This topic is about preparing for and recovering from a colostomy reversal surgery. It includes questions to ask your medical team before the procedure and what to expect afterward. Here are some key points and advice shared by individuals who have gone through this experience:

1. If you have a bleeding granuloma after reconnection, it is typically removed during the surgery, and no bleeding is expected.
2. JP drains are only used if the surgery cannot be performed laparoscopically.
3. The success rate for this type of surgery is generally very good, with no major issues anticipated.
4. There is a 10-15% chance of diverticulitis returning after the surgery.
5. The chance of a hernia returning in the same spot is about 1%, but it could occur elsewhere, so it's important to protect your core.
6. Hernia repair involves excising the bulge and stitching the muscles, with possible reinforcement using cadaveric material if needed.
7. You might start feeling better in about 2 weeks, with full healing taking around 6 weeks.
8. Post-operative diarrhea usually lasts 2-3 weeks, but can sometimes extend beyond 6 weeks.
9. Immediately after surgery, you can expect abdominal pain, pressure, swelling, and watery or bloody stools.
10. The recommended diet plan starts with clear liquids until bowel sounds return, followed by a low-residue/low-fiber diet for 2 weeks, with a focus on high-protein foods throughout.
11. An NG tube might be used during surgery but is unlikely afterward if you were already on liquids and did bowel prep.
12. Signs of a leak include feeling unwell, fever, and fainting, though leakage is not expected.
13. Full recovery is expected.

Additional insights and advice include:

- It's helpful to compile personalized questions for your medical team in advance, perhaps using a phone note.
- Consider timing your surgery around life events to allow for extra recovery time.
- After healing, a diet with 30 grams of fiber per day, well-cooked vegetables, a daily probiotic pill, probiotic vegan coconut yogurt after meals, and vitamins C, D, and B12 is recommended.
- Avoid popcorn, and be cautious with nuts and seeds, even though newer research suggests they might be safe.
- Incorporate daily walking to offset long periods of sitting, and consider occasional powdered vegetable drinks.
- Individual food triggers can vary, so test foods cautiously. Some people find that foods like cauliflower, popcorn, and raw nuts or seeds can cause issues.
- Post-op diet and supplements that have helped others include aiming for about 30 grams of daily fiber once cleared by your surgeon, using fiber supplements like Metamucil, and incorporating probiotics and vitamins for healing and flare prevention.
- To protect the abdominal wall after hernia repair or reversal, follow lifting restrictions and core-strength guidance from your surgical team to minimize the risk of recurrence.