Before & After

[Sarah.VanDistel]

Hi girls!

This post is especially to encourage those of you who think what I initially thought: "Starting a transition at 40+, there's no chance that I will ever be passable."

I started my transition at 44 years-old (my oldest recall of dysphoria goes back to when I was 4 or 5 years-old!), in february 2017. I have been under HRT since then. I lost weight (a lot). I did laser for my beard and I've been busy with electrolysis. Had a hair transplant done. Had FFS and a tummy tuck with lipo-sculpture of the hips (because I am rather thickset, I felt this to be necessary). I've been living full time as Sarah for about 1,5 year. My name and gender are oficially changed on my birth certificate. In 75 days, I'll be undergoing SRS and breast augmentation. I am posting three pics. The first was taken on august 24, 2016 (i.e. 6 months before starting transition). The second and third were taken a few days ago, while on beach holiday. Notice the smiles... [emoji4] In a couple of months, after my surgeries, I'll be posting a more proper timeline. But for now... I think that the change was dramatic enough to convince some of you that yes, this is possible! [emoji8]

I wish you all a fantastic year and an even better growth as the magnificient women you all are!

Warm hugs, Sarah

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[JudiBlueEyes]

You look so happy Sarah!  What a delightful change!!!   Thank you for the update.  I know you'll feel great after your upcoming surgeries.   

[KathyLauren]

That's an amazing transformation, Sarah!  I love the smile in the 'after' shot.  Good luck with your upcoming surgeries!

[davina61]

All the effort was worth it, you look lovely dear. Best of luck with the upcomings

[Sarah.VanDistel]

@JudiBlueEyes
@KathyLauren
@davina61

Thank you so much for all the support! I am in no way a top model and never aspired to be... Just dreamed to look like a regular mum and I am very satisfied with the result. My wife and two sons also (12 and 16). I am extremely happy. I've regretted many things in my life, but I can't remember a single day when I regretted my transition.

Passability... In the very beginning, this objective seemed so unattainable (as the first pic clearly suggests)... It was your stories and those of many others on Susan's which made me believe, which convinced me to make this dream a reality. I hope that my little story will inspire others who are now at the crosspoint where I was about 2 years ago.

Warm hugs, Sarah [emoji2300][emoji3448]

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[GordonG]

Sarah, you look very nice. Thanks for posting those pictures.

[jules968]

Amazing changes.  You look very happy.   Always good to see success stories.  Every one helps to see the possibilities.   


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[randim]

You look great Sarah. Your smile just lights up your face.

[Maid Marion]

Hi Sarah,

There is nothing more feminine than a good smile!  Congratulations!

Marion

[Anne Blake]

Sarah, can this be the same young woman that not long ago was wrestling with the idea of going to her therapist dressed as herself? The woman that needed prodding to risk letting her therapist see "Sarah"? To quote the old line, "You have come a long way baby". Congratulations!

Tia Anne

[GingerVicki]

Woo. Great transition. You look great! 

[anne_indy]

Wow Sarah. You have made an amazing transformation. To quote Billy Crystal "You look mahvelous!"


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[tgirlamg]

Looking Gorgeous Sarah!!! You have come so very far!!!... I LOVE the angel wings pic!!!!


Onward we go brave sister!!!

Ashley 🙋‍♀️💕🌻

[Sarah.VanDistel]

@GordonG
@jules968
@randim
@Maid Marion
@GingerVicki
@anne_indy
@tgirlamg

Thank you for your kind words, girls! And yes, this transition was so liberating that in a very real sense I feel that I started a whole new life. The inner self is unchanged. The outer self is definitely much more conform to the idea that my inner self has always had of herself... [emoji57] This was so deeply revolutionary that I swear that even when I'm going through tough situations which would have sent me to the floor (or even straight into depression), I can't help but be happy. [emoji4] I am now waking up at 5 a.m., coal dark outside, raining, cold, with a 24h work shift awaiting me... and still with a big and sincere smile! Any regular person would think that I'm nuts or a masochist! [emoji23] That's what a rebirth feels like, I guess...

@Anne Blake

Yes, Anne... This is the same Sarah who, about 1,5 year ago, was nervous about going to her therapist dressed as Sarah. [emoji39] And you girls convinced me! Remember how unspeakably happy I was afterwards, that I went to celebrate with a solo dinner in an Italian restaurant in Antwerp? When I look back at my pics from that time, I was so clumsy and insecure, doing my first steps into womanhood... [emoji28] But I was so sincerely and deeply happy that I didn't even pay attention to my pounding heart. It was indescriptible!

Now... Well... I shamelessly go a public beach in my swimsuit or bikini and feel great about it! So liberating...

Since the first steps, a long way has indeed been walked, in a much shorter time than anticipated... And this is an advice I give to anyone transitioning. Baby steps... And when you'll feel the call to take a larger step, just do it, with confidence, even if your heart is pounding like mine was! This has been an incredible journey.

