About to make a commitment...

[Rena-san]

Not really, but anyway, I have decided to filll out the application for GRS with Dr. Bowers. No big deal, except she has a little non-refundable downpayment type thingy. I can afford it right now, no problem, but since it is non-refundable I would basically be committing to having the surgery with Dr. Bowers unless some drastic thing happens (I found out my insurance will suddenly cover GRS but it has to be with "doctor so and so not Dr. Bowers").

Anyway, because I really want my surgery date to be March 25th of 2014 or in that week at least, I need to submit my application and down-payment this week. Is there anyone on here that would like to give me a warning or something. Words of wisdom perhaps? I've done a lot of research on her and a little bit of research on others. I feel she is the best choice for me because she is so personable and involved with her patients, which is the number one quality I desire in doctors.   

And as for paying for it, I'm going to work like crazy to get as close as I can to the price then take out a loan for the rest. My estimates will have me paying $200/month for five years after the surgery. I see that as a small price for feeling complete.

Advice?   

[Rita]

If you get a loan, I want to know more about that process~  Seriously a loan would be highly beneficial but securing one can be difficult even with excellent credit.

[Vicky]

I had my surgery with Dr. Bowers back in January and am doing very well at 9 weeks.  March in San Mateo can be a wild month weather wise, but you will not be out too much for long.  Add the cost of a stay that can be about another $1K as well as food money for the days you are not in the hospital. I had two people with me to help me for the first couple of days and I picked up the joint hotel tab. 

A pleasant surprise is that the hospital food is actually quite good.  You will be in the hospital for three and a half days +/- and all the rooms are private, but there is a pull out bed if someone is going to stay with you, and they can get hospital chow for a reasonable price for the time you are in it.  I had a wonderful experience with the nursing staff too, the ones that do your nursing have been trained to work with TS people and really enjoy us as patients because we are usually so darned happy aside from the ouchies that we have.

You will need to have an HIV test within 6 months of the surgery date, and if over 40, an EKG in that time frame.

You will get the full insstructions when you make your deposit.  Even though some of the stuff in them sounds inflexible, Dr. Bower's staff will work with you and are very nice.

[FrancisAnn]

Using insurance money for the procedure & not money that you have to borrow & repay would be nice. Perhaps you should quickly explore in detail the doctors covered by your insurance company before making a decision.

Good luck.

[JennX]

Dr. Bowers is a great doc and was on my short list. Most all US surgeons have the upfront nonrefundable deposit. It's par for the course, and helps weed out the dreamers and talkers. I would do more research into the financing aspect, as some have told me it can be difficult to obtains loans for SRS, and if obtained the interest rates are very high. Otherwise, you seem to be on the right track. Good Luck!

[Rena-san]

Thanks for responding. I'm doing it tomorrow. I'll officialy be pre-op!

If I fail to save up enough money, my loan interest will be between 8-11%. On a $10,000 loan I'll owe about $200 a month for 5 years. A very small price to me, an inconvience yes, but affordable.

Look at it this way....I get a vagina and build credit at the same time. And I already know I can secure a loan through my local credit union.