Finally getting the surgery (in Toronto)

[DCBR78]

Well, I'm 30, been living with it since I was a kid and am finally taking the leap. So, I'll bore you with my story and the follow up.

Man, if I could only have known what I know ten years ago, I'd have dealt with this already. A couple years back.... I've had the problem since I was about 8 and have been embarrassed about it ever since.
I few years ago called a few surgeons in my area inquiring about the surgery and got a lot of pricing around the 5-6k mark. This was discouraging, seeing how I had other financial obligations. I'm not a small guy, I figured (not knowing any better) that a good diet would help remedy the problem a bit. I dropped a lot of weight and it made the problem worse! Where I had a big stomach to make the shirt fit differently, it made the gyne REALLY noticeable. So, for the last couple years, I've managed to put all the weight back on, feeling defeated. Last summer I bought a new home with an in-ground pool. When I realized that I was very uncomfortable when people came over, I decided I had enough. I was willing to sell my truck and buy a piece of junk to get the problem fixed. I visited my family doctor looking for a referral to a good surgeon. He told me that certain public clinics can absorb some of the cost of the hospital stay, anesthesia and the gland removal. This was great news. He unfortunately did not have a surgeon in mind. He referred me to this site. After a little looking around I got Dr. Fielding's info and set up an appointment.
We discussed the issue, he poked me like a zoo animal and talked about all the ins and outs of the surgery and expectations. I was really happy with the consultation and told him, I'd get back to him. My case is pretty bad (compared to a lot on here) and I was looking a 2k for the surgery including lypo. I called him the next day and arranged a pre-op meeting. Last week I paid for the surgery and on April 9. I'm getting it done.
I'm not expecting a miracle and I may need a touch up in a year. But, I'm excited to get this going and start a new life this summer. If it looks like crap but has improved, at least I can wear a shirt without looking terrible and thats a big deal for me and my self-esteem. I hope to report back with a good story and how well it went. Time will tell. I'll post pre-op pics in a couple days and we can all see together how it went after the surgery.

[Grandpa Bambu]

You're in good hands with JCF....

GB

[DCBR78]

I've heard that and am pretty ecxited. You know the only thing that bothers me now is that no private practice surgeon would even hint that OHIP will cover the gland removal etc minus the lypo at a public practice. I know that would be bad business.. But, you'd think a doctor would want to help people too. I can't imagine how many people in Ontario don't realize that OHIP is willing to help.

[Angel_of_Death]

Congrats DCBR78 !

I really hope your surgery turns out well. Mine is also setup with Dr. Fielding on April 23rd. Please keep us posted about your surgery experience.

[DCBR78]

Thanks.

I definatly will. I'm not all that nervous. It's crazy, years of misery.. I finally can start the process to feeling good about myself. Good luck to you too. I'll update as things go. Since we have the same doctor, maybe some of the experiences I share will prepare you a bit better.

[marx]

I can say, the biggest step is to get off your ass and make the appointment.  The recovery is the worst part, not because of pain, but because of the daily massaging, being careful, appointments, etc.  Just remind yourself that once it's done it's done!  Get it done and get on with your life!