Topic Explanation:
The discussion revolves around an individual who is about to undergo a colon removal surgery and receive an ostomy due to a long battle with Ulcerative Colitis and a rapid increase in precancerous polyps, attributed to a genetic anomaly. Despite the medical team's strong recommendation for surgery, the individual faces skepticism and lack of understanding from friends, family, and coworkers, which has led them to seek support and validation from others who might have experienced similar situations.

Advice and Insights from Replies:
1. Trust in Medical Advice:
- Prioritize the opinions of your medical team over those of friends or family who may not fully understand the medical necessity of the surgery.
- Several respondents emphasized that listening to doctors who are experienced in dealing with such medical conditions is crucial.

2. Handling Opinions from Others:
- You do not need to justify your medical decisions to anyone outside your medical team.
- Consider reducing your circle to those who truly support you during this time.
- When faced with opposition or misunderstanding, some respondents suggested turning the question back on the person, asking them what they would choose if they were in a similar situation.

3. Personal Experiences and Encouragement:
- Many respondents shared their own experiences with ostomies due to various conditions, highlighting improvements in quality of life and disease management post-surgery.
- They encouraged embracing the ostomy as a life-saving measure rather than focusing on the negative aspects.

4. Dealing with Emotional Responses from Others:
- It was noted that friends and family might project their own fears and biases about living with an ostomy, which can lead to them discouraging the surgery.
- Education about the benefits and management of life with an ostomy might help others understand and support your decision.

5. Support and Community:
- Engaging with a supportive community, such as the one in the forum, can provide comfort and reassurance.
- Many respondents welcomed the individual to the community, offering encouragement and affirming the decision to proceed with the surgery for a better quality of life.

6. Reflection on Life Post-Surgery:
- Respondents reflected on their lives post-surgery, noting significant improvements in health and well-being, with some being medication-free and experiencing no recurrence of their original conditions.

In summary, the consensus among the forum participants is to trust the medical advice, seek support from those who truly