Thanks for the comments Walt and Bob.
I'm single again, seeing other women, live in a hot country (Australia) and being embarrassed to take your shirt off has gotten the better of me. I'll either get the surgery here in Australia (safest bet), take a month in Thailand (cheapest bet), or perhaps to one of the very skilled surgeons in the States (most expensive bet)who have done this procedure many times.
I'm totally sick of having boobs and cant believe I've tolerated them this long. Not being able to wear light t-shirts. Finding myself buying clothes where my boobs dictate what I buy. Avoiding doing anything that involves taking my shirt off. And now, the utter embarrassment of taking my shirt off in front of a girlfriend and finding I have bigger boobs than her. However, being honest, I have found women appear to hardly notice them. Perhaps they are sparing my embarrassment. For me, as a man, it is just plain wrong and abnormal to have boobs. I hate them so much and am looking forward to finally having surgery. It can't come quick enough.
Given the size of my mammeries, I believe I'm going to need skin reduction as well. A couple of doctors have suggested this will be likely. The choice I have to make is; 1) Do I get the skin reduction at time of surgery, or 2) Wait for 6 months to see how the skin tightens. Any views or experience of this would be much appreciated.
This is a great Forum that I have only recently discovered. Like all sufferers of this embarrassing and humiliating condition, we have coped with it in silence. Too embarrassing to talk about despite the significant impact it has had on our lives. It has been hugely therapeutic reading the posts and advice.
I'll keep you guys posted on my progress. I hope to have the surgery done next month (October). I'm pretty comfortable with a surgeon here in Perth, Western Australia (AU$8000). I received a few quotes from Thai clinics (Average AU$5000). I'm going to Thailand for a month so thought I'd combine a holiday and surgery! I have also contacted a very experienced Gynecomastia surgeon in New York (US$9000). I am seriously considering this surgeon due to his prompt and detailed response to my enquiry. He is clearly and expert and specialises in this procedure. I just have to factor in the additional costs of flying around the world (airfares and accommodation). He replied to me personally with lengthy, specific, and informative advice. Bloody impressive. If I lived in NY I would have booked in immediately, and may still do.
Anyway, I'm warbling and will finish up. Actually discussing this subject openly is very helpful and beneficial for me.
Cheers,
Steve