Homepage
Play
  Real Player 128K
Real Player 256K
Exclusively Online
  Uncut interviews
Reviews
  Your Comments
View Guest Book
 Sign Guest Book
Visitor Info
  Statistics


Producer & Director:
Charles Huang
Camera:
Charles Huang & Jack Chan
Run-Time: 15 Minutes
Production Date: December 22, 2005
Production Time: 6 Days
 

-----Original Message-----
From: xxxxxxxx@netaccess.co.nz
Sent: Monday, December 26, 2005 4:12 AM
To: charles.huang@utoronto.ca
Subject: Gynecomastia Film

Hi Charles

I have just watched your film and wish to say thank you for making it!

I live in Christchurch, New Zealand and had surgery to correct
gynecomastia approximately 18 months ago. Soon after my surgery I
gained quite a bit of weight which has made my chest grow again. I am
trying to motivate myself into loosing weight so I can see the
benefit of my surgery.

I believe my gyne was caused by anti-depressents which I took when I
was 18 (I'm 32 now), and over the years I have gone through the
everyday hassles of big baggy clothes, poor self confidence, heavy
weight tops in summer etc etc etc. To a certain extent I'm still
going through that (until I hurry up and lose some weight!).

Anyway, thank you once again for making your film. I can appreciate
the courage it would have taken to make it.

Good luck and all the best.
- Name Withheld -

*****************************************************************

Sent: Saturday, January 21, 2006 11:33 AM
To: charles.huang@utoronto.ca
Subject: Brilliant video

It was nice to see the story put in a balanced way for once by someone who has actually been through the condition.

 
Great film making, I hope you can go on to educate many people with this film.
 
All the best.
 
Chris-
 
known as Hypo/hypo is here on the gynecomastia forum.

**********************************
Hi Charles

That was great!!!  Glad that I was still up to approve it and have it posted right away

William
********************

Hi,
Even though I am not one of the guys that will have surgery, I think that Surgeons have a place in this community and so do the many guys who have the surgery. Most post surgery guys admit that even though they remove their breasts they can't remove the way having breasts made them feel.
 
William

From: xxxx [mailto:xxxxxx@yahoo.com]
Sent: Saturday, April 01, 2006 12:19 PM
To: charles.huang@utoronto.ca
Subject: RE:GYNECOMASTIA

Dear Charles,

I congratulate  you on your freedom from gynecomastia. How exhilarating it must be to be free from the depression and insecurity that are attendant to developed breasts!

But do you know that there are people like me who have no access to affordable health care or surgery?

I have had pubertal gynecomastia right from the age of 13 and I am now 25, still living with the effects and consequences of it. In my country, Nigeria, gynecomastia surgery is unknown, doctors who I have approached merely laughed at me for being so vain. And those in the know-how charge exorbitant prices which I cannot afford. But they hardly know the emotional pain and trauma it causes me to have developed nipples.

As someone who knows how it feels, I hereby enlist for your assistance in linking me up with gynecomastia forums, charities or foundations who can be able to contribute toward having my surgery either here in my home country or abroad.

Please assist in contributing your quota in service towards humanity.

Thanks and best regards,

Expecting your reply,

From: xxxxxxx [mailto:xxxxx@yahoo.com]
Sent: Wednesday, March 29, 2006 4:58 AM
To: charles.huang@utoronto.ca
Subject: Gynecomastia

Hello Charles,

I went back to the wikipedia site and read what you wrote to me, I thank you for your kind words and it is great to know that you have had your Gynecomastia removed! I have tried to find government insurance or funding in the US but it doesn't seem to be an issue they take seriously. I will try to view your site frequently and click the ads to support your work, I wish you the best of progress with your work. Also I was wondering if the change in a person's self esteem is instant after the surgery or if it takes some time to recover and gain courage?

Regards,

David

P.S this email is like an alias, my main email box is xxxxxxx@yahoo.com

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Sent: Saturday, July 15, 2006 12:37 PM
To: charles.huang@utoronto.ca
Subject: Wonderful Heartfelt Documentary

Hi Charles,

I just watched your documentary on gynecomastia, and I would like to tell you how much I respect you for all your hard work and bravery on approaching this topic. As a fellow gynecomastia sufferer (I believe so; out of fear, I have never been to a doctor about it) I came to tears watching the documentary. How did you get so much bravery and self-assurance? I could never imagine doing something like that. I have had gyno since sometime around puberty, and it has not had that much affect on my life. However, like the men in your documentary, I go through daily stress about my appearance since I am not overweight anymore (in puberty, I was a little fatter) but still have gyno.

