Congrats!
The most important thing is realistic goals and expectations. Pumping gives immediate short term (~hr) gains, but it takes time and consistency to get gains that last. There are a lot of people who say you can't get perm gains. I used to be one of those until I started using a pump that was fun for me. Traditional cylinders pull my skin down and are incredibly uncomfortable, long before I the vacuum has any impact. I just ended up using it more and more and over ~1.5 years its just shy of an inch longer, my girth didn't change much (which is odd) erect, but flaccid everything is significantly bigger.
I don't think you have to worry as much about safety with the bathmate, but if you use too much vacuum there can be problems. Bruising and discoloration are the most common, they can be permanent if it is really bad. Blood thinners, long term prednisone, generally meds or conditions that impact skin, bruising, etc. adds risk. The rate of pressure change can also increase or decrease these risks (take a min or so to get to the pressure you want)..
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Start very slow just to learn how to use it and how it feels. Stay away from uncomfortable levels of pressure (at least for the first week or so, you'll get a feel for your boundaries) Just make it fun. Have the hubby help out
My bathmate experience is from years ago and might not be relevant now - The only thing I remember is the shower strap (thing that goes around the neck to support it) really makes a difference, but it wasn't a cheap accessory.
Good luck
