This topic is about preparing for an ileostomy or colostomy reversal after living with a stoma for seven months. The person sharing their story is looking forward to the reversal surgery and has some questions and concerns about what life will be like afterward. Here are some key points and advice shared:

- The person has found a supportive partner and friends, which has greatly boosted their confidence during this journey.
- They have scheduled dye tests, pre-op appointments, and the reversal surgery is set for early in the new year.
- They sometimes experience "phantom" sensations of needing a bowel movement, which can be inconvenient, especially during social events.
- To manage a very fast and high-volume output, they take three loperamide capsules every morning before eating. Without this, the output is rapid and causes weakness.
- A main concern is whether the urge to empty the new internal pouch after reversal will be as sudden and frequent as it is with the stoma. They are seeking firsthand stories to understand what to expect in terms of urgency, speed, and overall bowel control.

Additional questions and information include:

- How quickly does stool need to be passed after reversal compared to emptying a stoma bag?
- Will high-output issues continue after the reversal, and will medications like loperamide still be necessary?
- They are looking for personal experiences, both good and bad, to help set realistic expectations.

Advice and insights from others include:

1. Post-reversal urgency can vary. For the first few months, it's wise to always know where the nearest bathroom is when away from home. Some people need to go immediately when the urge hits, and diarrhea is common.
2. Gas can continue to be an issue even when other functions normalize, but many find it manageable.
3. Outcomes can differ widely. Some people describe the reversal day as "the best day of my life," while others have experienced reversal failure and needed to return to an ostomy. It's important to stay positive but also mentally prepare for a worst-case scenario to lessen potential disappointment.
4. Peer support is available, and experienced members are open to private messages for further advice.