Actually, I loved having the external bag once I figured out which products worked best for me and my skin. Finally, I could eat and drink whatever I wanted! I had full control and I felt healthy! I chose to keep my external bag for a full year and I had a hard time giving it up! So.......it is a matter of trial and error figuring out what products work best for you. The ET nurse/staff at your hospital can help you choose the best products for you. I took advantage of whatever staff was available while in the hospital to help me become as independent as possible in changing/emptying the baggie by asking them to watch me do these things and make suggestions for how I could become better at doing so. When I went home from the hospital I had a visiting ET nurse come to my house and help me figure things out giving the parameters of my personal bathroom, etc. It all paid off! It has been about 12 years since I've been "reconnected" and I'd have no problem going back to having an ileostomy if I had to do so! It's an adventure, for sure.....but......there are almost always answers which work for each of us! Best wishes!