Four and a half years ago I underwent a total colectomy for torrential diverticular bleeding.
May I refer you to a reply I posted to a question from a Medhelp patient in which I described the procedure and the aftermath.
Try logging on to:-
http://www.medhelp.org/posts/show/523166
You may want to print off this reply and show it to your surgeon to check whether he would expect you to undergo a similar experience.
Of course everyone is different but I hope that, if you undergo the operation, your recovery will be complete - as mine was.
Good luck - and do revert with any further questions
Morecambe
Hi. I am 7 months out from sigmoid colon resection due to multiple diverticulitis attacks that were scarring my colon and causing it to stricture. I also spent time in hospital as they were watching me for perforation, I guess. Anyway, I elected to do the surgery. Spent 3 weeks on IV antiobiotics, at home and they did the nice neat cut, which, according to him, usually means no bag. My surgery was laproscopic, hand assisted and I did not have a bag. Over all, I am glad I had it done, but still get some pain, I think depending on what I eat and/or stress.