I only wish Sarah could travel back to 1976, only for 5 minutes, and give a warm and loving hug to that little 4-year old "boy" who loved to play with dolls, wear dresses and help her grandma in the kitchen and whisper to "him": "don't be afraid... don't cry... I'm Sarah... I am you in the future and I love you with all my heart, with all my soul... this is all very confusing, but one day you'll understand... never give up on yourself... fight hard... we're worth it... one day, that girl inside you is going to just undress herself from that boy's costume and be reborn as the most happy woman you could imagine... one day, everything will make perfect sense" [emoji22]

Thank you!

Warm hugs, Sarah

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[tgirlamg]

@GordonG
@jules968
@randim
@Maid Marion
@GingerVicki
@anne_indy
@tgirlamg

Thank you for your kind words, girls! And yes, this transition was so liberating that in a very real sense I feel that I started a whole new life. The inner self is unchanged. The outer self is definitely much more conform to the idea that my inner self has always had of herself... [emoji57] This was so deeply revolutionary that I swear that even when I'm going through tough situations which would have sent me to the floor (or even straight into depression), I can't help but be happy. [emoji4] I am now waking up at 5 a.m., coal dark outside, raining, cold, with a 24h work shift awaiting me... and still with a big and sincere smile! Any regular person would think that I'm nuts or a masochist! [emoji23] That's what a rebirth feels like, I guess...

@Anne Blake

Yes, Anne... This is the same Sarah who, about 1,5 year ago, was nervous about going to her therapist dressed as Sarah. [emoji39] And you girls convinced me! Remember how unspeakably happy I was afterwards, that I went to celebrate with a solo dinner in an Italian restaurant in Antwerp? When I look back at my pics from that time, I was so clumsy and insecure, doing my first steps into womanhood... [emoji28] But I was so sincerely and deeply happy that I didn't even pay attention to my pounding heart. It was indescriptible!

Now... Well... I shamelessly go a public beach in my swimsuit or bikini and feel great about it! So liberating...

Since the first steps, a long way has indeed been walked, in a much shorter time than anticipated... And this is an advice I give to anyone transitioning. Baby steps... And when you'll feel the call to take a larger step, just do it, with confidence, even if your heart is pounding like mine was! This has been an incredible journey.

I only wish Sarah could travel back to 1976, only for 5 minutes, and give a warm and loving hug to that little 4-year old "boy" who loved to play with dolls, wear dresses and help her grandma in the kitchen and whisper to "him": "don't be afraid... don't cry... I'm Sarah... I am you in the future and I love you with all my heart, with all my soul... this is all very confusing, but one day you'll understand... never give up on yourself... fight hard... we're worth it... one day, that girl inside you is going to just undress herself from that boy's costume and be reborn as the most happy woman you could imagine... one day, everything will make perfect sense" [emoji22]

Thank you!

Warm hugs, Sarah

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What a Beautiful post from a Beautiful girl Sarah!!!!... Congrats on claiming the joy, freedom and liberation that has been awaiting you patiently for so long... You have found your true connection with life and the world... and... You're just getting started!!! 😀 ... Amazing things await!!!

Onward we go brave sister!!!

Ashley 🙋‍♀️💕🌺

[Zoey421]

Hi Sarah, thank you for sharing your pics ... you look awesome and I too love the angel wings. I admire your resolve and how far you have come in 2 years. Hugs Zoey

[Jenny1969]

Sarah you look great!!!   You give me hope as I am transitioning at 49!!    WOW you are amazing. Great pictures and thanks for sharing.

[Sarah.VanDistel]

@Zoey421

You are most welcome, Zoey! And thank you for your words! Transitioning is not a single event, but a process. Try not to focus too much on the end result and never forget to appreciate the journey, write it down, read it sometimes to surprise yourself at how much you've grown.

I also loved the pic with the angel wings! It's so full of meaning... To some, I've become a fallen angel. But for sure an immensely happy one! [emoji1413]

@Jenny1969

Thanks Jenny! If my testimony can convince you that a transition at 40+ is not only feasible, but can also be very successful, I'll be extremely happy... I humbly recognize that my circumstances were somewhat extraordinary, the proverbial "perfect storm", but still... If I can help with anything, just ask! [emoji4]

Warm hugs,
Sarah [emoji2300][emoji3448]

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[Beverly Anne]

And yes, this transition was so liberating that in a very real sense I feel that I started a whole new life.  That's what a rebirth feels like, I guess...

I feel reborn as well. Happy for the first time in my life. No more internal strife. You look amazing! I admire your courage and tenacity. It certainly paid off. Truly an awesome testament to what can be achieved with the will to do so. Thanks for sharing your before and after with us!

[jkredman]

Congrats Sarah, you look so great I'm a tad jealous.... Jealous hoping I'll eventually look as good as you do!  :-)





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