Preparing for Gender-Affirming Surgery

Preparing for surgery can feel overwhelming. Gender Journey helps you stay organised by centralising your provider information, appointments, and pre-operative requirements in one place.

Disclaimer: This information is for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with your healthcare provider before making any changes to your medication.

Organising Provider Information

Use My Connect to manage your surgical team:

• Add your surgeon — Record their name, clinic, contact details, and any referral information.
• Add the hospital or clinic — Log the facility where your surgery will take place.
• Link related providers — If you have a GP, endocrinologist, or therapist involved in your surgical pathway, add them too.

Having all provider details in one place means you are never scrambling for contact information.

Pre-Operative Appointments

Use My Calendar to track your surgical pathway:

• Schedule consultations, pre-operative assessments, and any required medical clearances.
• Set reminders for tasks like stopping certain medications before surgery (as directed by your surgical team).
• Track any required blood tests or other investigations.

Pre-Operative Blood Tests

Many surgeons require blood tests before surgery. Use My Health to:

• Log pre-operative blood test results.
• Ensure your results are up to date and within acceptable ranges.
• Share your complete blood test history with your surgical team if requested.

Documentation Checklist

Consider using My Diary to create a pre-surgery checklist:

• Referral letters and approvals.
• Pre-operative assessment date.
• Blood test results.
• Medication changes (as directed by your surgical team).
• Travel and accommodation arrangements.
• Post-operative care supplies.
• Emergency contact information.

After Surgery

Once your surgery is complete:

1. Log the surgery in My Health with the date, surgeon, and any notes.
2. Start recovery tracking — Use your diary, photos, and calendar for follow-up care.
3. Update your medications — If your HRT regimen changes post-surgery, update My Medications accordingly.
4. Celebrate — Add the surgery to your journey timeline as a milestone.

Take Your Time

Every person's surgical pathway is different. Some people pursue multiple procedures over time; others may choose not to have surgery at all. Gender Journey supports whatever path is right for you.