FWIW, I had Colon removed Mid July 2014 and takedown Mid October 2014 (aged 60). The surgery was the standard cut from pubis to breastbone-ish with a loop ileostomy right hand side. I can honestly say there wasn't much pain (much less than I was anticipating, which in and of itself is a major worry). Worst was the back pain after 5.5 hours surgery being twisted every which way but loose. Healed quickly. Out of hospital 2.5 Weeks
I had issues with the bag leaking until I got the Convex type (which look like they wouldn't seal in a million years, but actually performed admirably). Hated the bag, would have serious issues if I had to go back (but that's me).
Takedown was equally uneventful, out of hospital in 2.5 days. Frequency of BMs is an issue. I take metamucil at least twice a day (if I don't BMs are fluid). If I don't eat till the evening meal, I have maybe one BM during the day (and that's generally passing the metamucil). Have more after the evening meal and am up at least twice during the night. Yes there are leaks, but not unmanageable, and not worth wearing anything special (although I sleep on a towel just in case). I am assuming it gets progressively better. Can travel without restriction and eat (almost) anything. I note the passage of foodstuffs is 5.5 hours (I just eat something spicy to prove it).
Look, metamucil (for me) is essential. Use hydrsolve cream (1% cortizone W/W). This gets rid of any itch/burning quickly. If you don't want to have a BM during the day, don't eat - sounds harsh, but it's simple (for me at least).
One thing I didn't realise that when your colon is removed the J-Pouch is manufactured and connected (just bypassed with the loop ileostomey). So the takedown surgery is only closing the hole in your small intestine, stuffing it back in and closing the hole in your stomach wall, by comparison, quite minor. The key is that the JPouch is ready....
This is what happened with me, everyone is different. Bottom line, not perfect, but way better than before (and bags are not for me).