After a few months of balking at the idea, I'm starting to think that maybe full SRS would be a better option for me, especially now that I've decided I would choose Meltzer (who my insurance would cover) over Brassard (who my insurance would not cover) if I were to go all the way.  I like what I read about Meltzer and I've decided to give SRS a serious thought.  It's still going to cost me a lot out of pocket but maybe I can pull a miracle out of thin air yet.

Still, I do have one burning question that I really should have asked, if I hadn't been so defeatist about the surgery earlier: what factors have the most impact on the outcome of SRS? 

For reference, I'm 30, slightly overweight but in overall good health, no diabetes or HIV, non-smoker, only likely to be slightly active (e.g. walking about .8 miles and traveling on public transit) during the weeks and months after surgery.  I tend to heal up from things in an average amount of time but no faster than that. 

I will have to lose weight prior to this operation (that's a given) but besides that, what else could I do to improve my outcome?  What's the typical outcome someone like me can expect?

That's a very interesting question. I've no personal experience, but I was looking into it and as far as I can tell being a healthy weight and physically fit are really important. The more the better. I thinking signing up to a gym and getting seriously into exercise for 6 months to a year would be a good idea.

And the surgeon of course, though I'm not really sure how to work that one out.

Quote from: Rose City Rose on December 12, 2014, 03:33:47 AM
I will have to lose weight prior to this operation (that's a given) but besides that, what else could I do to improve my outcome?  What's the typical outcome someone like me can expect?

Strange to say, but surgeons like a lot of tissue to work with. In other words, it helps to have a large schlong (seriously).

One thing to do would be to keep having erections before SRS so that you don't experience shrinkage. It's hard for a lot of people to do on t-blockers, but even when T is very low, an erection occurs right before orgasm, so if the dysphoria doesn't get in the way, having orgasms up until surgery can help.

Quote from: suzifrommd on December 12, 2014, 06:49:47 AM
Strange to say, but surgeons like a lot of tissue to work with. In other words, it helps to have a large schlong (seriously).

One thing to do would be to keep having erections before SRS so that you don't experience shrinkage. It's hard for a lot of people to do on t-blockers, but even when T is very low, an erection occurs right before orgasm, so if the dysphoria doesn't get in the way, having orgasms up until surgery can help.

Kind of already doing that.  I'm big there and the T-blockers haven't kept me from getting erections (which is kind of irritating sometimes).  Can't say I enjoy myself as much now that I know I have the option of getting a vagina though.

From my surgeon; op in 73 days.

Be as fit and healthy as you can,
Masturbate as much as you can
Have a support network.

And stop worrying, I'll look after you.

Quote from: Cindy on December 13, 2014, 01:54:56 AM
Masturbate as much as you can

Best not mention that to the shrink...

get healthy with good diet with lots of fruit and greens, walk as much as you can to get your lungs and heart into good shape.

I went on  a shopping trip by bus around town three days after coming home and about 12 days after surgery - why do you think you will be an invalid after surgery?

Shape up and get ready to stride out.

Weight loss should be priority. Don't settle, work out. Cardio can help as well to have some stamina. Relax a week before surgery, just settle down and sleep some extra hours. Being properly rested can help the body to take on the physical stress that is coming, it also relaxes the nerves so that you have less anxiety. Have a determined mindset, the surgery is the easy part, persistence comes after that.

Actually, it is like preparing for running a marathon, literately, the body has to repair so much tissues after surgery that the body thinks that it is running one.