packing during surgery??

[Inji]

Hi guys,

sorry for asking these silly questions (I'm too embarrassed to ask these questions face-to-face >_<)... but I'm still nervous preparing for my top surgery in a few weeks...

I was told that I will need to be stripped down to my briefs only and change to the paper gowns for surgery... I have a considerable amount of bottom dysphoria, and pack 24/7.

so I'm wondering if I can still pack during surgery?

and would I be awake enough to change my clothes afterwards?

Any response is appreciated! Thanks!

[Alexthecat]

They had me change into disposable underwear before surgery. Which was a good thing because somehow blood dripped on them. After surgery you will put on your street clothes to go home in. I would not wear it during surgery but you can put it in your clothes bag and put it on afterwards.

[xchrisx]

Hey there-
So I can only speak from my experience....I wasn't thinking at all about my junk--all I could concentrate on was having my boobs removed.  However, ALL of my dysphoria was chest dysphoria, I have no lower dysphoria, so my experience differs from yours in that way.

As far as being awake enough to get dressed after: No, not immediately. I'd worn boxers into surgery. It takes a bit of time to get fully awake (Heck, I wasn't fully awake when I left the hospital; I was craving coffee after surgery-my partner drove us to (a new) Starbucks on the way home. A couple months later we drove past that Starbucks and I said, "oh we haven't been to that new Starbucks yet!" I totally didn't remember going there after surgery! The memory did come back though).

Anyway, I was covered under a blanket from the time I woke up from surgery til I left (I was freezing after surgery and I think that's pretty typical), so no one is going to be looking at your crotch.

Maybe that was helpful? lol

[Inji]

lol XD thanks so much Alexthecat and xchrisx for your replies!
I guess I'll just leave it home and focus on my chest for the day 
I was told to wear cotton underwear only and I only have either boxer briefs or briefs (which is quite dysphoric for me when not packing), but I think boxers is a good idea and will try to look for a cotton one.
Last time my mom freaked out after seeing my packer... so I absolutely do NOT want it lying around with my clothes when not worn 

[FTMax]

For mine, they had me change into a gown but I was able to keep my underwear on. I did wear my packer during surgery and there were no issues with it. The only thing I can think of that might be an issue is if they are planning to use a catheter on you and it is in the way. I would check and make sure that they are not going to do it. If for whatever reason your surgeon requires an overnight stay, they might want one in.

I was awake enough to put on my shorts, shoes, and a button-up shirt after surgery. But I come out of anesthesia very easily. If you've never been put under before, I would just make sure your wardrobe choices are as easy to put on as possible for yourself or anyone that has to help you.

[unclesean]

Before my chest surgery I asked if I could leave my prosthetic glued on, and the surgeon said yes, to tell the nurses that he had given permission for me to leave it on.  But I ended up removing it just so that in case they had to remove it it wouldn't get lost and would be securely stashed in a locker with my clothes. 

[RomeoEcho]

I was worried too, as I always pack. I ended up deciding to leave it behind that morning. I was able to keep my underwear on during surgery, but I was worried about needing to take them off. You'll be pretty doped up after, so you won't notice it not being there. I was also worried about struggling with it if I needed to pee while loopy or if I couldn't move well. I was fine not having it the rest of the day, and was able to go back to it the next morning.