Why Do U Recommend Shirts That Open In The Front?

I haven't heard about the button down tops for lower body work either. I wore lots of tshirt gowns and summer dresses.  I didn't really go anywhere for the first couple of weeks except to the dr anyway.  Anything loose fitting will work for you.

I thought the open front tops was prefered because of the difficulty raising your arms to pull a shirt over your head.  Was that not an issue?  I know that tee-shirts would be much more comfy!

That wasn't an issue at all.  Especially if you are sitting down. I needed more help gettiing my underwear on because I couldn't bend over too much since I had the LBL.  Of course I went the first few days without those just to avoid the hassle of pulling them up and down!