In many parts of the country it's impossible to find a GI who is familiar with J-pouches. Just because you're near New York City doesn't mean that the folks who chose to practice in the city will be better for you. Why not see your local, knowledgeable GI and see what you think of him?

As Scott started not everyone in NYC is competent. My son sees a surgeon in NY who is awesome.  But he also takes our insurance. Unless your surgeon is paying your bills, I'd see someone who takes my insurance.  No since you work at the hospital, you will most likely get good care.  Seeing someone who doesn't take insurance is a very risky thing.  My son's bills over the last 3 years are over one million dollars, closer to two after this year.  And it was all covered by our insurance.  If you decide to see someone in NYC, see someone in a university setting like NYU or Weill Cornell.  There is an awesome GI at NYU, he used to be ours till he moved.  The name just escaped me, I'm sorry.  I know he used to take insurance, because he took ours.  Oh Dr Bosworth, that's the man.  He is at NYU.  Good luck.

Thanks both of you....I guess since I've only ever seen my NYC surgeon (Bauer), I've become pretty protective over my pouch and new setup and have concerns (legitimate or not) about 'outsiders' getting involved.  

But I take both of your points - I will see a locally referred GI this afternoon and see what he has to say.  Of course, my symptoms are mild this morning (isn't that always the case).  Unless he has extensive J-pouch exp, I think if he wishes to scope the bottom, I might revisit the NYC GI (Bauer wanted Kornbluth, who doesn't take insurance...so I thought maybe Legnani).  

Unfortunately Jeff's mom is correct - $$ plays a role.  I have 0 regrets, but I think I'm still paying off my original J-pouch surgery with Bauer.  Yesterday he asked me to call Arthur Kornbluth (no insurance), who works in the same office as Legnani (yes insurance).  Sometimes, you have to let insurance dictate your choices a bit.

-Ken