutrition you need.

7. Keep a close eye on your weight, blood pressure, and hydration levels. If you're struggling to manage fluid loss, it's important to seek medical help.