I've talked to my vet about TPLO surgory. I am looking toward my 4th and final ACL replacement surgory with Grace and when she had her first leg done and I asked about TPLO, the vet told me there are drawbacks. He said TPLO is commonly used for show dogs who need to be back on their feet sooner than a normal, more time consuming ACL replacement surgory. It is also twice the cost as the surgory i've had done with Grace, who's working on needing her left leg done, and Lady, who had both of her ACL's done within 6 motnhs. I wasn't in a big hurry to get Grace back on her feet and the vet doesn't see the need to put plates and screws in her legs just to avoid the 4 months of recovery.
On a side note, I LOVE LOVE LOVE my vet and the surgical center that's linked with it. If you want to travel to SW Michigan I can give you their number and if you ended up staying in town while you wait the night to pick up your pup you'd at least know someone in town. I can't see why you can get the follow up visits/staple removal at your local vet. let me know and i'll be happy to help. Where in Ohio are you?