ncc21166

Congratulations! So glad to see my translater folx getting their authentic selves realized 🫂

Feel free to send DMs if you want to have a longer chat about this. I'm headed for general anesthesia tomorrow for an unrelated procedure (see, we have normal human things like everyone else!) so I'm sure I'll be meeting another nice surgical technician like you before I go under. I've been through a whirlwind lately, and my post history isn't even half of it, so I am sure there's much to discuss. Thanks again for remembering the human part of healthcare!

Have you tried changing your exercises? I found that marathon running wasn't doing much after a few years. As soon as I started cycling (zwift/gravel bikes) I started losing more weight. I got my BMI from 32 to 25 on the bikes and a good diet, but not a "fad" diet. Just eating well and less

Fat cell "memory" is a misnomer. Adipose tissue ( brown fat cells) are storage. They get created to store extra fat when no others are available. When they empty, they stick around until natural cell death happens, which is anywhere from 3-5 years. MtF redistribution just changes where the body makes new cells, so the ones you have still do their thing until attrition happens. There is some truth to "weight cycling" in that you try to get the new cells to show up where you want, but it also fills the old ones until they get reabsorbed.

1600 might actually be preventing you from losing the way you want. You might try 1700-1800. You don't want to go into starvation mode, as you might lose lean muscle instead. This is a slow journey. Healthy weight loss and transition both have that in common. Belly fat is the last to go on most people, and fat redistribution can take multiple years when starting later.

Find outfits that work with your shape. Find joy in the time and the process. Find peace with yourself on the way there. You aren't alone in any part of this!

Either way, I consider this a pretty short timeline, though I really wish I could have had my orchi when I started HRT in 2023, that insurance requirement to wait a year is blatant transphobia.

That is a short timeline! I'm happy that you were able to move this fast!

In visits before the operation I did ask the PA and nurses about what to expect in terms of sensation, function, etc.

This has always been a thing that worries me. I'm mostly concerned with functionality, though obviously we would all like like have all 3 be perfect. I'm glad you were able to find the procedure you were hoping for!

I was shocked to find that I was so extremely happy with the results, and that led to some happy sobbing.

Joy really is the end goal, isn't it?

Ok, actual question time!

• How long was the waitlist, or the time between your consultation and the scheduled surgery date?
• Which PIV method did you get? I was looking at a specific method in the northeast and am trying to get an orchi ASAP with a request to preserve some tissue for a specific method, and am wondering if this is the same method. This seems like a VERY short time in the OR.
• Did you discuss personal priorities with your doctor? I have in mind the juxtaposition of sensation vs function vs aesthetics.
• Last one: how big was your grin when you woke up and realized everything was the way it should be?

Thank you for even thinking about these questions! Remember that trans patients are patients, and while some things can be due to medical transition, not everything is. Unless it's specifically transition-related care, most of us are just there for a stomach bug, or a headache, or the same procedures everyone else is getting. Ask our pronouns, ask our preferred names, make us feel like all of your other patients. This goes such a long way to making it a good experience. When it does come down to gender expression or transition-related things, ask about preferences and goals. Not everyone is binary. Even the binary among us have different options and plans. And sometimes, we can change our minds about things! Don't stop being an inquisitive person. Learning gives you options and understanding and empathy, and those are the best tools you can have as a caregiver. Thank you for doing what you do!

I'm super happy for you! Get some rest and I wish you a speedy recovery!

Uh, since when was transgender identity a sexuality? One of these things is not like the others.

Congratulations! I"m happy to hear that you've decided to help yourself out. There's a wonderful journey ahead of you! I'm only a few months ahead of you on that journey, so please feel free to reach out if there's anything you want to discuss. Welcome to the rest of your new life, sister!

Marathon runner and century cyclist here. You have no idea what tights do for the bulked legs. I go from quadzilla to thick thighs saving lives and it's glorious.