Is there any additional in-depth information that you could give me on the causes of the condition and/or surgery, such as more links to go to? To me, the benefits of the surgery seem to greatly outweigh the risks and negative attributes. As a person who has undergone the trauma of living with gyno as well as the trauma of the surgery itself, what do you personally have to say from one ex-sufferer to a present sufferer?

Again, I applaud your extreme bravery, and even though I do not know you, I feel that we share a common thread along with millions of other men; most of whom suffer in the dark about this condition.

If you would, please email me back or even contact me by phone: XXX XXX XXX.

I appreciate it very much. Much admiration and respect,

Trae XXX - age 19

-------------------------------------------------------------

Sent: Wednesday, July 19, 2006 11:47 AM
To: charles.huang@utoronto.ca
Subject: gynecom

dear Charles,

i'm a guy from Italy with your same ex-problem. i just want to tell

you thanks for the video, i'm sure it can help some guys that cant

understand what it's happened with their breast.

best whises

XXXXX

(excuse my english but i'm italian ;-))

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Sent: Saturday, July 22, 2006 5:48 PM
To: charles.huang@utoronto.ca
Subject: gynecomastia

Hi Charles,

I saw your documentary regarding gynecomastia with Dr. Frank Lista, and would very much like to do something about my problem.

I’m 32 years old, and have been a sufferer since I was 12.   I don’t know what the cause was, but have been beaten up about it, made fun of by friends, at school, and at work.

I was fired from my job because of it (blatant ridicule by my supervisor), lost all of my relationships with women because of it, and probably have been fired from many other jobs without my knowing because of it (people just stare and give me strange looks).

 There’s nothing I can do.   I don’t even have money to pay for surgery to have this fixed.

When I look at photos of men who have this problem, I’ve never seen anything nearly as bad as what I have.   I wish I was like some of the other.

I gained weight on purpose so that I could mask my problem as “just being a fat guy”.

If I lose weight and get in shape, they’re so much more noticeable, and I’m terrified to go out in public because of it.   This problem is killing me.  I’m 32 years old, and should be enjoying my life.   I have so much to offer the world.   But I can’t all because of this problem.   And nobody will cover the money needed to correct it.

Do you know of anyone who can help me?   I desperately need this surgery!!!!

 
voelkel wrote:
Well Charles,

You wanted a suggestion:

Drop all reference to the name of the doctor and where you had
surgery from you promotional piece, so it wont have the typical
appearance of a doctor inspired pr and marketing ploy in the name of
helping "fellow sufferors".

At very least, if he hasnt already, get the good doctor to pick up
the tab of $500 for making the thing, since he is certainly the one
who will benefit financialy from it.
Sent: Sunday, September 17, 2006 5:34 AM
To: charles.huang@utoronto.ca
Subject: Gynecomastia/Advertisements
 

Hey, nice video. I agree with a lot of the points made and it is nice to know that other people are dealing with this issue. I too have a quite severe case of gynecomastia but I dont let it get in the way of things. I am 16 and hope to have it corrected by the end of the year. In any case my main point of this email is to help you out. I'm actually a fairly successful web developer and it is against Google Adsense Terms of Service to bring undue attention to the advertisements, like on your index. Telling users that they will help in sponsoring your project or whatever. However, to get a good CTR with google adsense it is much more important to blend ads in to the content then it is to bring attention to them. If you want I can whip you up a fast website with nicely blended ads to hopefully raise some better cash. Let me know.

Keep up the good work.

 

From: xxxxxxx [mailto:xxxxxxxxxxxx@adelphia.net]
Sent: Monday, October 02, 2006 1:05 AM
To: charles.huang@utoronto.ca
Subject: gynecomastia documentary

Charles,

Your documentary was excellent!  Thanks for sharing your story, and the story of this illness with the rest of the world.  I too am a sufferer of this condition.  I am overweight now, but I think that has been at least partially brought on by the psychological pain of the "bitch tits".  When I was younger, in my early twenties, I had just as severe a case of the tits and I was almost 100 pounds lighter.  I'm not sure exactly what caused my condition, but it started when I was 10 or 11 and it may have been caused by precription of a drug called "Lindane", which was treatment for scabies.  In the mid 80s I had a severe case of poisen ivy when I was about 10 years old, and was treated for scabies incorrectly instead of poisen ivy.  The lotion was rubbed all over my body at least twice and the poisen ivy got worse.  By the time I was 12 I had large breasts for a boy that age.  The condition has always been a MAJOR problem for me, I always wear loose fitting casual button down shirts, even when at the beach, swimming, mowing the grass, playing sports, etc.  This helps to hide the condition but not entirely, and it depends on the type of shirt, style, material, thickness, etc.  I prefer JC Penny shirts but have not found any shirts in particular that really do the job.

