Really Need help with SRS / GRS

[Guest angelina1813]

Aloha Ladies,

I have spent quite a number of hours on this forum site searching for answers to some of my questions with regards to Gender Reassignment Surgery...

I have been living Full time as a women since 17 so about 20 years now.

I've removed my testies in Thailand through Dr. Preecha and now for the past 2 years, I dont really use too much HRT because I truly don't need to.

The community here in Hawaii is very tight. We grow up together and experience a lot of life together.

However, I did move away for 11 years to Minnesota to pursue my college career. After graduating and working in corporate America , I returned home to be close to my aging parents, I'm the only child.

Ok I'm sure you like " OMG is this one of those irritating self absorbed auto bio..s? lol

Well no it isn't, but I did wanna give some small back ground so you can understand where my thought process and ideas come from... EXPERIENCE.

With all this in mind I have been seriously considering, no seriously want and need , to complete my transition by getting SRS done.

I've have many many friends who have undergone the surgery.

Some of there claims seem realy far fetched and stems from an unstable mind. I say this because they truly seem Nutty....

I do believe that they went into the surgery already with some small mental issue.

Anyways getting off track again.

I did see some of the work from Dr Preecha which I must say for that time, was really pretty. Now I know he does the colon one but I haven't seen anyone with it, or rather who is willing to show me it amongst my sisters. I've also seen Dr Biber's work about 15 or so uyears ago, as well as the MOntreal dr. which is alright I guess.

I'm interested in a few dr.s and I wanted your honest opinion.

First and foremost again, I've been living full time since I was 17, 20 years now. I dont take HRT because it make me sick and I've been on it since I was 15. After removing my testicles I found that I cant stomach Hormones like I used to consume them before.

I also don't have a psychitrist I see and havnet done so in 12 years now because I have fully assimilated into society so to speak.

Would I still need to get psycho approval? so tedious in my opinion.

I work in a corporate setting as a female. I'm very very comfortable with who I am , and want to change all the way for the purest of reasons.

I haven't had sex in 2 years, have no desire to, and am not looking to get a lover, boyfriend or husband. Its just not on my agenda. If it happens then great. I know a lot of girls , at least the ones that I know have done it for the wrong reason. ie. sex, bf, etc....

So i'm here to say that I come with a sound mind..

Now the drs.

1. on my list is Dr. Preecha, being a former patient of his and having seen a lot of his work I'm more familiar with him.

What do you think of his recent techniques ? Is he getting too old and not doing a good job?

2. Montreal - Dr . Brassard - I have seen recent pics of his work ( Reccent being 2007) is he even better now? And what do you think the cost is? How is the over all look and feel post op?

3. Dr. Bower - Is she truly that great? And is she absolutely trustworthy?

4. Dr. Mcginn - I hear great and horrible stories. What is your opinion?

Some criteria I look for are:

1. OVERALL LOOK with beautiful lips ( minor / major labia?)

2. Depth

3. Sensation

4. Healing

5. Post op care

6. Facilities

7. COST

Thank you so much guys ALL your comments would be really appreciated so don't hold back the good, the bad and the ugly!

Mahalo

[Guest Ney'ite]

Dr Christine McGinn - I have a few friends who have gone through Dr McGinn and speak very very highly of her (well some actually do not shut up about her but I think that in and of itself is a good thing?), and that she is very personable throughout the procedure. She trained under Dr Marcy Bowers. She has her prices listed right on her web site (Papillon Center in PA).

Dr Marcy Bowers - I have a friend who went through her and says that she is top notch, but, how did she put it? She is a surgeon. She comes in/does surgery/out/gone. Maybe that was just a one-off, I do not know. I think "America's Next Top Model" contestant, Isis King, went through Dr Bowers (compliments of Tyra Banks).

Dr Pierre Brassard - I have heard of him but I do not know anyone who has gone through him.

Dr Preecha - Sorry, I have never heard of him.

[Guest Donna Jean]

.

I have my surgery letter on file with Dr. Preecha and I'm interested in seeing any answers here about him...

Thanks..

Dee Jay

[Drea]

I also don't have a psychitrist I see and havnet done so in 12 years now because I have fully assimilated into society so to speak. Would I still need to get psycho approval? so tedious in my opinion.

