Stage 1 Fajas: What to Buy BEFORE Your Surgery Day

Your surgery is in 2 weeks. You're excited, nervous, and probably focused on the wrong things. You're googling "what to eat before surgery" and "how much pain will I be in" when you should be focused on the MOST CRITICAL question:

Do you have everything you need for recovery ALREADY purchased, sized, and ready?

Because here's what happens if you don't: You wake up from surgery in massive pain, swollen beyond recognition, unable to drive, thinking clearly, or move easily. You're wearing the compression your surgeon gave you, but it's temporary. You need your Stage 1 faja IMMEDIATELY (within 24-48 hours).

And now you have to:

• Figure out sizing (while swollen and in pain)
• Order online and wait 3-5 days for shipping (losing critical compression days)
• OR send someone shopping with vague instructions (they'll buy wrong thing)
• OR overpay for rushed shipping on potentially wrong size

This scenario is completely preventable. Buy your Stage 1 faja and ALL recovery supplies BEFORE surgery. This guide tells you exactly what, when, and how.

Why Pre-Surgery Preparation Is Non-Negotiable

The Reality of Post-Surgery State

Day 1-3 After Surgery:

• You're in significant pain (6-8/10 even with meds)
• You're extremely weak and fatigued
• You're swollen massively (don't recognize your body)
• You're on pain medications (judgment impaired)
• You can't drive (legally or physically)
• You can barely walk to bathroom
• Making complex decisions is impossible
• Online shopping requires cognitive function you don't have

Why This Matters:
Your Stage 1 faja needs to be ON YOUR BODY within 24-48 hours post-op for optimal results. Every day without proper compression is:

• Increased swelling
• Higher seroma risk
• Poor tissue adherence starting
• More pain (compression reduces pain)
• Delayed healing initiation

You literally cannot afford to wait until after surgery to shop.

The Complete Pre-Surgery Shopping Timeline

4-6 Weeks Before Surgery: Research Phase

Tasks:

• ✅ Identify your procedure type (BBL? Lipo? Tummy tuck? Combo?)
• ✅ Understand which Stage 1 faja you need
• ✅ Read reviews of different brands/styles
• ✅ Confirm your surgeon's specific recommendations
• ✅ Budget for complete recovery supplies ($400-600 typically)

Why This Timeline:
Gives you time to research properly, read reviews, understand options without pressure.

3-4 Weeks Before: Measurement & Purchase Phase

Tasks:

• ✅ Measure yourself correctly (detailed guide below)
• ✅ Order Stage 1 faja
• ✅ Order Stage 2 fajas (2 minimum)
• ✅ Order ALL recovery supplies (list below)
• ✅ Allow time for exchanges if sizing is wrong

Why This Timeline:
Allows time for shipping, trying on, exchanging if needed, and having everything ready well before surgery date.

CRITICAL: Try on fajas as soon as they arrive. If sizing is wrong, exchange immediately. Don't wait until week before surgery.

1-2 Weeks Before: Preparation & Testing Phase

Tasks:

• ✅ Practice putting on/removing Stage 1 faja (harder than you think)
• ✅ Wash all fajas (remove any manufacturing chemicals)
• ✅ Organize recovery space with all supplies accessible
• ✅ Pack hospital bag with Stage 1 faja
• ✅ Confirm post-op ride home understands faja protocol
• ✅ Final check: do you have EVERYTHING?

Why This Timeline:
Ensures you're not scrambling last minute. If you discover something's missing, you have time to order.

Surgery Day: Ready to Go

You Have:

• ✅ Stage 1 faja washed and ready
• ✅ Backup Stage 1 (if purchasing 2)
• ✅ All recovery supplies organized at home
• ✅ Someone who knows where everything is (you'll be incapacitated)
• ✅ Peace of mind knowing you're prepared

How to Measure BEFORE Surgery (Critical Section)

The Challenge:
You need to predict your POST-SURGERY size while measuring your PRE-SURGERY body. Your body will be:

• Swollen (larger)
• Potentially with drains/dressings (adding bulk)
• Different shape (fat removed/transferred)

The Measurement Protocol

When to Measure: 1-2 weeks before surgery (not months before; your body may change).

What You Need:

• Soft measuring tape
• Someone to help (accurate solo measurement is difficult)
• Form-fitting clothing or underwear only
• Full-length mirror

How to Measure:

1. Bust (Under-bust for Built-In Bra Fajas):
Measure around ribcage directly under breasts. Tape parallel to floor.

2. Waist:
Measure at natural waist (smallest point, typically 2-3 inches above belly button). Tape snug but not compressing.

