My stoma in the course of a bowel movement goes from firm stools to liquid stool on a regular bases. And I tend to eat a high fiber diet. Salads will give me the runs faster than anything else. Please understand I went on this journey 13+ years ago, technology has changed/improved since then. Prior to my diagnoses, the only time I had diarrhea was when I was sick, today I can get it almost on a daily bases. I figure between the radiation, surgery and chemo, my plumbing has been for ever changed. One of the biggest reason why I am glad I opted for the stoma/bag.
I knew I few people who wanted to avoided the bag, period! One guy wished he had died vs living with the bag. One of my son's teacher's neighbor opted for hook up vs the bag. Years later she was still tied to the house. Guess she was diagnosed 6 months prior to me, DS's teacher felt I had made the right decision. She really wanted me to talk to this neighbor, butt neighbor did not want it.
I also figure, God designed our plumbing for maximum usage, take some of it away, it's expected to perform 100% with less colon
For all of those starting this journey, do the research, butt for me, the bag was the right decision. And if your board certified colon rectal surgeon says you might want to consider the bag, you just might want to listen to them. I'm glad I did.
Lee