This topic is about someone reflecting on their journey one year after undergoing a total colectomy with an ileostomy and a planned ileorectal anastomosis. Before the surgery, they struggled with severe colonic dysmotility, and after trying various treatments without success, surgery became the only option. Initially, the idea of living with a stoma was daunting, but over time, they came to accept it.

Over the past year, they have experienced both losses and gains:

1. They have faced the loss of their oversized colon, missed out on summer activities and vacations, postponed adopting a child from Colombia, spent time away from their children, experienced estrangement from friends, dealt with changes in body image, and felt a loss of control during bag changes.

2. On the positive side, they have gained expertise in managing bag changes and wound care, improved their tolerance for food despite gastroparesis, resumed traveling, experienced faster physical healing than emotional, received clearance to walk one dog at a time after shoulder reconstruction, and formed new friendships within the ostomy community.

3. They express frustration with comments suggesting they are "lucky" their husband stayed, as these remarks highlight public ignorance and stigma around ostomies. They find hope in the song "Brighter Days" as they continue their mental and emotional recovery.

The original poster also seeks advice on fruit-smoothie recipes and whether a full-size blender is necessary, as they have had trouble with single-serve blenders and find kitchen appliances hard to reach.

Here are some helpful insights and advice shared by others:

- For days with low appetite, try making a fruit smoothie. A simple recipe includes bananas, strawberries, applesauce, raspberries, lactose-free milk, cinnamon, honey, a pinch of salt, and fruit juice. This can be made in a single-serve blender and sipped throughout the day with water.

- When feeling isolated, it can be comforting to look up famous people who have ileostomies, such as President Dwight D. Eisenhower, golfer Babe Zaharias, actress Loretta Young, and various athletes and entertainers. This can serve as a reminder that you are not alone.

- Many community members offer encouragement and hope for better health in the coming year, emphasizing the importance of supportive communities for shared experiences and emotional healing.