I had a two step ileostomy with a J-pouch created during the first step. I surprised myself by adjusting so well to my ileostomy that I was reluctant to give it up and so I kept it for a full year. It was a Godsend! I could eat and drink whatever I wanted for the first time in years! Crunchy veggies and salads became my go-to foods after having to deprive myself of them for years. Once I figured out which ileostomy products worked best for me (much trial and error and help from an enterostomal nurse) I didn't need to change my baggie any more frequently than once weekly. When my son convinced me to go ahead with the take down he reminded me that if I didn't like my pouch I could revert to another system. I actually cried on the operating table and my surgeon told me I could still change my mind. I told him to go ahead. That was in 2002! I love my J-pouch. I especially love being able to eat and drink whatever I want and not to have to deal with all the paraphernalia maintaining an ileostomy requires. Best wishes!