Depends entirely on your surgeon. Generally, I expect they want one, but may accept their own judgement based upon your history. Very possabily a surgeon will wan the usual referral letters, but with your history it may be something a therapist may be willing to provide without a great deal of fuss.

1. on my list is Dr. Preecha, being a former patient of his and having seen a lot of his work I'm more familiar with him.

What do you think of his recent techniques ? Is he getting too old and not doing a good job?

Only have heard positives,

2. Montreal - Dr . Brassard - I have seen recent pics of his work ( Reccent being 2007) is he even better now? And what do you think the cost is? How is the over all look and feel post op?

I know many who have gone to him and all comments have been positive. I don't know current cost, but their cost includes almost everything including post-op stay.

3. Dr. Bower - Is she truly that great? And is she absolutely trustworthy?

Marci is mostly a product of television fame. I met her when she was just starting to do SRS and nobody ever talked of going to her till she appeared in the "Sex Change Hospital" where she suddenly skyrocketed to being "the best!!". I know of complaints about her as far as her interpersonal skills and she has put her television appearances ahead of clients including moving surgery date back by months. She doesn't have any special techniques that make her better than others.

4. Dr. Mcginn - I hear great and horrible stories. What is your opinion?

I have heard positives and some negatives. Most of the negatives have not been very serious however.

Dr. Reed

Have mostly heard negatives. Some people (mostly local to his area) tend to be very loyal. I know too many who have had problems with Reed and this is one doc I warn people away from.

Dr. Toby Meltzer

Excellent reputation, everyone I know who has gone to him has been satisified. He appears to be less active these days than in the past.

I would say hands down Brassard has the best aftercare facility. They have a special residence for those going for and then for the stay afterwards.

Overall look will most likely be best with a surgeon that does a two step procedure. The main surgery makes it difficult to maintain the small detail. Most surgeons these days however offer a single stage surgery, but will do revisions if needed. Thus if the small detail is okay no need for a second surgery. I personally would opt for the latter rather than planning two surgeries. Some may charge for revisions, others don't.

[Guest Hayley]

3. Dr. Bower - Is she truly that great? And is she absolutely trustworthy?

Marci is mostly a product of television fame. I met her when she was just starting to do SRS and nobody ever talked of going to her till she appeared in the "Sex Change Hospital" where she suddenly skyrocketed to being "the best!!". I know of complaints about her as far as her interpersonal skills and she has put her television appearances ahead of clients including moving surgery date back by months. She doesn't have any special techniques that make her better than others.

What are you basing that on? Dr. Bowers does indeed have techniques that she herself has perfected specifically the one stage procedure. whereas most surgeons are still doing the two stage. While her bedside manner has a lot to be desired, I take skill as a surgeon any day over someones bedside manner. I don't care how nice they are after the procedure as long as they did an outstanding job, and she has!! While she may have a not so good bedside manner, when I had any issues I was concerned about, she made herself available right away, responding quickly via phone and email! With average donor material she made me a vagina that has 6.5 inches in depth and a larger width than normal! I am 13 days post op and the surgery went superbly!! I have absolutely no complaints and she is one of only 2 or 3 surgeons in the US that accept insurance!!! My insurance company has paid for my entire procedure costs. This is just my personal experience and that's all I can offer.

Regards,

Hayley

[Guest angelina1813]

Mahalo so much ladies.

I really appreciate it. I know I want the surgery, its just the whole shopping arround that is making me woosy. lol

I too would prefer a skilled surgeon over bedside manner anyday.

I know Dr. Preecha has over 4000 patients completed .. And that alone is pretty amazing.

But I'm really interested in the look of it as well.

@ Haley, if you don't mind me asking, how much was yoru surgery? did you need to go back for post op visit well after the week of recovery?

I live in Hawaii so I suppose you can say that I would either have to stay longer in the Mainland or plan a seperate trip back for review.

I also watched a girl on Youtube, ( can't remember her name ) talk about her surgery from start to well past finish with Dr. Bower. So interesting.

What kind of care is offered with Dr. Bower post surgery?

And how did you find the clause in your insurance contract, that covers GSR?

Thank you so much

[Guest angelina1813]

3. Dr. Bower - Is she truly that great? And is she absolutely trustworthy?

Marci is mostly a product of television fame. I met her when she was just starting to do SRS and nobody ever talked of going to her till she appeared in the "Sex Change Hospital" where she suddenly skyrocketed to being "the best!!". I know of complaints about her as far as her interpersonal skills and she has put her television appearances ahead of clients including moving surgery date back by months. She doesn't have any special techniques that make her better than others.

