Taking the plunge with Dr. Lista - anymore advice out there?

[dondante]

Hi All,

This is my first post, even though I've been scouring these boards for the past month. First off, I just want to express my appreciation to everyone who has been contributing to this board. Without the benefit of everyone's experience and insight, I don't think I would have ever been able to work up the courage to make a change to this awful condition which has plagued me since puberty.

My experience is typical of most people here. While I don't feel completely debilitated by my gyne like some who've shared their experiences here - it has definitely played a MAJOR part in my life. It affects the way I dress, the physical activities I take part in, the always popular going to the beach, and, to some extent, even my sexual activity. I'm in my mid-thirties and married to a beautiful woman who doesn't think I need to have my gyne repaired, but supports me because she understands that it's affecting me.

On Tuesday, I had my consultation with Dr. Lista. I found him to be very professional and he projected confidently that I would be very happy with my results. I booked a date immediately, for January 7th, and gave my deposit.  That night, however, I was up until 3 in the morning stressing about my upcoming surgery. The next day I visited my GP to gather information that Dr. Lista needed and get my required bloodwork done and spoke to my GP about the decision I made. His thoughts were quite re-assuring. He told me that he had had several patients who've undergone this procedure and that I would be happy with the results and that I shouldn't worry about it, but look forward to it. Interestingly, he noted that he could have referred me to a specialist years ago, but he never mentioned it because he figured since I never asked him about my gyne (I was always too embarrassed to even bring it up) - that I was comfortable with it, and he wasn't about to change that.

So, here I am, waiting for my big day, thinking about doing the things I always felt uncomfortable doing, wearing the type of clothes that I would never have dreamt of wearing, and just plain being rid of this monkey I've had on my back for the past 20+ years. I will follow-up with some pre and post op pics because I think our collective experience is necessary for those who will come here in the future - but I would also REALLY appreciate some feedback from those of you who have used Dr. Lista in the past.

Thanks,

dondante

[tigertown]

doesn't he only do lipo?

[Pacifico]

Great story!  I am 32 and have the same experience and story you share.  I am scheduled in late December with a California Doc.  I wish you great success!

[dondante]

Pacifico, thanks for the good wishes, I'll keep you posted on my progress - let me know how it goes for you, too.

Tigertown, I understand why there's a common misconception that Dr. Lista only does lipo - it's because he only does 1 incision on each lower side of the breast and not the nipple incisions typical of most gland excisions. He has a different technique wherein he removes the gland through the side breast incision - thereby only making 2 scars instead of 4. In my consult I asked him point blank whether gland would be removed and his unequivocal answer was "yes". I wouldn't be doing this if he wasn't removing gland.

[Grandpa Bambu]

Interestingly, he noted that he could have referred me to a specialist years ago, but he never mentioned it because he figured since I never asked him about my gyne (I was always too embarrassed to even bring it up) - that I was comfortable with it, and he wasn't about to change that.

Hey there dondante...

Yeah I was in the same boat as you dude... I had G since approx 10 years old and not once did a general physician ever mention my G and that it could be corrected. I mean come on... a grown man with 'D' cups and my GP's not once brought the issue up  . I'm very disappointed with my local medical community. I distinctly recall a medical tech gawking at my m(o)(o)bs (you know, that 'WTF?' look) during an x-ray exam at hospital when I was 15 or so... I was wearing one of those 'open-in-the-back' blue hospital gowns and the way it 'hung' over my chest, it made my D's very noticeable. I was soooo embarrassed! You know that feeling huh? So if that medtech noticed my deformity, then why couldn't any of my GP's over the years bring the issue up? I'm very disillusioned!

However....  I think it was fate that I had surgery when I did. Right PS at the right time... 

Anyways... the nightmare is over for me and it will soon be over for you also!!! 

GB


 

[dondante]

However....  I think it was fate that I had surgery when I did. Right PS at the right time... 
GB

I've definitely had that feeling of "why didn't I look into this sooner?" - it's a amazing, I found this site about 6 months ago - but only got far enough into it to just identify what it is that I had. It finally had a name - I wasn't the only one - but that was a far as it went.

I came back a few weeks ago, started doing research, but even then, with everything I read  - my fear of facing my condition was so strong that my heart was pounding when I submitted my online request for information form on Dr. Lista's website. Imagine that!

I can only chalk it up to fate that I've finally taken this steps at this point in my life...

[Grandpa Bambu]

I've definitely had that feeling of "why didn't I look into this sooner?" - it's a amazing, I found this site about 6 months ago - but only got far enough into it to just identify what it is that I had. It finally had a name - I wasn't the only one - but that was a far as it went.

