FTM's and Transitioning

[Thinker]

Originally Posted by The Oopster

Okay so I was trying to figure out the best place to post this.

I may actually be in a situation to have my top surgery done soon.

I'm wondering what questions are imperative to ask.

I know that I really am interested in the recovery time and when i'll be able to do what but beyond that it's like I just want to give a dr the money and say go for it. I know I need to do more then that so ....

What do you wish you had asked the dr?
What are the top 5 questions you would ask?
What are any other things I should bring up?

Congrats! I hope this happens for you!!

First off, make sure the surgeon knows exactly what you're looking for....*male* chest reconstruction. It's not just as simple as tissue removal. If the surgeon does quite a few "FTM top surgeries" then this shouldn't be an issue.

Get the logistics......the surgeon's timeline or way of doing things. Find out exact times, where you'll be, how long you'll be there, follow-up procedures, etc...

Get a recommendation from the surgeon for supplements you can/should take in advance and what you can do to prepare. For example, I loaded up on vitamin C so I wouldn't get sick.......took something to help minimize bruising........got good and hydrated in advance, etc... All those little things really help with how you'll feel post-op.

I think having two or three weeks (more is better) post-op where you can lie around and do little to nothing is a good plan. And I think another four or five weeks after that of low activity where you're not exerting your upper body in anyway is also a good idea. Planning ahead for that kind of time off for yourself is pretty critical.

Feel free to ask as many questions as you need. It's an exciting adventure, but you'll definitely need a little help along the way.

Good luck!