My mother-in-law, a very healthy 79 year-old, had to have a large section of bowel removed. She weathered the surgery beautifully and suprised us all at a relatively quick and a definitely strong recovery. She adjusted, after some initial difficulty to living with a colostomy bag, assuming all along that it was to be temporary. Her follow up medical exams confirmed she was a candidate for reversal surgery. HOWEVER, the surgeon told her she has only three inches of large bowel remaining - and sent her home to "think it over". He told her she would have to use the bathroom 5 times a day. Her GP doctor also alerted her to the leakage and blockage concerns that are possible. Of course she would like to "lose the bag" if possible, but doesn't want to live with a condition that might be even more difficult. Does anyone have other information from their own experience or know about others that can help her with this decision?