Quote from: PleaseComeVisitMeDawg on December 01, 2024, 08:32:46 PMI guess I have the same questions that I asked Activedxx,
How did your life change socially? Do you think dating is now easier?
Also, looking back was it worth it? Did you experience any "surprises" or things that you didn't expect in your lengthening journey (during or after)
My height is no longer pointed out as a topic of discussion. I haven't been greeted with a random "You're short!" from a stranger, as if I didn't already know. I haven't been referred to as "the short guy". I've been able to successfully date attractive women who were taller than me. I've been able to go to parties where I'm not treated as if I'm automatically invisible, etc.
Now part of this is that I carry myself much better than when I was 5'5", and people in social contexts are often positively attracted to people with a sense of confidence. I am much more lighthearted and jovial in social settings and am all around a happier guy post-op. So part of the difference is that I see myself in a more positive light than I did before, and that affects people to respond positively.
On the other hand, there is a very real prejudice against shorter men in particular, and the extra 6 cm has definitely helped me cross the threshold of "very short" to just "kinda short" at least in Los Angeles. Because of this, people in general seem to have a better first impression of me than before I had CLL. I'm also taken more seriously than before.
Dating is much easier. I'll be real - at 5'7", yes there are a lot of women who won't date me because I'm still on the short side and don't meet that "at least 6 feet" requirement. However, it's close enough to average in my location that facial features, body shape, and personality are able to more reliably overcome the height disadvantage. My longest relationship post-CLL was 3 years with a girl who is 6'1", and two GF's after that the girl was 5'11". Not to mention the multiple one-nighters I've had through apps like Feeld, Tinder, Bumble and Hinge.
I had researched CLL for 7 years before taking the plunge and getting the operation, so the difficulties I faced I more or less expected. Still, when faced with lack of sleep for days or random stings of pain from muscle contractures, etc, it did get tough at times. It was very worth it for me and I would do it all over again, though. But that is also keeping in mind that I went to a fantastic surgeon who made sure I made it to the end without permanent issues. If I were ultimately permanently handicapped at the end of it due to the work of a shoddy surgeon, I'm sure I'd be singing a very different tune.