You can have a "normal" life with a jpouch, where that means you can live the lifestyle yuo want with little to no issues due to the jpouch. I do not have that, and many others do not. Whereas most people throw around a "over 90% satisfaction" number, I really doubt that. 10% will be rediagnosed with Crohn's, 10% will get chronic pouchitis, others will get chronic cuffitis, and others will deal with other issues. The problems with it are understated by surgeons and GI's. That said, I think odds are in your favor that you will have an "acceptable" outcome.
I would encourage you to stay away from surgery as long as possible, and when you do have surgery, try a "temporary" end ileostomy before making a decision about jpouch or ostomy. Ostomies have their downsides, but tend to be a much more consistent means of eliminating GI symptoms and UC.