This topic is about recovering from ileostomy surgery, particularly when the entire colon has been removed. It covers concerns about recovery time, managing output consistency, and strategies for regaining weight after surgery. Here are some helpful insights and advice shared by others who have been through similar experiences:

1. Strategies for Gaining Weight:
- Try eating at least five times a day, focusing on calorie-dense and high-fat foods, including sweets.
- Consider adding cream to your meals and choosing foods like loaded baked potatoes (without the skin), bread, and buns.
- Some people have successfully gained weight by eating a lot, with one person gaining a pound a day for 45 days, while another gained 1-2 pounds every two weeks over three months. Progress can vary, but gaining weight is possible.

2. Recovery and Appetite Timeline:
- Your appetite may return gradually. Many people find it takes a couple of months before they can resume normal activities.
- Even if the pain subsides, internal healing continues, so it might take time for your energy levels and weight to return to normal.

3. Managing Output and Food Effects:
- With an ileostomy and no colon, expect liquid output since the colon, which absorbs water, is no longer there.
- To thicken output, try eating marshmallows, white or sweet potatoes, applesauce, pasta, and bread.
- Foods that can loosen output include most fruits and vegetables, especially leafy greens like lettuce and spinach, which may appear quickly in the pouch.
- Some people prefer a thicker output, but it can cause the pouch to "pancake" and push up, so a more liquid consistency might be preferable for some.

4. Understanding Transit Time:
- Typically, it takes about 4-6 hours for food to travel from eating to appearing in the pouch, though some vegetables might show up sooner.

5. Surgery Terminology and Reversal Prospects:
- "Resection" refers to the removal of part of the intestine, while "reversal" means reconnecting the remaining bowel.
- An ileostomy can be reversed even if the entire colon is removed, but expect permanently loose stools and a higher risk of accidents due to reduced water absorption.