Sorry to hear about your discomfort with the J-pouch. I had a ileostomy 8 years ago and at that time decided to go with a stoma and external bag. It concerned me about pouchitis complications and abdominal discomfort. My gastro doctor said I had a 30 per cent chance of not feeling as good as I did after surgery if I decided on the J-pouch option. I was tired of dealing with abdominal pain so I opted for the bag. It has been 8 years now living with a stoma and external bag and I am very glad I did. I work out 3 times a week at the gym, play golf, eat what I want and am enjoying life again w/o abdominal pain. I don't relish the idea of the bag but it is much better than the other option. For some people it works OK but the small intestine was never meant to be a colon. Best Regards, God Bless