Spending more on the surgeon I *really* want?

[StartingOver]

I've got a couple of surgeons lined up who I'd be very happy going to, including the great Dr. Chettawut.  But I always had my heart set on Dr. Brassard; everything about Brassard tells me that going to him would be the right choice for me.  Chett?  I'd go there in a heartbeat too, although I'd be more comfortable in Montreal.  I'm finding that I'm not a surgery technique geek and the differences between the procedures aren't that important to me where I am at the moment in my life and where I expect my life to go in the future.

But Brassard is more expensive for the total package (including travel, costs of having a companion with me etc.)  We're not talking massive differences like twice the cost or anything, but it's sizeable - close to $8,000 more expensive when all is said and done.  Over the rest of my life (which I hope might be close to thirty years) it's not a huge cost, but up front it's something of an imposition.  I worry that I'll regret settling for "just" Chettawut though (even though that's an excellent option), and not stretching and going for Brassard.

Thoughts on spending more money on the surgeon of your dreams even though there's perfectly serviceable options available that are more affordable?

[Jenna Marie]

Personally, for something this important and this, well, personal, I decided I'd rather wait a little longer and get the surgeon I wanted most rather than "settle." Now, obviously, I'm fortunate enough that this was an option (I'd settle in a heartbeat if it was that or *never* getting GRS), but it sounds like you are as well? Plus, if you're not in Canada, the Canadian dollar fluctuates and you could buy money orders when it's low.

[Sapphire87]

And the canadian dollar is really low right now. I work at a bank as of today were buying US at 1.2907 so you're getting an extra $29 for every $100 US. If you're in another country though let me know and i can take a peek at the exchange for you

[JLT1]

Well,

If misery loves company, welcome.  I'm having the same problem but different surgeons.  I'm booked with Mari Bowers in Oct of this year but really want McGinn.  Everything is a go with Bowers including insurance.  I'd have to start over and wait at least two years. 

I just can't see regretting something like this for years to come....

Hugs

Jen

[OCAnne]

Hello Everyone, like many I wanted Dr. Bowers or Dr. Meltzer for SRS but since they accept insurance wait times are brutally long!

Next choice was Dr. Alter out of Beverly Hills, CA.  I was quoted $50,000 for SRS.  Great choice and excellent track record but too expensive?

By chance I found Dr. Sinclair also out of Beverly Hills.  His fee was less than half the cost of Dr. Alter.  This would leave plenty of money for other potential procedures, such as FFS.

In my case, both surgeons could accommodate my ASAP request for SRS.  I decided on Dr. Sinclair because he is very supportive of our community and understood my need without explanation.  He could see it in my face.  I never doubted his competency.

Here I am, 12 weeks since SRS with the green light to explore my sexuality.
Yes it looks good, my vaginal cavity is very carefree and urination trouble free.

I know some folks can wait and for others SRS can't come soon enough.  While I was willing to pay a premium to get immediate attention, thankful that was not necessary.

Your MMV

Thank you,
Anne

[FTMax]

Chiming in from the other side of the fence, because I'd love to hear people's thought processes on this topic.

Ever since I knew I wanted bottom surgery, I've had my heart set on a particular surgeon overseas. He exclusively does the exact procedure I'm looking for, has taught quite a few of the surgeons in the US, and has great results. It's about $35k for everything that I'd be having done.

And of course, as soon as I get that settled in my mind and start getting comfortable with the idea of spending that much money on myself, I find out that my insurance may just cover surgery here. Ugh. I'd love to not spend any money on surgery, but it's such a kick in the face having to decide between what I really want and what's technically the smarter choice.

[SorchaC]

Of course being post op it's easy to say this but for me having the surgeon you want is more important than what it costs. (Sorry Dr Chett if I just cost you a patient  ) I know how wonderful Chett is and if I'm honest he was always who I wanted but I couldn't see any way of paying him so was going to allow the UK NHS to have a go but fate stopped that and I eventually got Chett.

We wait all our lives to be complete and it should be done the way we want it because after all it is us who live with the results. I am sure you would be happy with the results from any of the big name surgeons but if you are set on Dr Brassard then I'd start working on getting it set up.

Just my opinion

Hugs

Sorcha 

[possessed]

I think that you should really listen to your heard. Both doctors that you are thinking about are very good, but one must be better for you. So listen to your heard and don't let the price make you decide.