Don’t be embarrassed, it’s not one of the many things to think about after major surgery. Mine was removed during my right hemicolectomy 17 years ago and it has caused a lot of digestive issues due to SIBO. I’ve had to change my diet a lot or face the ongoing wrath of symptoms caused when colon bacteria enter my small intestine. I hope you were able to keep your icvalve, who ever thought we’d be wondering about such things? Best of luck to you.