FFS Tentatively Scheduled

[FallenLeaves]

Well, it feels amazing to get the ball rolling on this. I've been in contact with a few surgeons over the past few months...but it is just so expensive. Dr. Raymond Konior quoted me a price almost 10,000 less than the next cheapest. This was actually obtainable and I think I will be very happy with my results. I've been very impressed with his staff and I know at least two members here that had FFS with him and were very satisfied.

I had a nice long talk with my mom and she agreed to co-sign the loan for however much more I need come December. The catch is just that I have to tell my dad. She said she won't sign something like that without at least discussing it with him, and I think that's fair. I'm honestly not scared of my dad's reaction emotionally, just financially. Him cutting me off would destroy my transition plans for a long time, I just wouldn't be able to save anything if I had to pay for school completely myself. My mom assured me though that she has at least some say in financial matters and won't let that happen though.

I'm so excited to start the spring semester as a female, assuming everything continues going smoothly =) Now that this actually FEELS tangible to me, like it is real now and it IS actually going to happen, I have some serious motivation towards my goals. SRS would be great, but smoothly blending as my target gender just seems so much more important. As long as I am living as a female I think I can be plenty patient on SRS.

[Nero]

congrats hon!

[mmelny]

Congrations Zenny, if all proves to come to fruition, you just fought the two hardest battles of the FFS war... securing fiscal resources, and picking the surgeon.    Hopefully the two are mutually exclusive.   Best of luck with your Dad!

I'm predicting you have researched plenty, and have read that it is "wise" to make sure that you have been on HRT for awhile (ie 1-2 years), as this can change the amount of FFS procedures you may need to have performed.  (possibly cheaper, and less invasive). 

Congrats again and my admiration for you, young whippersnapper , for defining your goals, and making them happen!

*huggs*,
Melan

[Nero]

what Melan said.
I'd also like to interject really quick that you don't look like you really need any FFS. Try to make sure this desire for FFS isn't just insecurity. This is major surgery you're talking about.

[Constance]

Good luck, Zenny! I hope it all works out!

[FallenLeaves]

what Melan said.
I'd also like to interject really quick that you don't look like you really need any FFS. Try to make sure this desire for FFS isn't just insecurity. This is major surgery you're talking about.

It's not too hard to take flattering pictures. Take enough and at least a few come out okay.
Take a look at this one: http://i24.photobucket.com/albums/c37/Znwo/Wormseye.jpg
Not as flattering, sure, but that's even still beside the point I would like to make. The reason I want FFS is indeed a complicated one with many, many factors. What it boils down to is my personality type though. When I look in the mirror I simply don't see a female. I look at things in my world often very scientifically, I can't change that it is just the way my brain works. I can't help but notice and focus on all my masculine features and hate the way I look. There were a few pictures I thought were okay recently, and I realized it was because I was wearing my black glasses and they hide my nose. I just don't like my face and I never possibly can. Not without some help. I have reflected on this very subject an extremely high amount over the past half a year. I come up with the same answer for the majority of my problems. The only way I can ever possibly consider living as a female is with FFS, and that is something I feel like I am ready to do. There is just no way I could ever live full time feeling that I look as awful as I do currently feel.

And to everyone, thank you all. I'm hoping these next 9 months go by as fast as the last 9 did (when I started HRT) =)

[Nero]

I don't think anyone looks flattering at that angle. 

But I understand what you mean, Zenny. I just wanted to throw that out there, because sometimes people get so caught up in what they think they're supposed to do with transition. Just wanted to make sure you've really thought about it, because like Melan mentioned - unless you've been on hormones for a long time, you don't really know what they're going to do.
I've known girls who still looked male 8 or 9 months into HRT, but a year into it pass perfectly.
May I ask how long you've been on hormones?

[FallenLeaves]

I don't think anyone looks flattering at that angle. 

But I understand what you mean, Zenny. I just wanted to throw that out there, because sometimes people get so caught up in what they think they're supposed to do with transition. Just wanted to make sure you've really thought about it, because like Melan mentioned - unless you've been on hormones for a long time, you don't really know what they're going to do.
I've known girls who still looked male 8 or 9 months into HRT, but a year into it pass perfectly.
May I ask how long you've been on hormones?

9 months. Very little has changed in those 9 months though, at least from my perspective. Everything I am getting done is bone work, something that estrogen unfortunately can never change unlike testosterone. I can say with more or less 100% certainty that even another year of estrogen wouldn't change my view more than just the slightest at best. I'll still see that crooked nose, the too sharp chin, the caveman brow and forehead.

[Nero]

Okay. Long as you're sure. Sometimes I think you girls are overcritical of yourselves though. But, yeah, HRT doesn't change hard tissue.
You look good to me now, so I bet you'll look even better after a few nips and tweaks.
Good luck! And I hope your coming out with dad goes smoothly.