I'm very happy with my j pouch so yes, I would recommend it.
Good luck with your decision.

PS, just curious: if you have UC why would the surgeon give you an option of leaving your rectum as stated in your choice #2?

Like Mariane I am puzzled why you would be given the option of keeping your rectum as it is a prime site for UC.

To give you some reassurance, I had my colon and rectum removed and the surgeon left no cuff so my small intestine was effectively pulled through and a new anus made with it. I am 100% continent and emptying my pouch is totally easy and controlled. Such a relief after 33 years of bowel incontinence on and off with UC.

I think it is vital if you do go down that route you are 100% sure of the experience of the surgeon. My understanding is that complete resection means in laymans terms "peeling off" the rectum including the lining of the anus without damaging any of the nerves or muscles which give you control.

I have been SO satisfied with my surgeon and told he is the best at C. Clinic, but I am embarassed to say "Why didn't I ask that". I was surprised at my 3 month visit to find I had a rectum. So this is one question I will ask when call them about my decision. There is SO MUCH TO ABSORB, in the consultation that maybe I just don't remember. Thanks for your input and I will keep you all posted when I find out. Everyone has been very helpful.

I will never great having the surgery to connect my J-pouch. I seriously considered not doing so because I felt so wonderful with the ileostomy. I kept my temporary ileostomy a full year and once I learned which products worked best for me, it was wonderful. I'm 73 years old and wondering if I wouldn't be better off with an ileostomy even though I'm have no problems with my J-pouch. If I should need full time care in my future, I think it would be much easier for a careprovider to take care of me if I had an ileostomy than if I had a J-pouch. Haven't had the conversation with my surgeon but will do so in the future.