NHS Operation in 2 weeks. Advice Needed!

[Heatmaker]

Hi, I received a letter in the post a few days ago confirming an arrangement for my "Operation under General Anesthetic as a Daycase" with the NHS in 2 weeks time.

From what I've read on these forums - a lot of people have had bad experiences with the NHS. However, I'm still studying (21 years old) and simply cannot afford to go private. So I'm willing to take the chance to sort out my life. My chest has ruined my teenage years and I don't want the same to happen to my twenties!

I'm 5'10" and weighed 16 stone (224lbs) 18 months ago. I lost 6 stone (84lbs) and STILL had my big upper chest, so I decided to start pumping weights. Since dropping down to 10 stone (140lbs) people told me I looked skinny and sick. So I have gained 1 and a half stone since January 2009. The weight I am at now seems perfect for me (11.8 stone / 162lbs).

As stated above, my operation is in 2 weeks time. Can I have some advice on what to expect and product I'll need post-opp (will I need a compression vest?)

Thanks a lot!

Here are my pictures:











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[D24]

Hi heatmaker, dunno if you've read my posts but I had lipo on the NHS and ended up having excision privately. What have the NHS offered you? I.e lipo and excision or just one of those. As for the vest you get one from the NHS and you'll wake up from surgery with one on but the one I had lost it's tightness so it maybe worth purchasing one, as long as it provides constant compression it will be fine.

[Heatmaker]

Hi heatmaker, dunno if you've read my posts but I had lipo on the NHS and ended up having excision privately. What have the NHS offered you? I.e lipo and excision or just one of those. As for the vest you get one from the NHS and you'll wake up from surgery with one on but the one I had lost it's tightness so it maybe worth purchasing one, as long as it provides constant compression it will be fine.

I am not sure to be honest.

I have to attend a Pre-admission screening next week to undergo few tests. Maybe I'll find out then.

If they offer me one or the other, which should I accept? excision?

[D24]

Bare in mind i'm not a doctor but if you squeeze behind the nipple and feel a lump then it's probablys glandular I.e requires excision. Most cases require both lipo and excision from what I've read so they may offer both. The surgeon will examine you to determine the best course of action. I had a negative experiance with the NHS but that's not to say you will. Ask the surgeon how often and how many gyno operations he/she does. If your nipples bother you the way they stick out make sure you ask that what you want can be done. I hope you have a good experiance and it's 'free' so better than payin for it.

[Heatmaker]

Thanks.

I was assessed by my GP and then by 2 other surgeons at a clinic.

they said my chest never had much fat and wasn't very "serious". But I told them I wanted something done about it as my life has been ruined because of my low self-esteem.

my nipples go HUGE and stick out a lot when they're hard. I hope this problem is sorted when I have the operation.

[headheldhigh01]

make sure you discuss the nips particularly when you talk with him again. 

[Heatmaker]

Yeah, I will do, thanks.

[Heatmaker]

Anymore advice?

[D24]

Hi heatmaker, there isn't much more advice anyone could give i think. Basically:
Tell them what you want to achieve from the surgery
Ask if they can achieve your goal
Ask how much experiance the surgeon has in gyno surgery
Ask any other questions relevant to you i.e. returning to the gym/sports, anything you can do to aid healing.

After surgery take it easy.
 

[Heatmaker]

Thanks a lot.