If I am to understand correctly, your stage 1 was to remove your colon and create a temporary ostomy. Stage 2 would be to create the j-pouch (then let it heal) and stage 3 would be to reconnect. You may have the choice to have the j-pouch created and reconnected at the same time?
This is definitely a decision to make with your surgeon however, my opinion is to keep to a 3-step. I think there is less chance for problems (leaks, etc) if the j-pouch is allowed to heal without having to begin working immediately. I know that often step 1 and step 2 are combined (that was my daughter's case). I haven't heard too often combining steps 2 and 3.
My daughter had her colon removed and the j-pouch created in July 2008. She had the ostomy removed and the j-pouch connected in November. She had a very quick recovery for the second surgery. She was back at school (and her activities) within 3 weeks. She had a little less than 2 weeks after surgery that her body had to adjust to its new "plumbing". She is not chained to a bathroom, does not have to search out a bathroom immediately upon entering a building, and can hold her "need" for quite awhile.
I would think that your recovery time for your 3rd surgery will be much shorter than the other two. Barring any complications, your summer should be great.
--Mom of bratcat (17 years old) and nonamejames (20 years old)--
Daughter bratcat was diagnosed with pancolitis October 2006
Flared Fall 2006, Fall 2007, Spring 2008
Asacol, Rowasa, hydrocortisone enemas, prednisone, 6-mp, Remicade
7/3/08-Step 1 j-pouch surgery and no more meds!
11/10/08-Step 2 reconnect!
Son nonamejames was diagnosed with Crohns in Spring 2008
Asacol, Pentasa, 6-mp