Anyway, cheers to you!  Excellent job, and good luck in your university work.

XXXXXXX

age 30
Harpers Ferry, WV

 
Re: Free documentary for online viewing
« Reply #3 on: Dec 22nd, 2005, 6:52am »

Brilliant mate!
********************

Sent: Friday, December 23, 2005 6:54 PM
Subject: gynecomastia documentary

charles,

well done, i am in the same boat.. i gonna see a doctor in Jan, your programme has given me so much information & insight...

thank you very much.
********************
« Reply #4 on: Dec 22nd, 2005, 7:24am »
That was very good

« Reply #8 on: Dec 22nd, 2005, 2:27pm »
Thats a really great thing you did man.

« Reply #9 on: Dec 22nd, 2005, 3:32pm »
Good documentary.

« Reply #10 on: Dec 22nd, 2005, 4:15pm »
I agree with all the others who've commented.  That was a really great and very informative documentary you made.  This is the type of film you'd want your loved ones to see so that they'd understand the complexities of living with gynecomastia.
 
I was a bit surprised to find that you quoted a line from one of my posts when you were focusing on this site.  Glad I could contribute something to your film!

« Reply #12 on: Dec 22nd, 2005, 4:54pm »
It works - bravo!

« Reply #13 on: Today at 4:48am »
just watched it, well done. Will be of great support to people coming here for the first time.

« Reply #4 on: Today at 8:01pm »
Charles "Nowchase" excellent documentary bro!! I hope this documentary really outlines and alleviate any stress anyone may have in getting this type of surgury!!
 
Great work, hope you get a A++ on it!!

« Reply #14 on: Today at 9:24pm »
Yes, viewing the vid would be an eye opener for family and friends for sure!
 
John.

« Reply #5 on: Today at 9:06pm »
Charles....
 
Awesome editing job on your documentary.... Well done Dude!
 
If you recall, Dr. Lista said that Gynecomastic surgery is done by 'feel' rather than 'sight'. Well..... you know when he was explaining those two surgical tools that he uses to remove any remaining gland after PAL? I wonder how Dr. Lista knows when to 'clip & grab' the gland if he cant see it?
 
John.

Re: Me. vs. My Breast
« Reply #2 on: Today at 12:13am »
a great video. It really put gynecomastia in a nutshell.  I still cant believe how shallow those chicks were in the beginning.

« Reply #3 on: Today at 1:39am »
excellent film...  everyone should see this, very impressed by this charles! 
ps. lista seems like a great guy and good ps.. wish I could have had surgery with him

Re: Documentary finally done
« Reply #7 on: Today at 10:43am »
Hey Charles....
 
Thanks so much for putting back  " What.... what did you say? ".  That is so cool.... The look on  his face is priceless....
 
My wife had a look at your video. She said is was excellent and well done.
 
Later...
 
John.

« Reply #8 on: Today at 2:47pm »
guys excellant documentary.
you both have way bigger balls than me.
charles your girl is fit mate.lucky git.

Re: Documentary finally done
« Reply #9 on: Today at 3:07pm »
Dude....
 
It's all about helping out others. It's very gratifying to be able to 'give back' after one has received so much....  Wink
 
John.

Re: Free documentary for online viewing with Dr. L
« Reply #16 on: Dec 31st, 2005, 12:46pm
great job, I got a little emotional at the end... still in the struggle myself.

« Reply #18 on: Jan 7th, 2006, 11:18pm »
Charles,
 
I've watched your documentary at least 5 times now.  Thank you, bro.  Thank you.  It hits home and it's so inspiring.
 
You've done a tremendous thing for men suffering from this nightmare.

« Reply #1 on: Today at 9:04am »
Wow, I just watched it.  Hey, thanks man.  Right now that's all I can say.

« Reply #20 on: Today at 2:59pm »
Nice job, Charles.
 
