I had top surgery this morning with Dr. Rockmore in Albany, NY. If anyone is near NY, I would definitely recommend looking into him. He's really personable and nice, which I found comforting (Usually I don't mind if doctors aren't all that personable, but it's major surgery... so having a surgeon who is personable makes you feel a lot better about the whole process). The staff at the surgery facility were amazing. Everyone was genuinely nice and very helpful. I couldn't have had a better experience. I woke up feeling really fine after surgery, which surprised me. I've been positively visualizing it for the last month which I think helped a lot. I was able to leave 20 minutes after I woke up and I didn't even have to take any pain meds at that point. I'm taking them now, though. All in all, I feel great. I know there will be some soreness and discomfort, but it's totally worth it. I get to take a peak at everything tomorrow morning. This is the biggest relief ever. If anyone has questions about my surgeon, feel free to ask!

That's awesome!  I can't believe how quickly you got to leave!  I can't wait until I meet with him on the 30th and the countdown for next May begins!  Keep us posted on recovery if you don't mind.

Nice! Congratulations.

Congratulations!

Congratulations - and thanks for the update! Best wishes for speedy healing.

Did you get nauseous at all? I've heard a lot of people do.

Congratulations on an amazing result.  You must be feeling over the moon.

Thanks, everyone. I will definitely keep you guys updated. Ansley, I didn't get nauseous at all. It really depends on your body and how it responds to the anethesia/drugs. It varies from person to person. I felt confused for about two minutes after I woke up, then I asked for some water and blankets because I was cold. The warm blankets they gave me felt amazing. Within a few minutes I was having a normal conversation; asking when I could see my family, how it went, how long it took, etc. I did have a reaction to the antibiotic they gave me before surgery (Keflex) so I had a pretty nasty rash when I woke up, but they gave me Benadryl and it was gone within a few hours. My skin is really sensitive, so I wasn't too surprised about that.

Two things that I think helped a lot; positive visualization (thinking positively about recovery beforehand -- it helps because when you wake up, you're able to feel the positive thoughts and emotions you've been practicing for the last month or so) and my eating habits (I'm a vegan). I became a vegan four months ago (not just for surgery) and I believe that helped a lot because I'm a lot healthier now. I stopped drinking soda and stuff like that, too. It's really cleared my body of all those nasty toxins. In addition, I don't smoke, I rarely drink (and of course, I stopped drinking altogether a while before) and I'm a pretty active person. If you're able to adjust your diet and cut back on those things as well, I believe it'll definitely help with your healing. Some people think the positive thinking is bull, but read up on it if you are skeptical.

My parents have been super supportive through this, which is amazing because they were still a bit weird about things beforehand. I think this has helped things "sink in" more for them. When I came home (I don't live at home) they had the office next to our living room set up with the recliner and they brought my bed downstairs for my girlfriend so she could sleep in here with me. They went shopping and bought me food, too. It really meant a lot to me.

Again, thank for all the well wishes. I know I haven't been on the forum long, but I plan on sticking around!

I was allowed to take a quick look at my chest this morning! I can't wait until everything is healed and I can start doing things again.

Congratulations!!

wow fast healer and look at the hair on those arms 

My arms are quite hairy, I guess! I had someone else comment on them too, haha. I'm pretty hairy all over, now. My legs are pretty out of control too. A little more on my face and I'll be happy. I've been on T for 15 months now.

Congratulations. My surgery was on the 9th and looks like we both had really positive experiences. Good luck with your healing

Sounds like things are going great Wolfman! .  Local guy is having his done up in Sydney tomorrow, so I have been watching these threads.