During the first couple of months, I recall NOT noticing before I was about to leak. WHILE it was coming out I could begin to feel it, and could stop the flow with a well-timed Kegel contraction. Then I learned to contract BEFORE starting a sneeze or cough. Luckily, I gained full continence within 3-4 months after surgery.

If you're buying pads before the surgery, don't get a lot. I used diapers for about 4 days, then #3s for a few weeks, #2s for a few more, and then onto #1. My brand of choice was Poise, sticking them inside my underpants. I bought too many, not knowing how long I might need them.