New Beginnings Retreat?

[Gene]

Hey guys. During my appointment today with my gender therapist, my doctor told me that as soon as I decided which of the three doctors I was considering that I wanted to go to for top surgery, we could get started on my letter! I'm so excited, and I decided after the appointment that I wanted to go with Garramone. I have been doing some searching on transbucket when I noticed someone mentioning a place called New Beginnings Retreat down in Fort Lauderdale. I went to the site, and it's apparently some really nice place set up specifically for patients of Dr. Garramone during their recovery process. The amenities and offerings make it seem like a really good deal, and it's apparently run by the trans* community, for the trans* community. I was wondering if anyone had experience with this place, or knew anything about it? It's hard to find much information about it outside the main site (where they have many many customer testimonials about the place). It sounds almost too good to be true, so I want to make sure it ain't before I get attached to the idea that a place like that exists.

[Kreuzfidel]

Hi, Gene.

If you use the "search" function at the top of the links list on the forum, you can search for "New Beginnings" or "New Beginnings Retreat" on this site.  It's been talked about on here by guys who have stayed there - and not so long ago. 

[aleon515]

Hi I stayed there though it was a difficult period for them. It is NOT too good to be true, but I think it is a good deal. It is about the same as a nice motel like Holiday Inn or something. For this you get a lot of extras which will keep your expenses down. Rides to and from doctor's appts; rides to store (and lots of other places); breakfast foods provided (sometimes breakfast); nurse on the staff (you don't really need nursing care but their knowledge is really useful); etc. I spent maybe $250 in food, airport, misc the whole time I was there. The fact that you are staying with other trans guys and their families is an extra added cool thing. I got to know a family from Ireland, just kind of depends on when you are there. It's also a nice place-- I understand the new place is really nicer. If you look on youtube, you'll find a lot of people stayed there and vlog about it.

You can definitely ask more about it. I know a few other people on susans did stay there. The site is back up, so that's useful.
I agree re: searching this site. This recent thread has some discussion: https://www.susans.org/forums/index.php/topic,155304.0.html

BTW, there are other excellent surgeons, but you really can't go wrong with Dr Garramone. I think he does an awesome job.

--Jay

[Gene]

Hey thanks y'all. Sorry that I didn't use the search. I'm still learning the ins and outs of the site lol. Thank you both for the invaluable information. I decided that I'm going to go with the retreat and Garramone for sure.

[Bimmer Guy]

Hey, Gene.  I got my surgery with Garramone in October, 2013 and stayed at NBR.  Like Jay, I was in the old house.  I have no information on the new house, but I can tell you that staying with NBR was a way to save money and to save stress.  It is great to not have to worry about driving.  Your whole focus (and your traveling companion's if you have one), can be on your surgery and on your recovery.  My partner is a wonderful woman, but I would have had to be the one to worry about directions to the office, surgery, pharmacy, etc.  Having someone else to do that was priceless.

Good luck.