Most of us here chose a J-pouch over a permanent external ileostomy. A J-pouch adds complexity and a longer list of things that can go wrong, but it has substantial advantages (when all goes well) in terms of body image and independence (e.g. from ostomy supplies). The only time an external ostomy would have been more convenient for me was when I had to deal with an asian squat toilet, which will one day make an amusing essay. Some people go directly to an external ileostomy and never look back.
I'm not sure if your prior disease has any effect on the likelihood of a successful J-pouch. In any case, I hope your distal anastamosis (typical reversal) is successful. Good luck!