I would trust what the surgeon says, and then if you make your decision don't think about it too much. stay positive and go for it...

All I can say is good luck.
If it works it's wonderful!
Richard.

Pre-op focus on nutrition, lots of protein, and getting yourself as healthy both physically and emotionally as you can be.
When I went from my Ostomy to my j-pouch I knew that I could run into problems afterwards. I decided to try for the pouch because I did not want to live always wondering "what if?". I did not want to regret never trying for the pouch. I am grateful that so far, so good.

DG,
I first want to wish you all the luck in the world and hope that this works out well for you.
Next, I second the nutrition idea but wonder if you might not want to work on an elimination diet with the j pouch once it is connected.
Starting with simple proteins like chicken, fish or light meats (ground beef?) and the, slowing working other foods into your diet like bananas and applesauce etc...avoiding all dairy, bread products etc until your pouch is happy...
Keeping a food diary as you add various products into your diet to see what works and what does not.
I am not pro or against any foods but do believe that we all have sensitivities and may do better if we avoid those foods that hurt us.
Good luck
sharon

DG, am quite surprised that your motivation for going for a pouch is "go out without fear of where or any access to a bathroom".
I have a pouch which had some problems and had been thinking of going back to an ostomy for, among others, that precise reason ! I thought that a bag is more convenient than a pouch when you're outside (a lot easier to empty), plus you can put larger bags if you want (unlike the pouch :-)).
Now my pbs have gotten a lot better but I still have a fairly small holding capacity with my pouch (say 30-60mns close to a meal and up to 3 hours at distance from a meal).
Anyway my point is : it's not clear at all for me that you'll be better with a j-pouch with respect to not having to worry about going to the toilets.
What makes you think that you would ?

Arnaud, I believe DG is hopeful things will be different because his surgeon feels he took care of the structural issues that were causing obstructions. I think he knows that the j-pouch is still imperfect compared to a healthy rectum and colon.

DG, my advice would be to try to eat small, frequent meals until you can tell how your system handles it, and give it 3-6 months to settle down. Anticipate some rough times at first. Maybe some probiotics to help keep your gut flora in check.

Good luck!

Jan

Shainy - Thank you, i hate to admit this but i am one of those over-thinkers. i constantly worry about things out of my control and always hope for the best but prepare for the worst.

Mystic - Thanks! where are you at with yours? ostomy or pouch?

Jaypea - good advice, thanks! emotionally may be tough but will persevere.

skn69- i will most def work on simple proteins, i have some remaining VSL3-DS to start immediately as well.

Arnaud - Jan is correct, i had so many issues with my first attempt at the pouch. was so tough to go and killed any semblance of a social life. The bag has given me back everything i have lost and more. I am on the fence about if i want this done but i would def rather say i made a go at it then abandoning it. In my head though removing the j pouch and staying with the bag for the rest of my life i dont seem to have an issue with. of course the non-stop thinker that i am i worry that the minute the pouch is removed and rectum done up with they will finally have made stem cell colons and are transplant-able lol. (told you i worry about things)