So I have my top surgery consultation Monday with Dr. Garramone as I'm hoping to book in the late Summer/early Fall of 2015  It is kind of surreal to me because it is surprising to actually be moving forward in my transition.  I sent the photos already and now I am just waiting to get the call for him.  The next thing I need to do is write down all the questions I have.  The problem is, that my mind is still somewhat in "surreal" mode, so I am here to ask yall what might be some good questions to ask, especially with me being a pre-t, bigger guy.  Don't worry, I will likely get my head out of surreal mode (oh, who am I kidding?  I won't!)      and come up with a list, but  it will be good to see what you all would ask so I won't be missing any one.  I am also looking at videos on youtube on his consultations.

Even if you don't have any particular questions you can think of, I would appreciate any tips or heads-up on what to expect with Dr. Garramone's phone consultations, bookings, and whatever else you can think of, etc. 

Thanks guys!!!!       
                                     

One thing my husband forgot to ask was about dog ears. Whats the chance of having and revision policy if happens.

All i can think of out of the norm.

It's a good question, though I think Dr Garramone doesn't have as much difficulty with them as some surgeons (and that generally surgeons are doing better avoiding them. However, if you would gain or lose a lot weight they are somewhat inevitable.

Also Dr G talks VERY fast. If you have questions write them down. Of course, you could call and ask the office. They are usually helpful.

--Jay

Quote from: mrs izzy on November 13, 2014, 10:18:01 PM
One thing my husband forgot to ask was about dog ears. Whats the chance of having and revision policy if happens.

All i can think of out of the norm.

Hmmm ask about dog ears....check!  As a larger guy, I'm kind of expecting to have them.  I have them now actually, and if I get them after surgery, I just hope that they look "natural" on me.

@Jay  I actually watched your YT video about your top surgery consultation with him yesterday.    From what I seem to gather from you and other guys, he has the consultation down to a certain structure.  I'm hoping I can keep up and write the answers to my questions down quickly.   

One thing I am curious about is would it be fine to not book immediately after the consultation?  As a Pre-T guy, I want to make sure I don't actually schedule the surgery when my period is on, so I need to look at my calendar to track it to the best of my abilities.  I'm already going to be bloody enough!  Another thing is, I want to stay at New Beginnings Retreat.  I want to be able to make sure I can get a room to stay there all week.  I don't want to run into a situation where I have to reschedule my top surgery just so I can get a room there for that week as I hear Dr. G dislikes it when a person reschedules.  I also don't want to have to stay there partially and then have to get a hotel for part of the time, so, is it okay to call back once I know when my monthly isn't going to be on and I can find a room at NBR for the whole time, or should I call NBR first to see what openings they have to start?

I can't speak for Dr Garamound, but my doctor let me leave and figure out finances and then call to schedule.

Since you are staying there it won't be an issue, but in trying to arrange a ride for the surgery I realized I forgot to ask how long the surgery is and when I can expect to go home.

having followed your posts, I have to say I was super excited to see you have a consult.

Hello my friend!

With how far out you are going you will most likely be able to easily pick your date with both Garramone and NBR.

Don't sweat it.

To be honest, I have never been one to track my period (and hopefully soon I will no longer have it!), but I do think that it changes over time.  You are looking at like a year out, so it may change, anyway.  Wait for a month or so and write it down (if you don't already know when you had it last), and then schedule two weeks away from it.  Garramone has no investment in you scheduling the surgery right after the consult or not.  He will ask if you want to be transferred to the receptionist to schedule at the end of the call (if you tell him you want to use him). 

I do think it is best to contact NBR first with your preferred date and then schedule with Garramone's office.  NBR fills up quicker than Garramone.  You want to fly in to NBR two days prior to your surgery.

I flew in on Tuesday.  My preop was Wednesday.  Wednesday I got all my supplies and groceries.  Thursday was my surgery.  Check availability with NBR and then check with Garramone.  Schedule them both at the same time.

When it comes to dog ears I believe is it less common than it was in the past with surgeons.  They are better at the surgeries now.  However, some overweight guys have issues with back fat that peek out from behind.  They may look like dog ears, but that is not what they are.  You may want to consider losing weight prior to the surgery so that you are pleased with the result.

When I had my period it was always on time and predicable. I tracked it on yearly calenders. Though I didn't worry about it for surgery since I have been on depo-provera for years. Period shouldn't be that bad if you have it during top surgery, you will already be drugged up on pain meds so you shouldn't have any cramps. It would just suck the day of since it will be a long time between pad changes.

Quote from: King Malachite on November 14, 2014, 11:49:43 PM
One thing I am curious about is would it be fine to not book immediately after the consultation?  As a Pre-T guy, I want to make sure I don't actually schedule the surgery when my period is on, so I need to look at my calendar to track it to the best of my abilities. 

