Although I had to have my J pouch removed, I strongly did not want to go the ileostomy route. I did my research and opted to get a BCIR (similar to a K pouch) which does not require having an external bag. There is nothing wrong with deciding to get an ileostomy and many people have had satisfactory results with one. It is a personal decision best made after researching the available options.
Any surgery to remove a j pouch and sew up your bottom is complex and best performed by a surgeon who had done many of them. For me, the surgery went very well, but took longer due to the presence of adhesions from prior surgeries. I recovered quickly after my surgery and can do any of the things I enjoy and eat almost anything I want. I empty my pouch 4-5 times a day at my convenience with a small silicone catheter and cover the stoma with a small absorbent dressing. I have had no leakage, skin irritation or the need to deal with the supplies needed for a conventional ileostomy. The catheters and dressings cost me under $200 per year. My GP found that I was low in iron, feritin and vitamin B-12, but oral supplements corrected that. I am not trying to “sell” you in the BCIR or K pouch, but these are two options you may want to learn more about. Please feel free to send me a PM if you have any questions.
Bill