3. Hips:
Measure at fullest part of butt/hips (typically 7-9 inches below waist). Tape parallel to floor.

4. Torso Length (for Full-Body Fajas):
Measure from under-bust to crotch (while sitting). This determines if regular or long-torso faja.

5. Thigh (if Thigh Lipo):
Measure fullest part of thigh (typically 3 inches below crotch).

6. Arm (if Arm Lipo):
Measure fullest part of upper arm (typically mid-bicep).

Sizing Adjustments for Post-Op Swelling

For Stage 1 (First 2 Weeks):

If your measurements put you EXACTLY on size:
→ Order that size. Stage 1 fajas have significant stretch.

If you're BETWEEN sizes:
→ For most procedures: Size UP (you'll be maximally swollen)
→ Exception: If minimal lipo (<1000cc removed), true to size works

If you're at TOP of size range:
→ Consider sizing up, especially for BBL (most swelling)

If you're at BOTTOM of size range:
→ True to size, you'll adjust hooks tighter as swelling reduces

Verification Method

Use Snatched Body Size Chart:

• Measure all dimensions
• Compare to chart
• When in doubt, contact customer service with measurements (they can guide)

Don't Guess. Proper Stage 1 sizing affects your entire recovery.

What to Buy by Procedure Type

For BBL (with Lipo)

Stage 1 Faja:
BBL Stage 1 Full Coverage - Maximum compression on lipo areas, ZERO pressure on BBL.

Critical Features Needed:

• Open-butt design (protects transferred fat)
• High compression on abdomen/flanks/back (where lipo was done)
• Drain-compatible if surgeon uses drains
• Adjustable (you'll need to tighten as swelling reduces)

Also Purchase:

• BBL Pillow (NON-NEGOTIABLE) - Soft BBL Pillow
• 2x Stage 2 BBL Fajas (you'll need these week 2)
• Lipo foam boards
• Lymphatic massager

Budget: $400-550

For Lipo 360 (No BBL)

Stage 1 Faja:
Lipo Stage 1 Comprehensive - 360° compression.

Critical Features:

• Covers abdomen, flanks, AND back
• High compression (30-40 mmHg)
• Drain-compatible
• High-back design for back lipo

Also Purchase:

• 2x Stage 2 Lipo Fajas
• Lipo foam boards (ESSENTIAL for smooth results)
• Lymphatic massager

Budget: $350-500

For Tummy Tuck

Stage 1 Faja:
Tummy Tuck Stage 1 with Drain Access - Structural support for muscle repair.

Critical Features:

• Extra-wide, tall abdominal panel
• Drain openings (TT almost always has drains)
• High-back for lumbar support (you'll be hunched)
• Firm construction (acts as external abdominal wall)

Also Purchase:

• 2x Stage 2 TT Fajas
• Abdominal boards
• Wedge pillow (for elevated sleeping)

Budget: $350-500

For Lipo + BBL + Tummy Tuck (The "Mommy Makeover")

Stage 1 Faja:
Full-Body Maximum Coverage - Most comprehensive option.

Critical Features:

• Everything above combined
• Open-butt for BBL
• Full abdominal support for TT
• 360 compression for lipo
• Multiple drain openings

Also Purchase:

• Everything from all above categories
• You need MAXIMUM preparation

Budget: $600-800

For Arm Lipo

Stage 1 Faja:
Full-Body with Arm Sleeves - Only option with integrated arm compression.

Critical Features:

• Arm sleeves to wrist
• Graduated compression (tighter at top)
• Silicone grip strips (prevents sliding)
• Also compresses torso if torso lipo included

Budget: $350-450

The Complete Pre-Surgery Shopping Checklist

Category 1: Compression Garments (Priority 1)

✅ Stage 1 Faja (procedure-specific) - $100-150\ast \ast \text{✅}PrimaryStage2Faja\ast \ast -$100-145
✅ Backup Stage 2 Faja - $98-145\ast \ast \text{✅}BBLPillow\ast \ast (ifBBL)-$30-45
✅ Lipo Foam Boards (3-pack) - $20-35

Subtotal: $348-520

Category 2: Recovery Tools

✅ Lymphatic Massager - $25-40
Drainage Massager

✅ Long-handled sponge (you can't bend) - $10-15\ast \ast \text{✅}Showerchair\ast \ast (ifextensivesurgery)-$30-60
✅ Wedge pillow (elevated sleeping) - $25-40\ast \ast \text{✅}Toiletseatriser\ast \ast (easiersitting)-$20-30

