1st DE Shave

I know that I have been bitten by the shaving bug for sure now. I've been shaving with a straight for almost 18 months and I am still learning to hone and also I still haven't figured out my neck but I still love everything about the hobby. So I had to have surgery on my back (complete with a drain tube in my back) and incisions under both of my arms and the first thing I thought of was, "how am I going to shave?". So I figured that a DE would be easier to shave until the stitches come out etc. I found a Gillette Slim Adjustable that was manufactured the same year and quarter that I was born so I figured that was my razor! I've never used a DE, let alone an adjustable one, so I'm looking for some advice. I am assuming that the higher the number you dial in, the more aggressive it is, but I want to be sure. Can anyone recommend a starting number?

I would start at 1 and then move up gradually in increments of 1 upto 9 which is the most aggressive from what i remember, if you put a blade in you can see it flex as you change the setting. The flatter theangle the more aggresive it is. Do not do as i did some years back and started at 5, reasoning it was half way. It took a strip off my face like an apple peel and the blood flow was a nightmare to stem.I had women at work keep telling me that no means no !!- wasnt good

I have a Slim Adjustable, Super Adjustable and FatBoy..

Of course YMMV, but when exploring a new adjustable DE, I prefer to start at one-third up.. a setting of three.

Give it a shave or three before you adjust so you have a chance to find the correct angle. Basically,put the cap plate flat on your skin so there is no blade contact, all cap plate, handle horizontal. Then simultaneously begin your down stroke and drop the handle until you start to feel the blade cutting whiskers.. this is the sweet spot for that setting. Stick with it at this setting and angle. Notch it up or down based on your result.

Notes worth mentioning..

ZERO PRESSURE!! You are going for beard reduction with each pass, not whisker obliteration. Think singles, not a grand slam!! If you feel yourself adding pressure, it's time to adjust half or one notch more aggressive.

Make sure you loosen the cilo doors before you adjust the setting or bad things will happen to your razor.

I like a setting of 5 to 5.5 on all of these...

dunbarw I hope you recover from your surgery with no problems. The recomendation given by Brummel is good advice.
You will know when you reach the level of comfort you need for a good shave. Always remember that just like a straight razor you must always know exactly where that blade is on your face and neck and be mindful of the angle. Enjoy, DE's can provide great shaves.