My surgery was done 18 months ago at Mayo in Jacksonville. My doctor was excellent. I had a double barrel ostomy. I didn’t have anything removed. My bowels are diverted from my anus where the cancer was. So basically, two ostomies were created. One for mucous and one for poop. They both come out of the same opening in my stomach. I have used Hollister products from day one. I use a 2 piece system and a closed end bag. Medicare only pays for a certain amount of supplies so I supplement with a purchase from Amazon. The closed end bag is much cleaner and less work. I also have found that the extender strips are a lifesaver. I have had 2 leaks only. Even though I change everything every other day, my skin is fine. Sometimes it gets red but I just leave it alone. I’ve found that less is more for me. One of the big issues with ostomies is the chance of a hernia forming. Wish I payed attention to it sooner because 6 months in I developed one. I am home recovering from surgery to repair it. So, be thoughtful of everything you lift, push or pull! I think this surgery is more painful than the ostomy.
I wish you the very best! Most importantly of all, my cancer is in remission! No more scans till next March.

I had UC and had to have my colon removed 7 years ago so now I have a "plastic" colon. I empty it 6 or 7 times a day and change the bag every 3 days to prevent leakage (blowouts). I tried to stretch it to 4 days but it often leaks if I do. It does not limit my life though. I play golf and workout at the gym 3 days a week and do whatever physical activities I want including running. I never have to sit on the stool anymore or be concerned about colon cancer (which I never had) but the diseased organ was dragging my overall health down so I needed to have it removed. I prayed that I could honor God through my ordeal and exalt him through my experience and not myself. He has honored my prayer me in incredible ways. God Bless you and I hope you can see it as an advantage to a better life instead of the alternative.