Susan's Place Transgender Resources

Community Conversation => Female to male transsexual talk (FTM) => Transsexual talk => FTM Bottom Surgery => Topic started by: CR on December 22, 2014, 06:34:15 PM

Title: How long...
Post by: CR on December 22, 2014, 06:34:15 PM
I was curious what people had to say about this.

I'm over 5 years on T with two surgeries out of the way.  I'm looking into bottom surgery and am going to start trying to get the 3 letters.  How long does it take to get the letters, usually?
Title: Re: How long...
Post by: FTMax on December 22, 2014, 06:45:06 PM
I've only ever seen reference to two letters?
Title: Re: How long...
Post by: CR on December 22, 2014, 06:48:16 PM
I thought it was two, as well.  I guess maybe it's this particular surgeon that I've talked to.
Title: Re: How long...
Post by: Arch on December 22, 2014, 06:49:08 PM
I think you haven't given us enough to go on. Where are you, what are your letter requirements, and what system are you working with?

Did you see a therapist (or more than one) to get referred for T or your other surgeries? If so, can you simply request a letter (or more than one) that way?

Ah, and who is the surgeon?
Title: Re: How long...
Post by: CR on December 22, 2014, 06:52:59 PM
I do not remember if I used a letter for the first surgery.  The second one I was referred through my hormone doctor and didn't use any letters.  This is Schechter in Chicago.  I'm thinking I can get the 3 from the same place in Chicago.
Title: Re: How long...
Post by: Arch on December 22, 2014, 09:29:21 PM
If it's Dr. Loren Schechter, his site says one letter.
Title: Re: How long...
Post by: CR on December 22, 2014, 09:31:52 PM
Oh.  Well, I talked to him personally and he told me three.  Maybe the site needs to be updated.
Title: Re: How long...
Post by: Arch on December 22, 2014, 09:35:22 PM
Actually, it's his page in another site. So maybe you are right (that the page needs updating). But I have never heard of a three-letter requirement. That's insane.
Title: Re: How long...
Post by: CR on December 22, 2014, 09:38:55 PM
I want to get them done fast, and I would think I could since I've had other irreversible surgery and on hormones for a long time.  Not sure, though.
Title: Re: How long...
Post by: mrs izzy on December 22, 2014, 09:55:03 PM
Just in reference Dr Brassard was 2 letters therapist plus on letter from Endo. 3 total.

Guess 3 could be needed?
Title: Re: How long...
Post by: CR on December 23, 2014, 12:04:45 AM
Quote from: mrs izzy on December 22, 2014, 09:55:03 PM
Just in reference Dr Brassard was 2 letters therapist plus on letter from Endo. 3 total.

Guess 3 could be needed?

Pretty much.  I was told therapist, psychologist, and your doctor.
Title: Re: How long...
Post by: Arch on December 23, 2014, 01:36:16 AM
I had to be cleared for top surgery by my doctor, but I didn't need a letter--just a presurgical check-up. He had to fill out a form and sign it, I believe.

Maybe that's what the doc means.
Title: Re: How long...
Post by: Arch on December 23, 2014, 01:42:33 AM
Here's the page. Two psych letters (one from an MD or PhD) and a letter from your doc about your hormone history.

http://www.uplasticsurgery.com/gender-confirmation/overview/ (http://www.uplasticsurgery.com/gender-confirmation/overview/)

Still seems excessive to me, but I guess he's covering his ass.
Title: Re: How long...
Post by: CR on December 23, 2014, 01:35:06 PM
I'm thinking it might also make it harder for insurance to deny.

But I wouldn't be too surprised if they did anyway :(
Title: Re: How long...
Post by: Arch on December 23, 2014, 03:10:42 PM
*(&^%^ insurance &&^%%^%$&