FTM's and Transitioning

[Thinker]

Originally Posted by Linus

So I've finally got a consult scheduled. Apparently this surgeon (Dr. Jewell -- Theo, I know you recommended Dr. V but he doesn't work with insurance and I wanted to see if I could get some if not all of this covered) has done top surgery before for FTMs. I'll ask her if she has before/after photos but I was curious if others have used this surgeon before.

She is interested in helping me work with my insurance provider (they listed her so I'm hopeful that they will cover majority of it.

I'm thinking of asking her the following:

1. What do I need to do to prepare for the surgery (e.g., weight loss, hormones, etc.). I expect weight loss to be on there since I'm 5'1" and 220 (it's already a goal for me anyways and once my back is better I'll be able to really pursue this more)

2. What procedure would she use and what the risks involved?

3. Expected time for recovery

4. Time in hospital; length of time for the surgery itself

5. If revisions needed (e.g., dog ear effect) will she do this?

6. post-op care for reducing scars and such

7. estimated costs (granted this will depend on insurance and such)

What else should I ask? What generally happens during the first consult?

I really hope this works out for you, Linus!!

I would be super clear about what you want. The not-so-great stories are that the patient ended up with, essentially, a double-mastectomy. There is some reconstruction that occurs to get a more "male chest", so I would make sure she's clear that that is what you want (assuming, of course, that *is* what you want).

I'm happy for you.