Brigsby

Michael,

in regards to why I wanted the inverted T method, which is also a benefit would be to preserve nipple sensation and less risk of nipple necrosis because the nerves and blood supply aren't severed.

the thought of nipple necrosis freaks me right out! I have no idea what the cost difference is between double mastectomy with free nipple graphs and the inverted t.

the other procedure I was looking at was the "fishmouth" because again, they don't sever the nerves and blood supply.

My surgeon said she never uses drains in any of her procedures because they mostly cause dog ears which usually need unnecessary revisions later down the road. 

Honestly, I hadn't come across any stories without drains either, so I was surprised when she said she didn't use them.

Thanks Briannah (did I remember the spelling of your name right?)

In post op I asked for orange juice and she said bc of the acidity it's not a good idea with anastetic.  Last night approx 11 hours after I got out of surgery I had an orange and ginger ale ( I dont drink GA at all).. I only kept it down for about 45 minutes. My caregiver remembered what the nurse said about oranges. I forgot that interaction completely. 

I don't know about avoiding before surgery, but hope that helps

:)

I am thrilled that your meeting went well. It's always great to hear these success stories.

Also, I am glad that you are comfortable enough in your own skin to go out in it, as is. This is comparing apples and oranges, but I remember doing "the girl" thing, getting all pretty to hit the bars, and feeling like it was just a ruse - saying it's like wearing on a "costume" makes a lot of sense to me.

I feel bad that the support group you went to wasn't what you thought it might be. I really know that feeling, and the disappointment! But I would keep going for at least two - three more times to get a real feel for the atmosphere. It really isn't often that someone famous shocks the world with their new (to the world) look and name.

It's great to hear that your work is being supportive. I didn't know you were looking for another job, but I hope you don't have to anymore!

Hey Warren,

I like t-shirts that have large patterns on the front - my fav. is a Budweiser that has pool balls all over the front (circa 1993). This is such a good shirt because I can be unbound, and the balls distract from my chest. Granted, I never go out unbound.

Large logos are ok, if they are straight over the whole bound part, but not if they go slightly below the underboob line, because sometimes shirts get stuck in the crevice.

Tighter (or "normal" fitting) t-shirts aren't favorable for people with bigger chests who bind as well, because of the under armpit flab- ugh! That's when I'll layer with a button shirt - depending on the t-shirt (patterned or solid) is the deciding factor if it's buttoned or not.

I also like vertical stripped button shirts over plaid, but if I were to wear plaid, I go for the plaid that's spread out more, than what you're wearing in your video. Simply because I am larger chested, shirts tend to cling to my underboob and I find the close plaid pattern accentuates this - where the larger plaid hides it more.

Those are my pointers.

I'm so happy things are coming together for you! Best wishes on that email to your sister!

​Hey UO,

I have lost a considerable amount of weight (250lbs down to 180) since 2008, I should be happy with my progress, but I have been stuck for 3 years of actively trying.

My best advice to you, is just to cut back one thing at a time, repeat. For me, it was potatoes, and I could eat a plateful alone. Within 2 months, I cut down to 2 big tablespoon dollops. If you do it slowly, your body doesn't really recognize that you're eating less.

At a buffet, I can barely eat 3 plates (in fact, I can barely eat 2, but I want my money's worth, so I force it!)

I'm not going to preach, but if you (or if you're just reading this) want to know more how I did it, and timelines, hit me up.

​Emma,

I swore I replied to you yesterday!

Basically, yes, I have completely overhauled what I consume, and cut a lot of bad things out that I ate 10 years ago. Almost mirroring your comment. That is why I find it so frustrating at not seeing any results!

Either way, keep talking and I'll keep listening.

​Thanks for your reply Monica

I have been reading up on adrenal glands, and so many things seems to make sense. I have my endo appointment next week, so I'm glad I wrote this post today and you commented.

I am super grateful for the internet, as I feel a major lack of face to face community in my city. It seems the majority of the programs I found are for transwomen, 16-29 youth, or 50+ older people. The ONE support group that I have found for transmen at the popular LGBTQ centre has issues with ONE person which they can not seem control (which is sad, because so many new faces show up once, then never return). Also, I haven't found anything for the 30-45 age group.

I have no idea what it's like to have or feel a sense of "community" and wish this wasn't so.

When I said, "It's been many years since I changed my diet and lifestyle and started loosing weight", cutting all pop was a MAJOR part of that. I don't remember the last time I had something that contains carbonation or aspartame!

Before that, I drank a lot of Coke Zero, like it was going out of style. It IS my favourite drink of ALL TIME! I miss it dearly!

And yes, I lost the most weight the fastest after and I noticed a major difference in the way I felt after I cut it out completely.

The reason for the title of this post, is because cake and Coke are what I miss the most!

I'm not exactly sure what to say word-wise, but I can only express that I am excited for you that you're starting to see your true self in the mirror, and it's coming from within.

I think you're completely justified in your hurt feelings and stress.

At the end of the day, you need to do what makes you happy in the moment! I sat on my transition for many years, mostly out of fear on how my family would react.

There is no rush to transition and you will know when the time is right to pursue the next step. If it's meant to be, you will make it happen. You will find a way to make it happen.