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I just came across the funds...


Guest JessicaLynn

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Guest JessicaLynn

because i won a large settlement from a discrimination case against one of my former employers...

I just checked my bank account, and I have close to ******* dollars in it as of midnight...

I am almost to shocked for words... however, I need advice on a good SRS surgeon in the states. It has been a year or more since I looked for any, and back then I was broke as a joke and it hurt to even look for a surgeon I would never be able to afford.

but it would seem the tides have shifted in my direction... and so now i have more than enough money for even the highest price surgeon..

but before i spend more than I need to... who do you all recommend for low costs good results??

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Wow that is over the top in your good fortune. I hope tipping your hand on the bank account, does not bring out the sharks.

I don't have the answers, they will be along shortly, I'm sure.

Mums the word from me, like I tell my kids "Loose lips sink ships". But I do want to give you a big heartfelt hug for your good fortune. That is a really rockin' Valentines gift. Enjoy womanhood to the fullest. JodyAnn

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Guest JessicaLynn

yeah, well... i know i should tell everyone everything... which i why i did not say exactly how much... leaves one to only guess and assume.

but i did want to ring home the idea that 1.) beings trans does not mean you can be discrimated against without consqeuence, and 2.) i have the money for surgery, and really do need help finding the proper surgeon for the job.

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First, Congratulations Jessica!

I know from the experiences of others that there are good choices here in the States - being in Michigan of the two that I have heard the most about from reliable friends - Dr. McGinn in Pennsylvania is your closest while Dr. Bowers in California now is the best known.

They also perform the surgery at the University of Michigan Medical Center - that might be worth looking into, often teaching hospitals have excellent surgeons and sometimes the prices are influenced by the need for patients to allow the demonstration of the techniques.

Others have gone to Doctors that do not have as much publicity and been very satisfied with their results.

Maybe during the daytime hours a few of our post ops will drop by and report on their surgeons and of course their is also Dr. Brassard in Canada - not too far from you either.

Love ya,

Sally

Edited by Sally
I had to come back and complete this post - never try to make sense at 4 AM.
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  • Root Admin

Jessica, I've edited out the amount of your settlement out of concern for your safety. These forums are an open window to anyone in the whole world to read. Every con artist, shirttail relative and out and out thieves could find you if they put their mind to it. They could trace your IP right to your doorstep with the right software. Please be very careful of what you give out for personal information.

MaryEllen

BTW Congrats on getting the settlement :)

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The statement that Marci Bowers is the best seems more based largely on TV fame in my opinion since one day she was a relative newbie to performing SRS with a yet to be known reputation to being the best and having invented the single step surgery when she appeared on television. Some of the things attributed to her were clearly wrong.

As mentioned there is Bowers, McGinn.

Additionally there is Dr Meltzer and Dr Leis who come to mind.

There is Dr Brassard in Canada.

There is also Dr. Reed in Floridia, BUT Reed has a negative reputation and I know multiple people who have had bad outcomes with him.

Some links are here http://www.lauras-playground.com/medical_link.htm

If you notice Reed is not listed on that page, that is intentional because of members here who have had bad outcomes.

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  • Admin

Today is my 31st day post op from surgery with Dr. Bowers in San Mateo Calif. Now that the swelling is down, the results look very good. I am a happy girl. Price for the SRS thing was $23,500 for Bowers and the hospital. Another $3K for transportation, lodging and food. Hospital staff was terrific and very caring and competent, the food was not bad either. I have my pin on a map in Dr. Bowers office that shows where I generally came from, its there with another 999+, so yes she has had some experience with the job. You could do worse with the money, but her prices for US surgeons will work out so close to the others. She has also done the surgery for other people who post here too.

I know Dr. McGinn has her "girls" to root for her here too and did have a mini consult with her when I was looking for surgeons, and I have met Sherman Leis and like what I hear about him. For me the decision came down to the geography and 300 miles away versus 3000 miles away.

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I think Montreal with Dr. Brassard iis a great option. Brassard had been doing the single step procedure for many years before Marci Bowers supposedly "invented" it and he has quite a good reputation.

Montreal hands down has the best aftercare program for once you leave the hospital. You stay with others going thru the same surgery, there is someone on duty 24 hours, you get fed and it is all included in the SRS price.

The cost is less than 20K.

It is outside the country, but Canada isn't a big deal.

It is just one option.

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Guest LizMarie

There isn't going to be that great of a cost difference between the major surgeons. McGinn and Leis were both just over $19K last I looked. Vicky mentions Bowers was $23.5K. The others aren't going to be too radically different from that.

Instead, call them, even visit them if you can (or meet them all at a trans conference of some sort) and talk to them. Find out who makes you most comfortable and seems to relate to you.

All of them except perhaps Dr. Reed have very good reputations. Make your choice not on price but on what works best for you. This is a major decision. Don't skimp on a few thousand dollars if that is all that stands between you and being more comfortable with your surgeon.

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  • Admin

There isn't going to be that great of a cost difference between the major surgeons. McGinn and Leis were both just over $19K last I looked. Vicky mentions Bowers was $23.5K. The others aren't going to be too radically different from that. NOTE McGinn and Leis both use a two step process and the steps added together get closer to Bowers total figure. Plus two travel and lodging hits.

Instead, call them, even visit them if you can (or meet them all at a trans conference of some sort) and talk to them. Find out who makes you most comfortable and seems to relate to you. A convention where you can meet them is well worth the money you spend on it!!

All of them except perhaps Dr. Reed have very good reputations. Make your choice not on price but on what works best for you. This is a major decision. Don't skimp on a few thousand dollars if that is all that stands between you and being more comfortable with your surgeon.

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