Hi, my name is Sam. In 2014, I had my entire colon removed and endured the 3 -step jpouch surgery. I do not have a colostomy bag anymore, but I did throughout the procedures (9 months). I had my surgeries done at the Mayo Clinic, in Rochester, MN. The surgeons, doctors, and nurses were all amazing. But I want to touch on something. Diet is very important. Nowadays I eat a very high complex-carbohydrate diet with foods such as chicken, eggs, and beef, for protein. I don't eat sugar, and I don't eat simplified carbs (Like bread, chips, etc). I have learned that diet is extremely important when dealing with something like having a j-pouch. If you are having troubles with bowels, I recommend trying this diet. I recommend looking into things such as the paleo diet, and considering the ingredients in the food you eat. It appears that irritable bowel diseases seem to be growing in this day and age, and I'm starting to feel some of these processed foods/diets are playing a role. Anyway, just wanted to give my two cents. Have a good day