All is well here since my takedown in July 2002! Very few hiccups and all easily dealt with. I eat and drink everything/anything including my favorite adult beverage....gin martinis! I eat popcorn with no problems and crunchy veggies and fruits.....apples with the peel! I don't limit myself by excluding any food/drink. I do try to watch portions because I can gain a pound or two or three by just looking at a piece of cake! I was 63 years old when I had my takedown. I, too, didn't mind the ileostomy. It's wonderful to feel healthy again! Frequency of bm's doesn't bother me because there is no urgency! In fact....when I know I'm going to be occupied for hours and hours without easy access to a toilet, I just go and empty my J-pouch before leaving the house. Could never do anything like that when I didn't have a J-pouch and had a healthy colon! Best wishes!