Susan's Place Transgender Resources

Hey guys, I'm from the UK and want to have top surgery this summer. As the nhs don't fund this and the waiting list for over here is rather long, I'm considering going to America for it. How soon after surgery are you allowed to fly? Has anyone had dr garramone and wishes to describe their experiences and results? Cheers :)

I think there is a post-op appointment you have to go to after surgery that is 7ish days after the surgery, so you would at least have to stay for that. Pretty sure most people fly back out after that appointment.

I have not yet had surgery, but I plan to go with him as well.

CJ, click on "Forums" to get to the index page and type"Garramone" into the search block, I got eight pages of hits. Also, this link from our Wiki has a list of surgeons and other information: https://www.susans.org/wiki/Genital_realignment_surgery_(female-to-male) (https://www.susans.org/wiki/Genital_realignment_surgery_(female-to-male))

Hope this helps, hugs, Devlyn

I have a friend that had surgery with him. There was a follow up appointment a week after, and he flew back home after that appointment. There's a place to stay that a lot of trans people go to, it's relatively affordable, and there's other trans guys around so your not being able to lift your arms wouldn't be considered weird or anything. You might need a letter from the doctor afterwards to prevent any problems with TSA agents if they want to give you a frisk with a chest pat.

The place is New Beginnings. They get a lot of out of the country people staying there from my understanding.
Haven't had top surgery but I have never heard a bad word by anyone who has stayed there.
http://www.newbeginningsretreat.com/ (http://www.newbeginningsretreat.com/)

--Jay

I had garramone and I flew home the day after reveal day, so day 8.  My flight was maybe 2 hours long and I developed a hematoma after surgery.. it COULD have been from the flight so I would wear your bandage on the flight (I didnt) But it may not have been from the flight because I got the hematoma about 4 days after getting home, I will never know the actual cause of it. (but it went away on its own)

I met someone at my hotel who also flew from the UK and he didnt develop a hematoma, idk if he wore his bandage on the flight though.

I had surgery with Dr. Garramone about this time last year.  Same story as everyone else.  I flew home the same day as my post op appointment.  My surgery was on a Thursday, and I flew home the following Wednesday, so about a week.  I did not wear a bandage on the flight home (about 4-5 hours), and had no problems.

I also cannot recommend New Beginnings enough.  Leland, their nurse, will loosen the bandage on your second day, and that alone made any extra cost worth it.  Their knowledge and familiarity with Dr. Garramone and his procedures were invaluable.

Quote from: Daniel006 on July 08, 2013, 11:14:34 PM
I also cannot recommend New Beginnings enough.  Leland, their nurse, will loosen the bandage on your second day, and that alone made any extra cost worth it.  Their knowledge and familiarity with Dr. Garramone and his procedures were invaluable.

How far in advance would you suggest to make reservations?

I would say make your reservations as soon as you have a surgery date.

They have a total of 7 different rooms at different price levels.  Most of the rooms have a double bed, and the more expensive rooms have more sleeping space.  If you really want/need a certain room, you could see which times its available and see if you can schedule surgery then.

New Beginnings Retreat has a Facebook page which you might like to check out. You can message the owners on there for any information, or you can just call them. I dont know how far in advanced you would need to make a reservation but because the people who stay there are the people who see Dr. Garramone, when he is available they are available, if you get what I mean :) That might not always be the case tho, so it's still a good idea to ask!

Garramone has a decent waiting list, so you might want to call asap.
Had my consult May 1st and the earliest date available was in September.
I'm scheduled for October 22.

Wanna see results?
http://www.transbucket.com (http://www.transbucket.com)
There's currently 67 pictures of different guys that went to him.
Go ''Search Photos'' and ''Search by surgeon's name''

Garramone's youtube,
https://www.youtube.com/user/drgarramone/ (https://www.youtube.com/user/drgarramone/)
(Check his favorites)

NBR youtube page
https://www.youtube.com/user/NewBeginningsRetreat (https://www.youtube.com/user/NewBeginningsRetreat)

Quote from: CJ on July 08, 2013, 05:47:03 PM
Hey guys, I'm from the UK and want to have top surgery this summer. As the nhs don't fund this and the waiting list for over here is rather long, I'm considering going to America for it. How soon after surgery are you allowed to fly? Has anyone had dr garramone and wishes to describe their experiences and results? Cheers :)

Maybe this depends on which clinic you're with... but my NHS GIC pays for top surgery through a private hospital in Brighton. Feel free to PM me if you'd like more details.

I am really liking the look of going with Dr Garramone

Quote from: harlee on July 09, 2013, 12:35:04 AM
New Beginnings Retreat has a Facebook page which you might like to check out. You can message the owners on there for any information, or you can just call them. I dont know how far in advanced you would need to make a reservation but because the people who stay there are the people who see Dr. Garramone, when he is available they are available, if you get what I mean :) That might not always be the case tho, so it's still a good idea to ask!

This looks like a very friendly place,will check it out thanks!

Also what happens in the USA if something goes wrong during surgery? Do you have to have the funds to pay for this in case of emergency during surgery?

You can get top surgery through the NHS, it just takes a while.

If your surgery over runs its time slot you have to pay more, and I would guess that if you used lots more consumables than expected then you'd be required to pay, it's a business after all.  New Beginnings has some really good reviews from what I've seen, but what about when you get home, is your GP going to be able to deal with any problems if they arise?  One guy in the UK I follow on tumblr had some difficulties getting his GP to help him after having surgery in France with Dr Coustal.  There's a lot to think about with surgeries, and more so when you're factoring travelling and aftercare.

Quote from: Jayr on July 09, 2013, 01:17:13 AM
Garramone has a decent waiting list, so you might want to call asap.
Had my consult May 1st and the earliest date available was in September.
I'm scheduled for October 22.

I am glad you posted this because I was wondering what the wait time was. I bet more people do surgery over the summer because of the break.

Quote from: AlexanderC on July 09, 2013, 08:53:02 AM
You can get top surgery through the NHS, it just takes a while.

If your surgery over runs its time slot you have to pay more, and I would guess that if you used lots more consumables than expected then you'd be required to pay, it's a business after all.  New Beginnings has some really good reviews from what I've seen, but what about when you get home, is your GP going to be able to deal with any problems if they arise?  One guy in the UK I follow on tumblr had some difficulties getting his GP to help him after having surgery in France with Dr Coustal.  There's a lot to think about with surgeries, and more so when you're factoring travelling and aftercare.

Yeah I am under a gic but they said it would likely be some time next year and I can't wait that long. I do still need to address the whole GP situation, waiting on a call as we speak!
One thing that worries me is what happens if something wrong during surgery, not really sure how the system in the US works!

In the USA ... you are provided treatment regardless of the ability to pay in an emergency situation ... so if something happens on the table they will fix it.  You might get billed afterwards if necessary.  The cost for the procedure is the cost ... if something goes astray or takes longer than usual it typically isn't something your charged for unless it's something completely unexpected

Quote from: Robert Scott on July 10, 2013, 03:31:05 PM
The cost for the procedure is the cost ... if something goes astray or takes longer than usual it typically isn't something your charged for unless it's something completely unexpected

The Hospital & Anesthesia Fees include 90 minutes of Operating Room time. For most patients the average surgery time is 60 to 70 minutes. If the surgical procedure takes longer than 90 minutes to perform, the Hospital will charge the patient an additional $200 for each 30 minutes above the allotted time. This is rare, but we must be clear with you about the Hospital Fees.

Something to keep in mind.