If you are looking for a second opinion from a surgeon I would recommend Dr. Vikram Reddy at Yale. He is my surgeon and is excellent. Very down to earth. I had my surgeries, 3 Step, the first surgery at 61 and my last just before I turned 62. I have good control and when I travel, I make sure I have extra Lomotil with me. I had my done laparoscopically. with no complications and very good recoveries. I’m sure he could connect you with other patients to speak with as well. Unlike you, I wasn’t diagnosed until age 60 with moderate to severe pancolitis that did not do well with medications or biologics. I made the choice to have the surgeries partly because of my age and because I wanted to have it done when I was reasonably healthy. Good luck with your search for another opinion.