This topic is about preparing for loop ileostomy surgery, specifically focusing on concerns about bowel preparation before the procedure. The person scheduled for surgery has had trouble with bowel preps in the past and is worried about not being fully "cleaned out" on the day of surgery. They are curious if the surgical team will handle any remaining stool during the operation.

Here are some helpful insights and advice:

1. If the bowel prep doesn't completely clear out the bowel, surgeons can clean out any remaining stool during the surgery. Many people have had successful surgeries even when their prep wasn't perfect.

2. It's important to follow the prep instructions as best as you can, but don't worry too much if the output isn't clear. Surgical teams are prepared to manage this situation.

3. Starting the prep earlier than instructed and staying hydrated by drinking plenty of water can help, especially for those with slow bowel movements.

4. Using the full gallon of the polyethylene glycol (PEG) solution, which you can get from the pharmacy, is standard. The goal is to have watery diarrhea, which shows that the laxative is working to break up the stool.

5. Even if the bowel prep doesn't seem to work perfectly, surgeries usually proceed safely. It's rare for a surgery to be postponed if the patient has done their best to follow the prep instructions.