FTM's and Transitioning

[The Oopster]

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'm surprised because Dr. V wasn't willing to try with the insurance. I just chose not to because of my particular situation. Did you do an initial consultation with Him? There isn't any charge for it. I highly recommend him. Like atomic said ask to see pics... if she doesn't have any take pics of people to show what you want. I'm skinny but had over 5lbs removed so was quite big ... I'll send you before and after pics if you want.

I'd ask if she uses drainage tubes? Most people have come to expect them and if the surgeon does a really good job they aren't needed. Dr. V said he prefers to take any extra fluid out with a syringe if needed. Less chance of infection. Luckily that wasn't necessary for me.

I'd ask about follow up. Since newport was still a good hour away I stayed overnight and went in the next day then didn't have to go back in til the stitches were taken out.

from what I remember at my initial consult is I asked my questions ... looked at pics of previous patients. They did take pics and he drew on my chest roughly what he would do. I'm not sure if they took pics because I did go ahead and schedul surgery.

http://www.butchfemmeplanet.com/foru...ead.php?t=1184

is a thread where I posted my questions and experiences. It's hard for me to remember now a lot of the stuff but I posted right after the surgery while i remembered.