This topic is about someone preparing for a Hartmann’s reversal surgery, which is a procedure to reconnect the bowel after a previous surgery, and at the same time, their surgeon will try to repair a parastomal hernia. They are seeking advice from others who might have had both procedures done together and are also looking for tips on how to handle the bowel preparation required before the surgery.

Here are some helpful insights and advice shared by others:

1. Start a low-residue diet three days before your bowel prep. This diet is very low in fiber and helps reduce the contents in your intestines, making the clean-out process easier.
- Foods you can eat include white bread, white pasta or rice, well-cooked skinless chicken or turkey, hamburger, slow-cooked roasts, milk or yogurt (if you can tolerate it), clear liquids, and protein drinks without added fiber.
- Avoid fresh fruits and vegetables, whole grains, and high-fiber foods.
- While this diet can be a bit monotonous, it is manageable for a short period.

2. If you usually follow a low-carb diet to manage stoma behavior, you might need to switch to a low-residue diet just for the days leading up to your surgery, unless your surgeon advises otherwise.

3. Remember, a low-residue diet is not meant to be followed long-term unless your doctor specifically recommends it. It’s intended for use just around the time of your bowel prep.

4. After your hernia surgery, be careful with heavy lifting to prevent the hernia from coming back. One person was advised not to lift more than 18 pounds until they regained their core strength.

5. For some, managing a parastomal hernia without surgery is possible. One person found that drinking plenty of water (about a gallon a day) and using Miralax daily, along with occasional Magnesium Citrate, helped them live comfortably with an unrepaired hernia for 12 years.