All those little 16 year old girls makes me miss being a teenager  Grin

************************************************

From: XXXXXXXXX [mailto:xxxxxx@hotmail.com]
Sent: Monday, December 26, 2005 3:30 PM
To: CHARLES.HUANG@utoronto.ca
Subject: MY GYNECOMASTIA STORY

HI. MY NAME IS XXXX AND I JUST WATCHED YOUR DOCUMENTARY. I FOUND IT VERY
BASIC AND LEFT OUT A VERY IMPORTANT ISSUE...GAY MEN WITH GYNECOMASTIA. I
SHARE ALL OF THE SIMILAR FEELINGSTHAT YOUR SUBJECTS DO BUT AS A GAY MAN WITH
THIS CONDITION IT IS EVEN HARDER TO MEET MEN. (BREASTS ARE BAD) I HAVE HAD
THIS SINCE I WAS 8 YEARS OLD AND I SWELLED UP DUE TO THE HORMONAL IMBALANCE
LEAVING ME SEVERELY OVER WEIGHT AND I ATE TO COMPENSATE FOR THE HORRIBLE
STRESS AND ABUSE I EXPERIENCED IN SCHOOL. I AM SUPPOSE TO HAVE MY SURGERY
BUT MY PLASTIC SURGEON HAS STATED THAT I NEED THE FULL LIFT TO PUT BACK ALL
THE LOOSE SKIN FROM MY KNEES UP. BC MSP WILL COVER THE MASTIA SURGERY BUT
HAVE DEEMED THE LIFT AS COSMETIC. THIS HAS PUT A COG IN THE WHEEL AS I CAN
NOT AFFORD TO PAY $12000 FOR THE SURGERY MYSELF. ALL THE LOOSE SKIN FROM
HORMONAL IMBALANCES IS VERY UNCOMFORTABLE AND MY LOOSE CLOTHES STILL LEAVE
IMPRESSIONS IN MY SKIN. IS THERE ANY WAY TO FUND THIS SURGERY OR ANY WAY OF
GETTING HELP SO THAT MSP WILL PAY FOR IT? I CANNOT GET THE SURGERY UNTILL
THIS IS RESOLVED AS THE PLASTIC SURGEON FEELS THAT DUE TO MY LARGE CUP SIZE
I WOULD LOOK LIKE I WAS HIT BY THE GRILLE OF A MAC TRUCK IF DO NOT HAVE THE
LIFT AT THE SAME TIME. I WOULD ALSO BE MORE THAN INTERESTED IN ADDING TO
YOUR DOCUMENTARY. IT SEEMS THAT ON MOST OF THE SITES THERE IS A LACK OF
KNOWLEDGE REGARDING THE LIFT PART OF THE SURGERY. I MET WITH THE OWNER OF
GYNECOMASTIA.ORG HERE IN VANCOUVER EARLIER THIS YEAR. HE TOO WAS UNAWARE OF
THIS. BUT BEING FROM THE STATES HE HAD NO ANSWERS. I WOULD LIKE TO HAVE
THIS DONE BEFORE I TURN 40 (JUNE 27). CAN YOU HELP WITH ANY INFO?

PLEASE LET ME KNOW

hi charles and thanks for responding.....i would like to help if i can. i have enough knowledge and experience writting and editting and i have appeared in 3 documentaries myself. ifyou come to vancouver to film i will put you up for the duration. the issues of having this and being gay are very different and should be addressed. and your medical information fails to include the fact that antiretrovirals also cause this(as well as distention of the abdomin....giving a man a very pregnant appearence). might i suggest that you contact me and we can discuss this further. 604-602-XXXX.
i also have at my disposal a friend who is a foley artist and can do wonders with your sound quality and an intellectual property lawyer who can protect your rights and maybe with his connections get your documentary on tv. i mean it when i say i casn help...i do artistic direction and i have written a documentary myself. give me a call.

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Sent: Thursday, July 13, 2006 6:50 PM
To: charles.huang@utoronto.ca
Subject: Gynecomastia

 

I really want to thank you for putting this page up. It takes alot of courage and determination to do what you did, and I'm sure alot of guys really apreciate it.

I developed Gynecomastia when I was around 11. I'm a gay male, and at the time I was being picked on and harrassed at school. Over time I became very anxious and depressed, and was diagnosed with Bi-Polar disorder, and then perscribed a medicine called Resperodal. It increased by estrogen levels and coupled with the already unstable teenage hormones, I developed breast tissue. I actually lactated for a while too, and added to the other problems I had at school...things went from bad to worse.

I tried everything from exercise to testosterone. I hated the way I looked, and I hated myself. I had nights where I wished I could just take a knife and cut them off.

Sorry for the rant, but...sites like this are good for that I guess. It gets conversations started and puts discussions in progress. I hope one day people see this as not a 'fat' issue or a 'cosmetic surgery' but an actual disorder that effect daily life.

Thanks again for your site.
 
 
.: © Copyright 2006. All rights reserved :.