First surgery Sept 3 2019, 2nd Dec 27 2019 and takedown Feb 26 2020. The second was not more painful for me except stinging on the skin on my stomach, around the stoma. That first week I wasn't sure what it was but it was due to leakage from the loop ostomy. I had a lot more leakage with the loop and to me that was the worst. Just be prepared for that and make sure you have an appliance/bag that fits you well. Work with your ostomy nurse on that proactively and the time between steps 2 and 3 will go much smoother. I had no leaking with my end ostomy, lots with my loop. Use stoma powder too and protect your skin. Best of luck as you move towards takedown!