Gender-Affirming Surgery Preparation Checklist

Preparing for gender-affirming surgery is a significant step in your transition journey. It requires careful planning, both emotionally and physically, to ensure the best possible outcomes. By starting your preparation early, you and your loved ones can feel more comfortable and confident as you approach your surgery date and subsequent recovery period.

The following guidelines and checklists are designed to help you navigate pre-surgery preparations with confidence and ease.

Understanding Your Surgery

• Research the Procedure: Learn as much as you can about your specific surgery. Understand the risks, benefits, possible complications, and what to expect during recovery.
• Choose the Right Surgeon: Look for surgeons who are not only highly skilled but also experienced in gender-affirming surgeries. Check their credentials, patient reviews, and before-and-after photos.
• Consultation: Prepare a list of questions for your surgeon. Discuss your goals, concerns, and any medical conditions that could affect surgery or recovery.

Medical Preparation

• Physical Exam and Lab Tests: Complete all required medical evaluations, which may include blood tests, imaging studies, and physical exams to ensure you are healthy enough for surgery.
• Medication Review: Discuss all medications, supplements, and herbal products you’re taking with your surgeon. Some substances might need to be paused before surgery to reduce the risk of complications. Additionally, you’ll need to stop taking aspirin, anti-inflammatory drugs, and herbal supplements as advised by your surgeon.
• Nutritional Guidelines: Follow any dietary guidelines provided by your healthcare team. Proper nutrition plays a critical role in healing.
• Smoking and Alcohol: If you smoke or use recreational drugs, you’ll be advised to quit well ahead of your surgery. Alcohol consumption should also be limited as per your healthcare provider's advice.
• Special Requirements: Achieve hair removal goals (80% complete for vaginoplasty).

Psychological Preparation

• Emotional Support: Surgery can be emotionally draining. Build a support network of friends, family, or support groups who understand and respect your journey.
• Mental Health Evaluation: Many surgeons require a mental health assessment to ensure you’re psychologically ready for the changes surgery will bring.
• Manage Expectations: Remember, surgery is a major event. Be patient with yourself and understand that recovery takes time.
  

Practical Arrangements

• Time Off Work or School: Arrange for adequate time off for your surgery and recovery. Be honest with yourself about the time you’ll need to heal.
• Living Arrangements: If necessary, modify your living space to ensure it’s recovery-friendly. This might include arranging for a comfortable place to rest, and ensuring essentials are within easy reach.
• Transportation: Plan how you will get to and from the surgical center. If your surgery requires a hospital stay, consider how loved ones can visit.
• Post-Surgery Essentials: Stock up on items you’ll need during recovery, such as comfortable clothing, prescribed medications, ice packs, and easy-to-prepare meals.
  

Items to Gather

• Comfortable, loose-fitting clothes for post-surgery
• Gel ice packs or frozen peas for icing (check with surgeon first) 
• Compression socks, especially if traveling after surgery
• Bendy straws and throat-soothing items like cough drops or ginger tea
• Back scratcher and extender arm for reaching items
• Clipboard or folder for organizing post-op instructions and medication logs
  

Legal and Insurance Considerations

• Insurance Coverage: Confirm with your insurance provider what aspects of your surgery and aftercare are covered. Obtain any necessary pre-authorizations or referrals.
• Medical Leave and Documentation: Ensure you have the necessary medical leave forms for your employer. Begin the process early to avoid last-minute stress.

Creating Your Surgery Timeline

Start early and create a timeline leading up to your surgery date. Include key tasks, such as:

• 3-6 Months Prior: Begin consultations, finalize your surgeon, start a physical fitness regimen to boost recovery.
• 1-2 Months Prior: Complete medical evaluations, begin adjusting medications as needed, enhance your nutrition.
• 2-4 Weeks Prior: Confirm surgery date and time, finalize your support network, prepare your home for post-surgery recovery.
• 1 Week Prior: Pack your hospital bag, confirm transportation and support arrangements, begin any required fasting or dietary adjustments

Support and Recovery Planning

Prepare a Support and Recovery Plan Worksheet

This worksheet serves as your personalized guide to navigating your surgery, both mentally and practically. It also helps to make your surgical journey smoother and less stressful, acting as a quick reference for you and your support network to access important information as needed. Here’s what to Include:

• Personal Information: Emergency contacts, your medical team’s contact details, and any pertinent medical history.
• Medication List: Current medications, along with dosages and schedules.
• Pre- and Post-Surgery Needs: Arrangements for caretaking, dietary plans, and medication management.
• Recovery Milestones: Goals for recovery stages to monitor progress and manage expectations.
• Emotional Support Plan: Contacts for mental health professionals, support groups, and loved ones who have agreed to provide emotional support.

Arrange for a Driver to Take You Home After Surgery

The importance of having a reliable and safe transportation plan cannot be stressed enough. Post-surgery, you are often vulnerable, possibly disoriented, and in no condition to operate a vehicle. Having a friend, family member, or a trusted person to drive you home ensures your safety and comfort during a critical time.

Attend Preoperative Education Visits and Classes

Preoperative education is essential for preparing you to face surgery with confidence. These sessions cover a wide range of topics, including:

• Expectations during and after surgery: Understanding the typical timeline helps manage anxiety.
• Pain management techniques: Empowering patients with methods to alleviate discomfort.
• Physical exercises: Guided activities to aid in recovery and improve outcomes.
• Mental health support: Strategies to deal with emotional challenges related to surgery.

Consider Joining Support Groups or Connecting with Former Patients

The power of shared experiences cannot be underestimated in the journey toward recovery. Support groups, whether in-person or online, offer a sanctuary where individuals can share their fears, successes, and strategies with others who truly understand their journey. These communities also serve as a rich resource for practical advice, from coping mechanisms to recommendations for trans-friendly services.

Finding Groups:

• Healthcare Providers: Often, surgeons or healthcare providers are connected with patient alumni groups or can recommend local or online support networks.
• Social Media: Platforms like Facebook and Reddit host myriad groups dedicated to trans health, recovery, and support.
• LGBTQ+ Centers: Local LGBTQ+ centers may host or be aware of support groups that cater specifically to trans individuals undergoing surgery.