for Andrea & Vicky - wishing you both all the very best for your ops - i hope they go smoothly, and bring you back a life free from pain & worry. xxx
regarding 'the bag', it's going to be weird at first, it is for anyone having this surgery, whether they want/expect it or not... but it's really not that bad, honestly, and in time i'm sure you'll regard it as something very positive. if you've ever changed a baby's crappy nappy, you're already well prepared
at the very beginning, post-surgery, the nurses will take care of it, and you'll probably have a stoma nurse come to visit you and talk you through the day to day care... zoom along to a few weeks later and you'll be doing it yourself like a pro, and hardly giving it a thought. it just becomes part of you (literally, lol) and part of your life, and it really is no biggie. you can still wear the clothes you like, and even better - you can enjoy your food, your days, and make plans to go out that you have a good chance of keeping!
there are loads of people here with experience on this, so don't hesitate to shout out if there's anything bothering you.
good luck!! we'll be thinking of you both.
xx