The topic at hand is about the recommended waiting time before undergoing an ostomy reversal. This is a procedure where the ostomy is closed, and the normal function of the bowel is restored. People who have undergone an ostomy often wonder how long they should wait before having this reversal surgery. Here are some insights and advice shared by others who have been through this experience:

- The recommended waiting time can vary significantly, ranging from as short as 5-6 weeks to as long as 10-12 months.
- Many people mentioned that their doctors suggested waiting around 6 months, which seems to be a common recommendation.
- Some reasons for longer waiting periods include:
- Completing additional treatments like chemotherapy, which might require a wait of about 6 months.
- Recovering from a particularly challenging initial surgery and hospital stay, which could lead to a recommendation of waiting 10 to 12 months.
- Ensuring full physical healing and undergoing readiness assessments before the reversal.
- Personal choices also play a role in deciding when to have the reversal:
- For instance, one person has lived with an ileostomy for over 3 years, even though the initial estimate was just a few weeks. A second opinion suggested waiting 6 months, but the individual chose not to proceed with the reversal.
- Some real-world examples of waiting times include:
- 5-6 weeks
- 4 months, after passing pre-operative checks and being on the surgical waiting list
- 6 months, as mentioned by multiple people
- 7 months, with a near-full recovery 4 weeks after the reversal
- 8 months and 1 day
- 10 months to 1 year, with some ultimately deciding against the reversal

These experiences highlight that the timing for an ostomy reversal can be quite personal and dependent on various factors, including medical advice, personal health, and individual circumstances.