Hi jules10. Sorry you’re suffering from this horrible disease. Maybe worth getting a second opinion regarding surgical procedure. I would not be nervous about the “bag” following surgery, normally only temporary for a few months while the colon heals. I received laparoscopic sigmoid colectomy eight months ago (73 yrs) and doing fine at this point, back to golf/ bowling, actually feel like it never happened. The only two things I would like to pass on to you , first try to have laparoscopic if possible the recovery is so much easier than open and second, select a colorectal surgeon/facility that performs this type of surgery on a regular basis. Thoughts & Prayers!