I have a really big life altering decision to make and I sure would appreciate the advice of people who went through it before and have opinions on what I should do. I am soooo torn i dont know what to do! I was lucky enough to win the date lottery with Dr. Bank and I have GRS scheduled for this August with him!

I was elated because I want to do GRS sooo much, and I was feeling so disheartened at how long the waiting times are growing with RBL and Jun. I didnt even think GRS this year would be possible for me and I've been soooo happy!

BUT, I already had a consult with Dr. McGinn planned from last year and I met her yesterday and she's fab!

She could do my surgery very soon and my Dr Bank date is this year too just a few months after.

The pro to Dr McGinn for me is doing it all in the US and she's easier to reach in an emergency. And, I could do it sooner possibly then with Dr Bank who is in Thailand so it's harder to get to and maybe scarier if there's a complication?

The pro to Dr Bank is lots of people say his asthetics are the best in the whole world (I was wondering, do you agree?)

I want to balance safety with a good outcome and good asthetics. I dont know what to do!!!!!

Hi Leah

My name is Sarah and I would like to formally, Welcome you to Susan's Place!

First off, I just want to say how wonderful this moment is for you.  You have put a lot of effort to reach this stage and it's totally understandable that this decision might feel a bit overwhelming.  It's fantastic that you have two highly regarded surgeons to choose from and no matter which way you decide to go, this is going to be a major step for you and the future you aspire to.

It really sounds like you've done your homework and it's obvious that you genuinely care about finding the right balance between safety, aesthetics and your overall well being.  That kind of careful thinking is going to serve you well.  Whichever surgeon you decide on, trust that you are making the best choice for yourself one that fits your needs, comfort, and long-term happiness.

So many of us have been where you are, grappling with the same tough decisions and we are all here to lend our support every step of the way.  If you ever need a bit of reassurance, some guidance, or just someone to listen, you are definitely in the right spot.

Once you feel comfortable here, it would be appreciated if you add a little bit more about yourself in the Introductions Forum, of course.  I would appreciate it very much as, I'm always interested in learning something new about new members

In addition members of Susan's will more than likely will discuss problems or issues that are similar to yours as most have experienced these as well.

Please review the links at the end of this message, especially the red links, they include information which will help you navigate the site and use the available features.  When you reach 15 posts, you will be able to send and reply to private messages and you will also be able to add an avatar to your profile, until then if you have any questions about the Susan's Place site and the Forums, please feel free to contact, the Forum Admin Danielle Northern Star Girl alaskandanielle@yahoo.com

Take care and all the best for the future.

Once again, Welcome to Susan's Place!

Best Wishes Always
Sarah B
Global Moderator
@Devlyn  @Jessica_Rose  @Mariah  @Northern Star Girl  @Lori Dee
@ LeahCA

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@LeahCA I haven't actually had vaginoplasty done by Dr. McGinn but she did my orchiectomy 12 years ago. I'm looking at getting vaginoplasty done by her sometime soon. I actually have a phone appointment with her coming up.

I guess I would recommend Dr. McGinn because she has operated on me before. I already like her too so I'm kind of biased.

The decision is your's. Good luck!

Hello, Leah!

Welcome to Susan's Place.

Since I am pre-op, I have no experience to offer. I have researched Dr. McGinn pretty thoroughly, and she is my top choice. I do not know anything about Dr. Banks, so I cannot offer an opinion on his work. If I were in that situation, I think I would choose sooner rather than later, and knowing what I know about Dr. McGinn, I would be confident that it is a good decision.

Since Dr. Banks is in Thailand, I would bet that the costs are considerably lower. The surgeons in Thailand are top-notch, so it would not be a bad thing to choose the later appointment and save some money.

You are correct to also consider post-op complications or even revisions, as that is not uncommon. Having someone nearer could be a good thing if you need it.

I am probably not much help here, but I am happy that you have done your research and have chosen well. I am very happy for you.

Welcome to Susan's Place.

Hi Leah

Trying to decide which surgeon you want to go with can only be made by you and only you.  A little story from me might help.

When I changed my life around 36 years ago, I had only two surgeons to choose from, but there was very little information available about one of them.  I knew nothing about aesthetics, procedures, risks, or support, so I went with the surgeon who was known to me where I lived.

I had the surgery and it was a really good outcome.  Did I ever worry about what it looked like?  No, I did look at it after surgery and said to myself, I guess it's okay, that's what it looks like.

Sometime later, I read that all women's vaginas were different, and I came across a montage online illustrating this.  So mine was just another one amongst many others.

In other words, what I'm trying to say is that I was not hung up on what it looked like.  The main worry I had was whether it was functional, and yes, it was.  It was confirmed recently when I visited a gynaecologist who confirmed I had all the necessary parts.

No one is really going to see your vagina on a day to day basis, unless, of course, your partner is present.  Even then, unless they know about you, they will not know you have had surgery there at all.  Many women have had surgery there for various reasons.  I know I have lived with boyfriends and they did not know that I had surgery there.

Pros and Cons of Each Option

It's completely understandable that you're feeling torn about this decision, it's a major moment in your life and you want to get it right.  Below is a breakdown of the pros and cons for each surgeon to help you weigh your options:

Dr. McGinn (USA)

✅ Pros:

• Closer to home, no long international flights for surgery or follow ups.
• Easier to reach in case of complications, immediate access to care within the U.S.
• Well established reputation, many satisfied patients and a history of good outcomes.
• No international travel restrictions, avoids potential complications related to visas, travel risks, or unexpected policy changes.

❌ Cons:

• Possible longer wait time, depending on her schedule, getting a sooner date is not guaranteed.
• Higher cost in the US, if insurance isn't covering it, surgery in the US tends to be more expensive than in Thailand.
• Potential aesthetic differences, some people prioritize aesthetics highly and prefer results from other surgeons.

Dr. Bank (Thailand)

✅ Pros:

• Highly regarded aesthetics, Many consider his results to be among the best in the world.
• Advanced surgical techniques: Surgeons in Thailand often have a high level of experience due to the volume of procedures performed.
• Lower cost compared to US surgery, even with travel expenses, it can be significantly cheaper than US options.

❌ Cons:

• Distance from home, if complications arise post-surgery, follow up care could be challenging.
• Long travel and recovery abroad, you would need to stay in Thailand for several weeks post op.
• Limited emergency access once home, if something goes wrong, you may need to find a local surgeon willing to help.

Key Considerations for Your Decision

• Do you have a strong support system in place? If you are traveling to Thailand, will someone be with you?
• How do you personally weigh aesthetics versus convenience/safety?
• Are you comfortable with possible extra travel risks for a result that many say is top-tier?
• Insurance and financial factors, will insurance cover any part of the cost?  Are you prepared for potential additional expenses?
• Your personal level of comfort, do you feel emotionally and logistically prepared for international surgery, or would you feel safer being treated closer to home?

If you strongly prioritize aesthetics and have the means and support for travel, Dr. Bank may be your best choice. If you want the peace of mind that comes with being closer to home and having immediate access to your surgeon, Dr. McGinn may be the safer route.

Remember that the above information is for you to consider in making your decision and of course with help from others.  But the final decision is yours and yours alone to make.

Take care and I wish you all the best for the future.

Best Wishes Always
Sarah B
Global Moderator
@LeahCA