What are you basing that on? Dr. Bowers does indeed have techniques that she herself has perfected specifically the one stage procedure. whereas most surgeons are still doing the two stage. While her bedside manner has a lot to be desired, I take skill as a surgeon any day over someones bedside manner. I don't care how nice they are after the procedure as long as they did an outstanding job, and she has!! While she may have a not so good bedside manner, when I had any issues I was concerned about, she made herself available right away, responding quickly via phone and email! With average donor material she made me a vagina that has 6.5 inches in depth and a larger width than normal! I am 13 days post op and the surgery went superbly!! I have absolutely no complaints and she is one of only 2 or 3 surgeons in the US that accept insurance!!! My insurance company has paid for my entire procedure costs. This is just my personal experience and that's all I can offer.

Regards,

Hayley

Mahalo so much ladies.

I really appreciate it. I know I want the surgery, its just the whole shopping arround that is making me woosy. lol

I too would prefer a skilled surgeon over bedside manner anyday.

I know Dr. Preecha has over 4000 patients completed .. And that alone is pretty amazing.

But I'm really interested in the look of it as well.

@ Haley, if you don't mind me asking, how much was yoru surgery? did you need to go back for post op visit well after the week of recovery?

I live in Hawaii so I suppose you can say that I would either have to stay longer in the Mainland or plan a seperate trip back for review.

I also watched a girl on Youtube, ( can't remember her name ) talk about her surgery from start to well past finish with Dr. Bower. So interesting.

What kind of care is offered with Dr. Bower post surgery?

And how did you find the clause in your insurance contract, that covers GSR?

Thank you so much

[Guest angelina1813]

so, I've been doing more research on Dr. Bowers. She seems really amazing.

I'm just now trying to figure out the whole Insurance thing. Unfortunately the current insurance I have doesn't cover the operation Boo Hoo. Not to worry as my company offers me more to choose from... So lets hope I can 1. find out how the hell to do this, 2. Which company would do it, and 3. Can I do it lol

Aloha Ladies

[Drea]

3. Dr. Bower - Is she truly that great? And is she absolutely trustworthy?

Marci is mostly a product of television fame. I met her when she was just starting to do SRS and nobody ever talked of going to her till she appeared in the "Sex Change Hospital" where she suddenly skyrocketed to being "the best!!". I know of complaints about her as far as her interpersonal skills and she has put her television appearances ahead of clients including moving surgery date back by months. She doesn't have any special techniques that make her better than others.

What are you basing that on? Dr. Bowers does indeed have techniques that she herself has perfected specifically the one stage procedure. whereas most surgeons are still doing the two stage.

First, the comments on her fame are because that is how it happened. Before the TV show largely she was known as the surgeon that took over for Biber, that she was relitivly new so the jury was out on her skill. After the show, she became uniformly the best essentially overnight.

Second is that the claims I have heard about the innovations that Marci did aren't accurate. Your statement "Dr. Bowers does indeed have techniques that she herself has perfected specifically the one stage procedure. whereas most surgeons are still doing the two stage" is a very specific claim I have heard before which is wrong. I don't know if that originated with Bowers herself or if it was PR from the show's producers or something stated on a talk show she appeared on.

The fact is the single stage procedure was perfected, as much as such is perfected, long before Marci started performing SRS surgeries.

As for most doing two stage procedure, I can't speak for most because there are many SRS surgeons out there I don't know. Of the seven I listed in my earlier post however, five of them use the single step procedure. Last I knew Meltzer does a two stage procedure as a hold out for quality but he may have bent to demand and switched to a single stage. I don't know about preecha. In any case, most I know of do the single stage procedure and that was true even when Marci started doing surgeries.

I am not saying Marci is bad, it just seems that televeision fame has created a reputation as being the best without any factual examination. A reputation typically was hard earned word of mouth.

I am glad you are satisified. The vast majority are very satisified with their surgeons and that goes for most of surgeons.

[Paula ult]

I had my surgery just over 4 months ago with Dr. Mcginn, you can read my various topics also in this sub forum, i am older and have medical issues including diabetes, i did not get allot of depth due to her concern that the blood flow in the surgical area might not be enough to promote healing, i have healed just fine and as far as looks i am completely satisfied, my obgyn was amazed when she first saw my vagina. my only complication that is very common was granulation tissue which i have been getting silver nitrate treatments to correct, overall i am quite satisfied.