Hi, I had a phone consultation on Wednesday this week - and after I spoke to Dr G, I went back to reception to talk about scheduling. The lady (Kelli) was really nice and suggested to me that I take some time to think about dates and flights, and call her back. So there is no pressure whatsoever to book immediately after the consultation.

As you have to put down a USD$500 deposit (per procedure) it's best to be sure!

I also got figured out NBR first. I got a date sort of penciled in for surgery. They don't *actually* do this. But if you do it the same day, your date will still be there. You can ask if he has openings at a certain time farthest possible date from your period, and no he does not like to reschedule and may charge you. His staff is very good and understanding though and you can just say for your own reasons you want surgery in towards the beginning of hte month, the end, or middle, whichever is safest. I found changing clothes hard immediately post-op, so I get you on changing the other.

I would totally recommend NBR. I know Dr G and NBR had a falling out. But I think more it's their personalities clashing. It's a great place. They have moved so that they are closer to the office which is good. I thought it was relaxing and very nice with lots of places to walk around and so on, which I like to do. The socializing is completely up to you, no pressure, but you can meet some nice folks in your situation if you want.

Yes, he gives you time for questions. I think I mentioned in the video I but I did ask three, he had quick answers to two but he was very thoughtful on the third (would I his oldest patient? The answer is no.)


--Jay

You guys are all amazing!  Thank you.  It looks like the general consensus is to check with NBR first and then schedule with Dr. Garramone.

Quote from: Bombadil on November 15, 2014, 12:04:13 AM
I can't speak for Dr Garamound, but my doctor let me leave and figure out finances and then call to schedule.

Since you are staying there it won't be an issue, but in trying to arrange a ride for the surgery I realized I forgot to ask how long the surgery is and when I can expect to go home.

having followed your posts, I have to say I was super excited to see you have a consult.

Thanks, bro.!  I'm just so glad that I'm on the brink of actually getting this done and moving forward with my transition!

Quote from: Brett on November 15, 2014, 12:42:13 AM
Hello my friend!

With how far out you are going you will most likely be able to easily pick your date with both Garramone and NBR.

Don't sweat it.

To be honest, I have never been one to track my period (and hopefully soon I will no longer have it!), but I do think that it changes over time.  You are looking at like a year out, so it may change, anyway.  Wait for a month or so and write it down (if you don't already know when you had it last), and then schedule two weeks away from it.  Garramone has no investment in you scheduling the surgery right after the consult or not.  He will ask if you want to be transferred to the receptionist to schedule at the end of the call (if you tell him you want to use him). 

I do think it is best to contact NBR first with your preferred date and then schedule with Garramone's office.  NBR fills up quicker than Garramone.  You want to fly in to NBR two days prior to your surgery.

I flew in on Tuesday.  My preop was Wednesday.  Wednesday I got all my supplies and groceries.  Thursday was my surgery.  Check availability with NBR and then check with Garramone.  Schedule them both at the same time.

When it comes to dog ears I believe is it less common than it was in the past with surgeons.  They are better at the surgeries now.  However, some overweight guys have issues with back fat that peek out from behind.  They may look like dog ears, but that is not what they are.  You may want to consider losing weight prior to the surgery so that you are pleased with the result.

Hi, Brett! 

That seems to be the case with NBR as I saw on their tumblr that they are already booking into August, which is why I'm kind of looking more towards a Fall window for booking, perhaps in September.  That works for me since my job slows down considerably after the summer.  As far as the back fat, I'm thinking the fat that may stick out for certain bigger guys is the area where the bra/binder used to cover?  If so, then that makes a lot of sense.  I will just expect to have that.

Quote from: Alexthecat on November 15, 2014, 02:38:52 AM
When I had my period it was always on time and predicable. I tracked it on yearly calenders. Though I didn't worry about it for surgery since I have been on depo-provera for years. Period shouldn't be that bad if you have it during top surgery, you will already be drugged up on pain meds so you shouldn't have any cramps. It would just suck the day of since it will be a long time between pad changes.

Yeah, it's not the cramps that I'm too concerned with, it's mostly having to deal with the icky changes on what is supposed to be a day to truly celebrate and embrace myself as a man.  It would be a weird mental-bend for me.  :/

Quote from: lost.cowboy on November 16, 2014, 10:22:23 AM
Hi, I had a phone consultation on Wednesday this week - and after I spoke to Dr G, I went back to reception to talk about scheduling. The lady (Kelli) was really nice and suggested to me that I take some time to think about dates and flights, and call her back. So there is no pressure whatsoever to book immediately after the consultation.

