No intention of trying to discourage you. According to all reports, Dr. Bowers has excellent reputation as does my surgeon. It is one year to day plus one month since my GRS.
What is so important, but, was not discussed much before my surgery, was the importance of aftercare and communication, especially since it is reported that maybe 50% of us experience issues of granulated tissue.
I followed the dilation regime rigorously for five months but then moved to a smaller dilator. The burning sensation was too much. Inexplicably, my vagina girth contracted considerably. Suggested remedies for the doctor's PA and the doctor did not worked, though I followed them rigorously. After a year, I have given up as I was seeing no improvement.
I think more work is needed as to post op experience and better communication by the team that performed the surgery. BUT, I have a number of post op friends who have had minimal post surgical problems. Except for the reduction, in girth and depth of he vagina, and the chronic soreness trying to correct that, I am delighted with the outcome. Like Dr. Bowers, my surgeon was very skilled. Incidentally, I never needed any pain medication other than the morphine drip until I was discharged from the hospital two days after surgery. It was wonderful to have the care of my wife of fifty years 24 hours per day!
Again, my intent is to not discourage anyone, only maybe that others be more aware of the probability of complications than I was.
You'll do great! Regard my experience as unusual. My surgery was performed one day before turning 75. My tissue may not be as elastic as a younger person.