You might also look into Dr. Leis, he is located in Philadelphia, Pa and operates out of the same hospital as DR. Mcginn, you can read Natalie's account of her surgery with Dr. Leis a few topics down in this sub forum.

You can read Sarah's account of her surgery with Dr. Brassard also a few topics below, also in this sub forum.

Look around in this forum and you can read accounts of members surgeries with different surgeons.

Paula

Paula

[Guest Hayley]

Angelina,

I'm not certain about the price. I do know that when discussing costs with her prior to the insurance authorization the numbers being thrown around were 23K without insurance covering all costs except for some prescriptions. The costs when being covered by insurance are structured differently, where they only told me Dr. Bowers fee which was 19K. My insurance covered everything as Dr. Bowers is in Network as well as Mills General Hospital where it was performed and the Anesthesiology group used by the hospital. My only fee was the $500 to reserve the date which covered my annual deductible.

I do not have to return for anything else. I am back home and recovering albeit a bit slowly. The swelling has gone down and i'm still kind of waiting to spot the Labia Minora, which i've seen nothing of. If it should be that they aren't very distinct, I may go back for a revision. Good luck with your choice!!

[Guest angelina1813]

Thanks everyone for your input, especially Hayley, as Dr. Bowers is one of the top on my list.

What I'm trying to find out more of is Dr. Preecha ... I've been to him bevore as previously mentioned and had the best experience possible.

I did my forehead, nose, breasts, and got castrated all in one shot.

I know that he does the Colon aspect of the surgery, and was wondering if you know of anyone who has donte that and what their outcome was. I am still shopping around so to speak, but my top 4 are Preecha, Brassard, Bowers, and Kunaporn..

Any suggestions or advice with regards to them would be amazing. I know I've bot some good respoonses from Haley with regards to Bowers, and McGinn via Paula, ( although I have a feeling she is not the person for me --- McGinn that is)...

Thanks!

[Guest Robin Winter]

I would(and will) go with Dr. Brassard. I have never heard anything negative about him, his after care is superb, his method IS in fact a one step process, and probably the same process 90% of the SRS surgeons out there use. He just happens to be very good at it. I was tempted to go with Suporn, but I no longer believe his technique is as unique as is purported and I'd be more comfortable staying in my own country while I have chunks of my body cut off.

If you want to check him out, here's the site dealing specifically with Trans surgeries. He outlines the procedure used there on the site.

http://www.grsmontreal.com/anglais.html

[Guest Ann Onymous]

Cannot speak to current practices or costs...back then, I paid all of $7K plus my airfare into Montreal Dorval. I was one of the very early Brassard graduates (back in the day when Menard was also doing a lot of the Montreal work). I've been pleased with the results and I can only imaging that he has honed his craft over the mumble-something years that have passed.

The aftercare facilities and the transportation were something that I found beneficial even though I was up and around literally within a few days (I was in good shape going in, and am a firm believer that being in good physical shape is a must to getting up and around as quickly as possible).

I've never asked my GYN how the work compared to Mother Nature, but I can tell you that my partners through the years have never complained (all female, as I have identified as lesbian for more than 30 years). And I can get at least as wet as they get, if not moreso...

[Guest Isobelle Fox]

I am currently shopping for a doctor as well, and I have spoken with Dr. Brassard's office both through email and on the phone. The current price for their services is 18,500.00, which is pretty much all inclusive. This is the same price that McGinn is asking currently, I believe. The after care aspect is appealing, and my therapist speaks very highly of him. This is probably the direction I will take, when I am financially able.

[Guest kelise]

I had Dr. Bowers in Oct of 2010. I have absolutely no complaints. It was a wonderful experience and the end results just keep getting better!

[Guest AiAmAngel]

I know Bowers has been excessively busy since her Tyra Show fame; some people consider it a bad thing that she has so *many* clients that its an in and out job. Who knows, it could be a temporary thing so I wouldn't write off seeing Bowers if the travel costs are more to your liking.

McGinn is my pick; she simply seems like a safe and quite reliable option in the absence of being able to afford Toby Meltzer. The negative stories I've heard of her attack her personality as cold and somewhat uncaring; however I can't really see that of someone in this line of work.