As you have to put down a USD$500 deposit (per procedure) it's best to be sure!

Kelli was the one I spoke to on the phone too and she was really helpful.  I'm glad she seems laid back about booking as that makes me feel more comfortable about getting through the process.

Quote from: aleon515 on November 16, 2014, 02:06:50 PM
I also got figured out NBR first. I got a date sort of penciled in for surgery. They don't *actually* do this. But if you do it the same day, your date will still be there. You can ask if he has openings at a certain time farthest possible date from your period, and no he does not like to reschedule and may charge you. His staff is very good and understanding though and you can just say for your own reasons you want surgery in towards the beginning of hte month, the end, or middle, whichever is safest. I found changing clothes hard immediately post-op, so I get you on changing the other.

I would totally recommend NBR. I know Dr G and NBR had a falling out. But I think more it's their personalities clashing. It's a great place. They have moved so that they are closer to the office which is good. I thought it was relaxing and very nice with lots of places to walk around and so on, which I like to do. The socializing is completely up to you, no pressure, but you can meet some nice folks in your situation if you want.

Yes, he gives you time for questions. I think I mentioned in the video I but I did ask three, he had quick answers to two but he was very thoughtful on the third (would I his oldest patient? The answer is no.)


--Jay

Yeah, once I found out about NBR, my heart was set on going there. I was previously getting frustrated about having to hire and afford a private nurse before I found out about them so this is a Godsend!  It's a downer that I have no one to go with me, but at least I can be among other guys that are like me.  With the whole Garramone and NBR clash, I remember it from the start.  He used to advertise them on his website, and then out of nowhere, he took that down and more or less told people to avoid "surgery recovery sites", and he started to advertise Comfort Suites and give deals to patients who go there.  Now his website has taken that down and he doesn't recommend any specific place so I'm guessing that was a way of "squashing" the "feud".

Kelly is VERY down to earth.  She is Garramone's wife and has bleached blond hair.  No one who has bleached blond hair is going to be with someone ultra stuffy (which is how many see Garramone).  Even if he has a leaning towards stuffiness, I am confident that she can reel him back in, if needed.  They are most likely a good balance for each other.  She's the type of girl who would love to attend a friend's backyard bon fire where participants are expected to bring their own beer and their own lawn chair.  Very chill.

Quote from: Brett on November 16, 2014, 11:51:15 PM
Kelly is VERY down to earth.  She is Garramone's wife and has bleached blond hair.  No one who has bleached blond hair is going to be with someone ultra stuffy (which is how many see Garramone).  Even if he has a leaning towards stuffiness, I am confident that she can reel him back in, if needed.  They are most likely a good balance for each other.  She's the type of girl who would love to attend a friend's backyard bon fire where participants are expected to bring their own beer and their own lawn chair.  Very chill.

Haha yeah, she is pretty personable.  I actually got the call while I was at work and she heard screaming in the background and asked f I worked at a daycare, lol.  Then we had a miscommunication on how to spell my name and at first she spelled it Malazhite.   

Yep Kelli videoed my top surgery reveal, which was pretty nice. She's not the one who will flirt with you. LOL, that would be Jessica.

I'm guessing NBR and Dr G have decided to agree to disagree. Dr G doesn't make nasty comments on his site and Leland doesn't mention Dr G in anything he produces anymore.

NBR was going thru some difficulties when I stayed there, but it was definitely a godsend. I didn't think of anybody to go with me either. My best friend is disabled and often not up to it herself.


--Jay

Quote from: aleon515 on November 17, 2014, 02:04:07 AM
Yep Kelli videoed my top surgery reveal, which was pretty nice. She's not the one who will flirt with you. LOL, that would be Jessica.

I'm guessing NBR and Dr G have decided to agree to disagree. Dr G doesn't make nasty comments on his site and Leland doesn't mention Dr G in anything he produces anymore.

NBR was going thru some difficulties when I stayed there, but it was definitely a godsend. I didn't think of anybody to go with me either. My best friend is disabled and often not up to it herself.


--Jay

Ooooh, Jessica I need to keep that in mind, then.     I haven't got to meet her yet.  I just got done with my top surgery consultation and spoke to Jodi.  That woman is super nice.  She is going to be emailing me a pre-op packet explaining the steps and when it comes to information on lodging, Dr. Garramone still recommends Comfort Inn Suites and gives discounts using them, but she personally recommends New Beginnings Retreat, though information about that place isn't in there. 

I wrote some questions down and figured I would share with you guys just in case you were curious to know the answers to them too.  I couldn't write a lot down because he spoke so fast, but I will give you the gist.  It may be different for you and your consultation, but here's what I was told by him:

1.How long would it take for me to heal as a bigger guy?

