First, let me just say -- excellent, excellent site. Everyone that contributes deserves a huge thank you.
I started out in January with a consultation with Dr. Bermant. You're likely to have, at this point, read many "takes" here on Dr. Bermant's personality. I found him to be very professional. He is very clear on what expectations should be by the patient. He is very straightforward that he can not achieve perfection. However, looking at many of his post ops, you can tell he strives for the most natural look. I am anxious to see my initial results, but that comes on Monday.
My consultation in January went something like this:
- I filled out medical history forms.
- I was weighed.
- My BMI/Fat % taken via some electronic device you simply hold at arms length.
- Dr. Bermant interviewed/reviewed the medical details regarding Gynecomastia in general. Some questions:
- This surgery is elective, and not necessary.
- The body is asymmetric and perfection is not necessarily possible.
- He will explain his Dynamic Technique as the solution for best results.
- He stops at every stage for you to ask questions. I didn't have many, but if you do - ASK them! He will give concise answers.
- He has you essentially cop-a-feel of your own breast tissue to show the actual gyne portions.
- He measures and documents your breast proportions.
- There is a basic physical that he gives -- to help insure against endocrine problems I assume.
The price I was quoted at the time ended up matching exactly what I could afford. I wasn't prepared at the time to take such a close risk, so I saved longer and returned exactly 9 months later. If you find yourself in the same situation, do something to improve your health! I was able to drop my body fat percentage prior to the surgery. If the changes are drastic enough, you will require another consultation. Fortunately Dr. Bermant seemed to get everything he needed w/out the extra fees. Be prepared to pay them however. My impression of Dr. Bermant is that he will stick to his tried and true methods religiously -- just go with it, it is why he does so well.
I then came back on Friday for pre-op. Make sure you have taken your shower prior to the office visit! It is the last one for several days. They cover more of the same information. They ask for any questions. Dr. Bermant documents the gynecomastia with pictures, video, and audio recording. These are his property to use as he sees fit -- you sign these rights away. If that concerns you just be aware. The contract allows him to use your unidentifiable "images" for medical stuff but it is fairly open ended.
Queue my surgery yesterday. This is done in Dr. Bermant's facility.
Jane, as always, is hugely pleasant. All the office staff is very supportive and cordial -- so do not be concerned, they know why you're wanting the surgery. I arrived fully prepared, filled out a little more paperwork, and eventually made my way into the prep room. You are asked to undress fully. You will be in the drafty hospital gown. It does suck, but honestly I am fairly self conscious and I wasn't even thinking about it. You're overcome with the capitulation that you're about to close this chapter of your life (hopefully).
Jim the anesthetist is a cool guy. I wish I could describe him fully; he just has an amazingly light-hearted disposition. Ex: "I have a theory. I have heard that if you're under 24, you know what a 'wenis' is." Fortunately, I was able to prove him right. So if you didn't know this prior, and Jim asks, you have to say you learned on these boards and not in highschool. If you have Jim, don't worry, you're in good hands.
I wish I could remember the names of the two nurses in the OR. Either way, they were great too. All I remember is talking a little bit and then waking up hugely groggy. I think I remember them saying they removed more from my left side than my right. It is really really hazy. The haziness goes away very fast.
I didn't see Dr. Bermant after the surgery (I don't think anyways, I can't remember too well.) I was then put in the recovery area for about 45 minutes to metabolize the drugs off enough to regain much of my faculties. I walked out of the OR and the hired nurse drove me to Subway first, then to the hotel for like 5 hours. 6 hours by the time I got back to my car at the office.
The Richmond Airport Hotel is a fairly decent place to stay if you're looking. I was able to stay for $60/night which is about 33% off when staying 3 or more nights.
How I feel:
I gotta say, I think I'm in more pain than most that describe the surgery. It feels like a viciously hard chest workout -- like I did 5 sets of 15 chest hammers pushing my weight limit. It is just a little too much for extra strength tylenol, but half a Lortab 5 every 3 hours seems to be working perfectly. I think a full tablet would be too much. It isn't an unbearable pain.
I don't seem to be able to use my arms for much weight because my chest is so sore. Once on the edge of the bed, its slightly difficult to adjust to a more comfortable spot. Sleeping on my side at this point is painful. I probably had no pain medication in me when I went to bed though, so that may also be contributing to the discomfort. I am able to sleep on my stomach; have no fear stomach sleepers!
Anyways, I am craving more coffee. I am going to head down to the lobby and get some more!
I will post pictures later. I hope to provide updates during the recovery phase to contribute to this great community! Then I hope I can move on forever. =)
Topic: My Surgery Experience - 1 day and 1 week post op (Dr. Bermant) (Read 4311 times)
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