This topic is about a person who is preparing for a staged colectomy, which is a surgical procedure involving the removal of the colon. The surgery is being done in two stages by a new surgeon at a different hospital. Here's a breakdown of the plan and some advice shared by others:

1. The first stage involves a total colectomy with an end ileostomy, scheduled for November 27.
2. The second stage, planned for June, will involve the removal of the rectum and anus, followed by a Barbie-bum closure.

The surgeon has chosen this two-step approach for several reasons:
- It allows the patient to stop taking long-term prednisone, gain a healthier weight, and improve their overall condition before undergoing the more extensive pelvic surgery.
- It reduces the risk of hernias and prolapse, which can occur if everything is done at once, especially in patients who heal slowly due to steroid use.

Before the operation, the patient has a few things lined up:
- Stoma site marking is scheduled for Black Friday.
- Lab work has been completed.
- A phone consultation with anesthesia is set for Tuesday.

The patient is feeling a mix of relief and anxiety and is open to prayers and advice.

Here are some insights and advice shared by others:
- Many people have offered emotional support, prayers, and encouragement for a smooth surgery and recovery.
- One person shared their experience with a similar two-stage plan, noting that their recovery was better than those who had everything done at once, although they did experience an ileus after the second surgery.
- Another person mentioned that a conservative surgical strategy, like this one, often leads to fewer complications and better healing when major procedures are spaced out.