[Drea]

I know Bowers has been excessively busy since her Tyra Show fame; some people consider it a bad thing that she has so *many* clients that its an in and out job. Who knows, it could be a temporary thing so I wouldn't write off seeing Bowers if the travel costs are more to your liking.

McGinn is my pick; she simply seems like a safe and quite reliable option in the absence of being able to afford Toby Meltzer. The negative stories I've heard of her attack her personality as cold and somewhat uncaring; however I can't really see that of someone in this line of work.

My friend who had her surgery dumped from her surgery date and then delayed 6 months by Marci so Marci could make a televisition appearance naturally is going to feel priorities were misplaced. Couldn't she have made some time closer?

[Paula ult]

McGinn is my pick; she simply seems like a safe and quite reliable option in the absence of being able to afford Toby Meltzer. The negative stories I've heard of her attack her personality as cold and somewhat uncaring; however I can't really see that of someone in this line of work.

If you are talking about Dr. Mcginn, some could get that impression, at my initial consult she was very clinical, i guess that could be considered cold, she asks many pointed and somewhat embarrassing questions, she makes sure you know exactly what you are getting yourself into and any and all complications that could happen, that is her job but uncaring no way, she answered all my questions before i even had a chance to ask them, from the pre op room and beyond she has been nothing but warm and friendly, she called me several times after i returned home to see how i was doing, one call was a Saturday night.

Paula

[Guest AiAmAngel]

McGinn is my pick; she simply seems like a safe and quite reliable option in the absence of being able to afford Toby Meltzer. The negative stories I've heard of her attack her personality as cold and somewhat uncaring; however I can't really see that of someone in this line of work.

If you are talking about Dr. Mcginn, some could get that impression, at my initial consult she was very clinical, i guess that could be considered cold, she asks many pointed and somewhat embarrassing questions, she makes sure you know exactly what you are getting yourself into and any and all complications that could happen, that is her job but uncaring no way, she answered all my questions before i even had a chance to ask them, from the pre op room and beyond she has been nothing but warm and friendly, she called me several times after i returned home to see how i was doing, one call was a Saturday night.

Paula

That's encouraging

Does she take calls? I've been wondering about the creation of a neo-cervix as I remember reading somewhere that some surgeon in Thailand does that. I should really learn to bookmark these things.

[Guest Leah1026]

I've been wondering about the creation of a neo-cervix as I remember reading somewhere that some surgeon in Thailand does that.

What purpose does that serve? Except for your doctor it'll never be seen.

[Guest Teagan]

Hello... I realize that this is my first post here, so this might not carry much gravitas, but for what it's worth, I had my surgery with Dr. Brassard seven weeks ago. I could not have been happier with my stay there, the facility, the staff, or my results (so far anyway). The aftercare facility is a model for how these sorts of things ought to go. The cost was $18050 CDN, and that included everything. The surgery, hospital, pick up/drop-off at the airport, 2 nights in the hospital and 9 or so at Asclepiade (the recovery house), meals, everything. There were anywhere from 5 to 7 other patients in the house with me, and it was special to share that time and commiserate with them while we suffered together. The house is staffed with 2 nurses during the day and one overnight. I felt so well taken care of while I was in Montreal.

I absolutely loved my time there, despite the pain I was in at times. Oxycodone helps, of course.

Depth-wise, I have 5", which from what I have read will be adequate. Not great, but adequate for sex. I had very little bleeding post-op and went back to work today. Things are looking great... the vulva, hood, it's all there.

Oh, and I had an orgasm yesterday. Not bad for 7 weeks, eh?

[Guest Robin Winter]

Nonsense, Teagan (love the name, by the way), everyone's opinion is valued here, whether we agree with it or not. I have every intention of having my SRS by Dr. Brassard as well, and not just because I'm Canadian. Everything you've said mirrors everything else I ever heard from anyone else who's had their surgery with him.

And welcome to the Playground

[Guest NatashaJade]

I'll be headed up to Montreal in May. I've done a fair amount of research and my good friend, Teagan, just got back from there with no complaints, so her experience matches up with everything else that I have heard about Dr. Brassard. There is no other choice for my money.

xoxo

[JenniferB]

When it comes time I will go to Dr. Bowers. Not because how qualified she is, but because she is the only GRS surgeon who is in network with my insurance company.

Jenny