Susan's Place Transgender Resources

Community Conversation => Transitioning => Gender Correction Surgery => Topic started by: Melody Maia on August 19, 2010, 12:39:29 AM

Title: Schedule SRS before letter?
Post by: Melody Maia on August 19, 2010, 12:39:29 AM
Hello Ladies,
Is it possible to schedule your SRS before receiving your letter? I know you need it to actually have the surgery. I was just wondering if at some point in the middle of RLE any of the North American surgeons would allow an MTF to reserve a surgery date. After going through HRT and a whole year for RLE (all still in my future), it would be very tough for me to wait an additional 6 to 8 months (depending on surgeon lead time) for surgery. Would be great if it could be scheduled for shortly after the one year mark of RLE. Just curious.
Title: Re: Schedule SRS before letter?
Post by: Muffin on August 19, 2010, 01:50:05 AM
It may differ depending on which surgeon you go with? I know mine can and requires proof of it I think within a few months before then the original document in person, but I'm booked to see my psychiatrist six months prior.. which is just another hassle out of the way.
I'm not sure if there is or if this is the standard for sure a thing *shrugs*.
Title: Re: Schedule SRS before letter?
Post by: Cruelladeville on August 19, 2010, 03:32:53 AM
Yep...I would agree that most of the competent surgeons.....are well booked in advance.... Chet/Suporn into 2011 already....

I was able to start my 2nd generation rejuvenation tweaks this year from March onwards and its been almost a full-time job seeking out doctors that are willing, able and schedule free to slot me in for procedures this year in anyway at all!!

Not to say a begging ordeal too.... but cancellations slots have been my saving grace option...

Many doctors also do conventional work too..... so they keep very busy....

And in Meltzer's case he only works Mon-Thur.... and is oft away on conferences...

So if you're committed on this course of action....get contacting....
Title: Re: Schedule SRS before letter?
Post by: Melody Maia on August 19, 2010, 07:45:52 AM
Thank you ladies. I don't plan on going full time until early 2011, so I am looking at early 2012 at the earliest. Sounds like I should plan in an 8 month or so lead time. For myself, I am looking st McGinn. Already in therapy, but sounds like I will also need a PhD psych at some point next year too.
Title: Re: Schedule SRS before letter?
Post by: Julie Marie on August 19, 2010, 08:05:53 AM
While most surgeons require the letter prior to surgery, many do not require the letter at the time you schedule the surgery.
Title: Re: Schedule SRS before letter?
Post by: FairyGirl on August 19, 2010, 04:15:11 PM
Quote from: Melody on August 19, 2010, 07:45:52 AM
Thank you ladies. I don't plan on going full time until early 2011, so I am looking at early 2012 at the earliest. Sounds like I should plan in an 8 month or so lead time. For myself, I am looking st McGinn. Already in therapy, but sounds like I will also need a PhD psych at some point next year too.

I just had mine with Dr. McGinn in June. She requires 2 letters. I had both letters when I scheduled last September, but she didn't require them to schedule as long as you have them before surgery, as Julie mentioned.
Title: Re: Schedule SRS before letter?
Post by: Renate on August 19, 2010, 09:27:37 PM
Usually the second letter is simpler to get.
It's mostly a sanity check on you and the first therapist.

Scheduling in the near future with no letter might be iffy.
With one letter, the presumption is that you could get the second letter.
Title: Re: Schedule SRS before letter?
Post by: katgirl74 on August 20, 2010, 09:48:27 PM
I also had my surgery with McGinn, and I scheduled my surgery before I had my letters. Dr. McGinn just requires that you have your letters in by a certain date. I had actually originally scheduled with Bowers, and had reserved a date only a few weeks after going full time. So, in many cases you can schedule before you have your letters, just so long as the surgery is not scheduled sooner that 1 year after going full time.