This topic is about the experiences and advice shared by a 33-year-old single mother who recently underwent ostomy reversal surgery after living with a stoma for two years. She is doing well post-surgery and is willing to share her journey with others who are new to living with a stoma or considering a reversal. Here are some helpful insights and advice from her experience and others:

1. Choose an experienced colorectal surgeon for your reversal, especially if a previous attempt was unsuccessful. A specialist can improve the chances of a successful outcome.

2. Prepare both physically and mentally before surgery. Some people find it helpful to lose weight, join fitness programs, and complete all necessary pre-operative bloodwork to optimize their results.

3. Be aware that adhesions can complicate a laparoscopic reversal. Sometimes, this may require converting to an open procedure with a larger abdominal incision.

4. For post-reversal bowel management:
- Small amounts of prune juice and yogurt can help ease early constipation.
- Reducing or eliminating red meat and minimizing bread intake helped one person maintain bowel regularity.

5. Pain and recovery:
- It's common to use over-the-counter pain relievers like Motrin (ibuprofen) or Tylenol (acetaminophen) daily during the first few weeks.
- Residual pain around the former stoma site and a sagging abdomen are typical but usually improve over time.

6. Exercise cautions around eight weeks post-reversal:
- Strengthening the abdominal wall is important, but avoid high-strain exercises like leg lifts and traditional crunches, as they may increase the risk of hernia. Start with gentle core-stability exercises only after getting medical clearance.

7. For those living with a stoma before reversal, one person had positive results using Hollister pouches and accessories.