It wouldn't take any longer to heal but the complication risks are increased.

2.   Will I have to stop taking my prescription medicine before surgery.  If so, then when should I stop. 

For me and the medication I'm on (Lisinopril and Ergocal) no.  I should especially take my Lisinopril as prescribed that the doctor.  Obviously this answer is more catered to for me personally so chances are, it is going to be different for you if you are on medication.

3.   Is it recommended for a guy my size to get the Mansculpture (obese)?

No.  This procedure is usually reserved for patients near their ideal body weight.  Even if I got this procedure done, the results wouldn't be noticeable because of the extra loose skin and extra weight.  He can do something similar to that as a separate procedure (some big long name I couldn't pronounce- pectoral-something), and that would create extended incisions around my back.

4.   When can I go back to work?  How soon would I be able to drive? 

6 weeks for work if it is non-sedentary, about 4 weeks if it is a sedentary job, and I can drive 2-3 weeks afterwards. On a side note, casual walking is fine, but nothing too strenuous while I'm healing.

5.   How likely am I to have dog ears? Basically, for bigger guys, a lot of them already have extra fat around the back area that aren't "dog ears".  I totally forgot what he said about the rest of that question, but he did said that he has worked on a lot of bigger guys and wouldn't be the first, and that half of his patients are bigger guys.

6.   Foods to avoid before and after surgery: None-it should be fine to eat whatever (though personally, I'm going to eat junk just for the heck of it).

7.   When can I lift my arms over my head- At  6 weeks I should be able to do that

Overall, the top surgery consultation went really well.  Dr. Garramone was really nice and took his time with me answering any questions or concerns that I had, and now the next thing for me to do is see when Aunt Flow is likely to come around when I want surgery, and see when New Beginnings Retreat have openings.  First, I'm going to get a drink because I'm tired and thirsty.     I got the call this morning and was totally expecting in the afternoon.  Not that I'm complaining though since I won't have the house alone then, so this was great timing!

King Malachite, I can see your reasons completely why you don't want to be bleeding when you have top surgery.  You don't need to be reminded that you still have those parts down below and then having to deal with protection, pads or tampons would be bad.

Thanks for sharing the questions you asked and answers! Very helpful starting point for my consult next week. I'm going with Medalie though. Good luck with yours!

I disagree about diet. Dr G is a surgeon, not interested in diet. True you can eat anything you want and you won't keel over. But diet affects your general well being and health. Lots of veggies, whole grains, and so on.

--Jay

Quote from: mm on November 17, 2014, 02:28:24 PM
King Malachite, I can see your reasons completely why you don't want to be bleeding when you have top surgery.  You don't need to be reminded that you still have those parts down below and then having to deal with protection, pads or tampons would be bad.

Exactly!  Then it would be sooooo embarrassing if I bleed all over the operating table!

Quote from: Konnor on November 18, 2014, 11:08:10 AM
Thanks for sharing the questions you asked and answers! Very helpful starting point for my consult next week. I'm going with Medalie though. Good luck with yours!

No problem man and thanks!  I wanted to help in any way I could.  I like Dr. Medalie's work too and if I wasn't going to Dr. Garramone, then I would have probably went with him.  Oh, congrats on getting married btw!

Quote from: aleon515 on November 18, 2014, 02:48:26 PM
I disagree about diet. Dr G is a surgeon, not interested in diet. True you can eat anything you want and you won't keel over. But diet affects your general well being and health. Lots of veggies, whole grains, and so on.

--Jay

I was looking back at what I read and noticed that I said I was just going to eat junk just for the heck of it.  That was a typo on my part and I mean to say I'm NOT going to eat junk just for the heck of it.  Sadly, I can't edit it without a mod's permission though.  I'm going to try and load up on a lot of vegetables and eat a lot of salads around that time especially.

Congrats on the consult! I know you've been waiting for that phone call for a long time brother. Jodi is super sweet. She grilled me on life in Japan when I was there.

For diet, I would recommend lots of liquids. It helped me immensely to basic have a liquid diet for a few days. I was so tired I barely felt hunger anyway, so I wasn't starving.

Quote from: Ayden on November 18, 2014, 11:04:05 PM
Congrats on the consult! I know you've been waiting for that phone call for a long time brother. Jodi is super sweet. She grilled me on life in Japan when I was there.

For diet, I would recommend lots of liquids. It helped me immensely to basic have a liquid diet for a few days. I was so tired I barely felt hunger anyway, so I wasn't starving.

Oh boy, I could NOT have done liquids, and it wouldn't have helped me any. I was VERY hungry after surgery, kind of a your mileage may vary thing I suppose.

--Jay