Operation after a bowel operation to remove the stoma / colostomy and rejoin the bowel ends. The colostomy can be reversed in many cases, this will usually be discussed by your surgeon during the follow up after the initial operation. Patient's are usually advised to wait 3 months after the bowel operation to have fully recovered. During the operation an incision is made around the stoma to gain access to the inside of the abdomen and to rejoin (anastomose) the ends of your bowel.