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Posted on Dec 17, 2015, 3:28 pm
#1

Hey people,

I am a male, in my early 20's, living in central Europe and I am considering LL for about 3 years now. I have achieved many things in my life, but I could never overcome the height issue. I am now measuring 1,62 in the morning (average height in my region: 1,79 male; 1,67 female).
I always tried to overcome this mental dilemma, and sometimes, I temporarily did, but it always haunted me back. Since I am not in puberty anymore - so it is not a phase or something like that - I don't think that I will overcome it any way soon.
There would be a lot to explain in this post, but I do not want to go in detail too much and bore you folks, so I will cut to the chase, just to give you a few hard facts on my (hopefully) future plan.

(target) Doctor: Dr. Guichet
(target) limb: femur
When?: This summer, 2016
Where?: Milano
Desired gain: 8-10 cm
Body: wide shoulders, inverted triangular body shape, approx. 65 kg, mesomorph; not an athlete
Desired recovery: 100 %  LL - the right decision?

I know that my desired gain in height is not very realistic, but I think that I have quite short femurs, so maybe it could work. Additionally, I found a few examples - like leechlet - who have passed the 8 cm line, so it might work.

The reason, why I choose this forum is, because I have the feeling that sensible and rational people are contributing here. So, I am absolutely OK, if you give me feedback on my plan.  LL - the right decision?

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Posted on Dec 17, 2015, 3:38 pm
#2

It sounds like a good plan.  If your goal of 8cm is too much for your body to handle, you can always stop when you reach a lesser length.

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Posted on Dec 17, 2015, 5:17 pm
#3

You chose one of the best doctors for your plan, I don't think however that you'll get back to 100% when it comes to your sportive activities.
8-10cm's is just too much to not have any effects on your biomechanics.

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Posted on Dec 17, 2015, 9:53 pm
#4

Thank you for your responses.

Quote from: Alittletooshort on December 17, 2015, 05:17:02 PM(...) I don't think however that you'll get back to 100% when it comes to your sportive activities.
8-10cm's is just too much to not have any effects on your biomechanics.


I am neither a professional athlete nor do I participate in a hobby sports team, so my life would not be affected if I could not become a professional soccer player f.e.
The only sport I do, is hitting the gym. A while ago, I was considering doing boxing just for fun. Maybe that could become a problem.

You said that I could not get back 100% when it comes to my sportive activities but do you think could I get back 100% of my "physiological" fitness without any competitive background?

(f.e. walking, running, sprinting, bending hip, reaching toes, flipping back my leg, bending leg etc. etc.)

Ad Dr. Guichet: I often read good things about Dr. Paley and Dr. Betz as well. Do you think is there any doctor that can compete with Guichet when it comes to recovery time and/or recovery level?

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Posted on Dec 18, 2015, 12:19 am
#5

Quote from: Madmax_01 on December 17, 2015, 09:53:44 PMThank you for your responses.

I am neither a professional athlete nor do I participate in a hobby sports team, so my life would not be affected if I could not become a professional soccer player f.e.
The only sport I do, is hitting the gym. A while ago, I was considering doing boxing just for fun. Maybe that could become a problem.

You said that I could not get back 100% when it comes to my sportive activities but do you think could I get back 100% of my "physiological" fitness without any competitive background?

(f.e. walking, running, sprinting, bending hip, reaching toes, flipping back my leg, bending leg etc. etc.)

Ad Dr. Guichet: I often read good things about Dr. Paley and Dr. Betz as well. Do you think is there any doctor that can compete with Guichet when it comes to recovery time and/or recovery level?

I can't tell you which of them is the best, I'd chose Dr. Guichet If I had to make a choice though.
I personally haven't done LL yet, but an orthopaedic who performs these surgeries told me that a complete recovery is unrealistic. Your running speed and endurance might suffer from this, as well as the ability to perform quick movements.
Concerning the gym, the only things that will defenitely get worse is your squat and leg press performance (due to a less effective power transmission), this shoudln't be too big of a deal I guess.
Your daily activities should not be affected too much after you have recovered.
Just read some diaries to get an idea of what is ahead of you.

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Posted on Dec 18, 2015, 4:29 am
#6

8cm is not so unrealistic, considering the average of Dr. G's patients is 7cm.  I did 8cm with him. I think beyond 8 may be a stretch and depends on how your body reacts once you actually start lengthening. Also make sure you have plenty of time for recovery.  You're on the younger side too which is a plus.

I would not go in with the expectation of 100% recovery of running and sprinting because you might be disappointed.  Everything else you listed I think should be ok.  Personally, I never considered Betz. Be sure to read up as much as you can on any doctor you're considering.

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Posted on Dec 18, 2015, 5:40 am
#7

Being 162cms in Europe must be hard mate. Dr. Guichet is well renowned and 8cms is a realistic gain, albeit a little ambitious. Like MDOW said, you could always stop at 6 or 7 if 8 is too much to handle for your body.

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Posted on Dec 18, 2015, 12:20 pm
#8

Hey man, 100% recovery is not possible because you're altering your biomechanical ratios to an unnatural level. That and the stretching of muscles and tendons at 8cm is going to take the explosiveness and agility out of your legs.

I also want to note that most doctors are overly enthusiastic about the recovery time.

Guichet has one of the fastest programs, but you should be realistic about what 8cm does to your body--you will need a lot of time to heal.

A friend of mine who did 9cm with Betzbone took a year and a half before his gait was normal enough to go back to work. Another who did 7.5cm with Betz took 3.5 years before his running was close to his pre-op level.

Since you are a younger guy undergoing Guichet's regimen, hopefully you will regain functions faster than my buds.

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Posted on Dec 18, 2015, 2:04 pm
#9

That is a very interesting aspect you are mentioning here. I am a full time student, and my time therefore is limited or has to be managed very well to get the best out of it. My semester ends at the begin of June, though I would have my annualy exam at the end of june, I would arrange it for the end of September. So basically, I would have about 17 to 18 weeks maximum for the whole procedure (operation, lenghtening, consultation, (recovery)). Do you think that is realistic? (I do understand that after this time period, my bone won't be fully healed, but do you think I could walk without crutches, and would anybody notice a difference in my physique except my gained height -> weird walking, etc.)

Another important question for me is, if I could stand long hours in the fall semester of 2016, because I have lab classes where I have to stand 3-4 hours on average. Could that be an issue?

Quote from: Penguinn on December 18, 2015, 05:40:11 AMBeing 162cms in Europe must be hard mate. Dr. Guichet is well renowned and 8cms is a realistic gain, albeit a little ambitious. Like MDOW said, you could always stop at 6 or 7 if 8 is too much to handle for your body.


You are absolutely right, brother. It is so astonishing to observe: When I travel to Istanbul for example (my grandparents live there), my confidence rises tremendously. It is unbelievable.

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Posted on Dec 18, 2015, 5:47 pm
#10

You need more time

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