How did you feel when you found out the condition had a name and that you were not 'the only one'?

I came back a few weeks ago, started doing research, but even then, with everything I read  - my fear of facing my condition was so strong that my heart was pounding when I submitted my online request for information form on Dr. Lista's website. Imagine that!

I hear you there broh.... Making 'The Call' (or in your case, sending in the online form) can be very traumatic for many. A condition kept secret for many years, will now be made public knowledge (so-to-speak). It's not an easy task revealing to another, that you have such an embarrassing condition.

In addition, I think part of that 'anxiety' when you make the call, is a result of knowing that 'the end' is near... You can finally see the light at the end of the tunnel!

I can only chalk it up to fate that I've finally taken this steps at this point in my life...

Yeah, I couldn't agree with you more my man. Things happen when they do for a reason and for you, January 07, 2008 is 'your time'...

All the best on the big day dude!

GB

[braveboy]

Hi All,

This is my first post, even though I've been scouring these boards for the past month. First off, I just want to express my appreciation to everyone who has been contributing to this board. Without the benefit of everyone's experience and insight, I don't think I would have ever been able to work up the courage to make a change to this awful condition which has plagued me since puberty.

My experience is typical of most people here. While I don't feel completely debilitated by my gyne like some who've shared their experiences here - it has definitely played a MAJOR part in my life. It affects the way I dress, the physical activities I take part in, the always popular going to the beach, and, to some extent, even my sexual activity. I'm in my mid-thirties and married to a beautiful woman who doesn't think I need to have my gyne repaired, but supports me because she understands that it's affecting me.

On Tuesday, I had my consultation with Dr. Lista. I found him to be very professional and he projected confidently that I would be very happy with my results. I booked a date immediately, for January 7th, and gave my deposit.  That night, however, I was up until 3 in the morning stressing about my upcoming surgery. The next day I visited my GP to gather information that Dr. Lista needed and get my required bloodwork done and spoke to my GP about the decision I made. His thoughts were quite re-assuring. He told me that he had had several patients who've undergone this procedure and that I would be happy with the results and that I shouldn't worry about it, but look forward to it. Interestingly, he noted that he could have referred me to a specialist years ago, but he never mentioned it because he figured since I never asked him about my gyne (I was always too embarrassed to even bring it up) - that I was comfortable with it, and he wasn't about to change that.

So, here I am, waiting for my big day, thinking about doing the things I always felt uncomfortable doing, wearing the type of clothes that I would never have dreamt of wearing, and just plain being rid of this monkey I've had on my back for the past 20+ years. I will follow-up with some pre and post op pics because I think our collective experience is necessary for those who will come here in the future - but I would also REALLY appreciate some feedback from those of you who have used Dr. Lista in the past.

Thanks,

dondante

Here is my experience with lista,i"ll answer any questions you may have, pics also posted
http://www.gynecomastia.org/smf/index.php?topic=7334.0

[dondante]

Thanks for the heads up - I actually have read that post exhaustively. It was a treasure trove of information. Your results are awesome, by the way.

[braveboy]

Thanks for the heads up - I actually have read that post exhaustively. It was a treasure trove of information. Your results are awesome, by the way.

Hey,just beaware that there are possibilities to complications like i had,i needed a revision to repair the skin adhereing to the muscle. It was a long and difficult time to get the results that i ended up with.But worth everything ,i would do it again.

[dondante]

was that an additional cost to you?

[braveboy]

no it was no cost to me,i must say the DR was just as disappointed as i was with the results i think that is why it was free. but if you are just not happy and want a revision he will charge you. ask the dr exactly what his policy is on revisions.most procedures will require a revision depending on how severe your gyno is,but keep i mind your expectations must be reasonable and not expect a miracle.

[Grandpa Bambu]

Keep in mind your expectations must be reasonable and not expect a miracle.

After all, Gynecomastic Reduction Surgery is just a fix. It's not a cure... 

Plastic surgeons are not magicians/wizards, they are mere mortals and can only do so much! 

GB

[dondante]

I'm not that ambitious, my gyne is run of the mill garden variety type - I don't expect to come out looking like Brad Pitt - just normal  .

[dondante]

Well guys, tomorrow's my big day - my surgery is scheduled for 8 am. I'm a little nervous -  actually -  alot nervous, but also very excited. I thought that I would add some pre-op pics so you could see what I've been living with. Hopefully the post-op pics will show a dramatic improvement!

Wish me luck! And thanks for all the encouragement and advice, most especially Pacifico, Braveboy, and the always helpful Grandpa Bambu!

 
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