My surgeon has me taking Align for now.  I am also new, 10 mos. out.  I can't really say how well it's working, but  I have had minimal issues with my pouch so far.  I guess the real test will be if I eventually develop pouchitis.  I don't dwell on that idea and am just doing the best I can for my pouch.  If you belong to Costco, Align will cost about 54.00 for 12 weeks when it is not on sale.  I stock up when it is on sale for about 10.00 cheaper.  I did check the price on VSL -3 and VSL-3ds.  Also, if your doctor does prescribe VSL-3 ds, you can go to their website to look for financial assistance.  My sister currently gets it for free based on financial need.  Doesn't hurt to take a look.  I don't qualify now, but that may change in 6 mos. when I retire.  Hope this helps.

Jeremy, I find that VSL is worth it for me. As CTB wrote, there are discounts and financial assistance available on the VSL web site for the prescription-only VSL #3 DS.  In addition, some insurance companies cover it. I managed to persuade mine to cover it, but it took me about a year.  

VSL #3DS IS WHAT I TAKE AND IT IS A GAMECHANGER FOR ME!!!!!!!!

I used to take VSL #3 4 sachets a day. I spent thousands of dollars over the years. One day i figured out it was triggering my arthritis, so i switched to a much cheaper probiotic it didn't seem to work as well. Then i tried taking it before meals usually 10 min before a meal and bang it works really well. Im now of the opinion that if you find a good enough probiotic and take it 10 minutes before each meal you get great results. So before each meal i take x2 probiotic capsules and x1 digestive enzyme, its been working really well.