This topic is about a Scottish hillwalker who has been enjoying the adventure of Munro-bagging, which involves climbing mountains in Scotland over 3,000 feet, known as Munros. After receiving a stoma on New Year’s Day, he resumed his climbing activities in the summer of 2024. He has already climbed 13 Munros and shares a particularly challenging experience on Beinn Chabhair, where he faced waist-deep bogs, a navigation error that added two hours to his hike, and relentless midges. He plans to climb Ben Lui and Beinn a' Cleibh soon, aiming to reach 15 Munros before his scheduled surgery in September or October. This surgery will involve removing his bowel and colon, known as Barbie butt or anal perineal reconstruction, after which he expects to take a break for the winter season. He finds managing a stoma bag on remote hills much easier than dealing with ulcerative colitis symptoms during hikes and invites others interested in Munro trips to join him.

Here are some pieces of advice and insights shared by others:

1. Keep hiking and building stamina right up to surgery. Better pre-op fitness can help shorten recovery time, as shared by several members.

2. Life with a stoma can be far less stressful on the trail than dealing with uncontrolled ulcerative colitis or Crohn’s disease. Many members confirm that it improves convenience and quality of life.

3. For those considering a Barbie butt surgery, one member who is six years post-anal perineal reconstruction is cycling and active again and offers peer support.

4. Post-op ileostomates note that altitude or distance may limit them, but overall, outdoor activity is still possible and enjoyable.