This topic is about preparing for robotic surgery to remove rectal cancer and create an ostomy. The person scheduled for surgery is seeking advice and insights from others who have gone through similar experiences. Here are some helpful points shared by others:

1. Hospital Stay and Recovery:
- The abdominal or stoma wound typically heals in about a month, while the perineal incision might take three months or more. It may leak fluid or develop bubbles that need draining.
- Radiation treatment can slow down healing. If the rectal wound remains open, consider asking about Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT).
- Sitting can be tender, so using cushions like the "TUSH CUSH" can provide comfort.

2. Ostomy Pouching and Supplies:
- Hospital-provided pouches may leak easily. Once home, reach out to manufacturers for free samples of different pouch systems to find what suits you best.
- Arrange for supplies and a medical-supply distributor in advance. Edgepark is recommended for handling insurance claims. Initially, order supplies monthly until you find the right products, then switch to three-month shipments.

3. Diet After Surgery:
- If you have an ileostomy, start with a low-fiber, low-residue diet and gradually introduce new foods, chewing thoroughly.
- With a descending or sigmoid colostomy, most people return to a normal diet after initial healing. Introduce foods slowly and be mindful of those that may cause gas, like bananas or spicy foods.
- No routine fluid or bladder issues were reported by others.

4. Chemotherapy and Radiation Timing:
- Some had chemotherapy both before and after surgery, typically restarting a couple of months post-op once wounds were stable. Radiation might not shrink tumors but can prolong wound healing.

5. General Recovery Tips:
- Walking early and often aids recovery and bowel function.
- Learning ostomy skills before surgery is beneficial, as post-op fatigue can make learning more challenging. Online forums can offer detailed guidance.
- Healing can take up to a year, and progress varies for each person. Stay patient and don't hesitate to ask questions—fellow ostomates are often eager to help.