Reversal surgery, also known as ostomy reversal, is a procedure to reconnect the bowel after a temporary ostomy. This can be a significant step for those who have had an ostomy due to various medical conditions. If you're preparing for this surgery, here are some insights and advice from people who have been through it:

1. Choosing the right surgeon:
- It's important to select a colorectal surgeon or one who frequently performs reversal surgeries. Emergency general surgeons might not have the same level of experience.

2. Pre-operative investigations and bowel preparation:
- Your surgeon might recommend a colonoscopy or a barium enema to check the bowel. Both the stoma and rectum may be examined.
- Bowel prep can be extensive, even with a stoma. You might need to drink a gallon of GoLYTELY the day before and use a Fleet Bisacodyl enema six hours before surgery.
- Consider ordering the enema online if local stores are out of stock.
- Shaving the pubic area a day or two before admission can help, as hospitals may not do this anymore.

3. Anesthesia and immediate hospital stay:
- Some people find Dilaudid has fewer side effects than morphine, though it can still cause hallucinations.
- Expect more pain at the incision site compared to your first surgery. Walking is encouraged early on, usually by the second day.
- The typical hospital routine includes clear liquids for the first 24 hours, soft solids on the second day, and discharge after the first bowel movement, often by day four or five.
- Passing dark blood initially is normal.

4. First weeks at home:
- Having help is beneficial but not always necessary. Tasks like changing dressings and cooking can be tiring, so plan for assistance if needed.
- Wound care involves daily saline-soaked gauze, and some drainage might continue for weeks.
- Pain management will likely transition from narcotics to over-the-counter medications, and stool softeners may be discontinued after a few weeks.

5. Bowel function and diet:
- Bowel movement frequency usually stabilizes over time. Some people use Miralax and stool softeners initially, then gradually reduce them.
- Minor urgency or leakage can occur, so carrying supplies is a good idea.
- The urge to defecate might feel higher in the abdomen at first.
- Reintroduce foods slowly and avoid nuts, seeds, grapes, and high-fiber skins until you know you can tolerate them.
- Foods like watermelon, pasta, and spinach dip can help regain appetite, and weight loss is common but typically stabilizes.
- Limit Imodium early on to keep stools loose and avoid straining the surgical site.

6. Supplements and medications:
- Zinc and a women's multivitamin can support healing.
- Omeprazole can help with heartburn.
- Probiotics may reduce milk and carbohydrate intolerance and post-op diarrhea. They should be refrigerated and taken two hours after meals.
- Apple cider vinegar tablets have helped some with lactose and carbohydrate intolerance.

7. Long-term issues to watch:
- Hernias at the stoma site or incision can cause a bulge, pain, or drainage and might need laparoscopic repair.
- Persistent bleeding beyond the early healing phase should be checked with imaging to rule out fluid or gas pockets.
- Adhesions are common after multiple surgeries and can lead to future obstructions, so ask about preventive measures.

8. Mind-set and support:
- Many online stories focus on worst-case scenarios, so try to stay optimistic and avoid forums that only discuss complications.
- Celebrate milestones like walking, going out, and returning to normal activities. Full recovery can take over eight weeks.
- Living alone is possible, but home-health visits or part-time help with cooking and housework can reduce stress.