Subtotal: $110-185

Category 3: Wound Care & Hygiene

✅ ABD pads (large absorbent pads for leaking incisions) - $15-25\ast \ast \text{✅}Medicaltape\ast \ast (securingpads\mathrm{/}dressings)-$10-15
✅ Gentle soap (antibacterial, unscented) - $8-12\ast \ast \text{✅}Aquaphor\ast \ast (incisionmoisturizing)-$12-18
✅ Gauze pads (various sizes) - $10-15

Subtotal: $55-85

Category 4: Comfort & Convenience

✅ Front-close bras (if upper body surgery) - $40-80\ast \ast \text{✅}Loosebutton-upshirts\ast \ast (ca{n}^{\mathrm{\prime }}tliftarmsoverhead)-$30-60
✅ Slip-on shoes (can't bend to tie) - $20-50\ast \ast \text{✅}Phonechargerwithlongcable\ast \ast (limitedmobility)-$15-25
✅ Nightstand organizer (everything within reach) - $20-30

Subtotal: $125-245

Category 5: Medications & Supplements (Surgeon-Approved)

✅ Arnica tablets (reduce bruising) - $15-25\ast \ast \text{✅}Stoolsofteners\ast \ast (painmedscauseconstipation)-$10-15
✅ Anti-nausea medicine (anesthesia side effects) - $12-18\ast \ast \text{✅}Extra-strengthTylenol\ast \ast (non-NSAIDpainrelief)-$10-15

Subtotal: $47-73

Category 6: Nutrition & Hydration

✅ Protein shakes (healing requires protein) - $30-50\ast \ast \text{✅}Straws\ast \ast (easierdrinkingwhileimmobile)-$5-10
✅ Easy-prep foods (won't have energy to cook) - $50-100\ast \ast \text{✅}Electrolytedrinks\ast \ast (hydrationcritical)-$20-30
✅ Meal prep containers (if pre-cooking before surgery) - $15-25

Subtotal: $120-215

GRAND TOTAL: $805-1,323

Essential Items Only: $500-700\ast \ast FullOptimalKit:\ast \ast$800-1,300

Perspective: This is 5-10% of your surgery cost. It's insurance on your $10,000-15,000 investment.

Common Pre-Surgery Shopping Mistakes

Mistake #1: "I'll Order After Surgery Once I Know My Size"

Reality: You're incapacitated, in pain, cognitively impaired, and need compression IMMEDIATELY.

Consequence: Days without proper compression = poor results initiation, increased swelling, higher complication risk.

Solution: Order before. If size is slightly off, that's manageable. No compression is NOT manageable.

Mistake #2: Only Buying Stage 1, Figuring Stage 2 "Later"

Reality: You transition to Stage 2 at day 10-14. If you wait until then to order, you'll have 3-5 day gap without proper compression.

Consequence: Rebound swelling during transition, lost progress.

Solution: Buy Stage 1 AND Stage 2 (minimum 2) before surgery.

Mistake #3: Buying Cheapest Option to "Save Money"

Reality: $30 generic compression on Amazon will:

• Lose compression within 2 weeks
• Apply uneven/inadequate pressure
• Potentially damage your results
• Need replacing (costing more long-term)

Consequence: Poor results despite good surgery.

Solution: Buy quality Colombian medical-grade fajas once. They last.

Mistake #4: Not Trying On Before Surgery

Reality: You order faja, it arrives, you put in closet assuming it fits. Surgery happens. Faja doesn't fit. Now what?

Consequence: Panic, rushed ordering, potential days without compression.

Solution: Try on IMMEDIATELY when received. Exchange if needed while you have time.

Mistake #5: Forgetting the "Small" Items

Reality: "I have my faja, I'm set!" Then day 2 post-op you realize:

• You can't reach your feet (need slip-on shoes)
• You can't lift arms (need front-close bra)
• You're leaking through faja (need ABD pads)
• You can't bend to toilet (need riser)

Consequence: Someone has to emergency shop while you suffer.

Solution: Use comprehensive checklist (above). Get EVERYTHING before surgery.

Mistake #6: Assuming Surgeon Provides Everything

Reality: Most surgeons provide:

• Immediate post-op compression (first 24-48 hours)
• Maybe drain supplies
• Prescription pain meds

They do NOT provide:

• Your Stage 1 faja (you buy this)
• Stage 2+ fajas
• Recovery tools, comfort items, wound care supplies

Consequence: Unpleasant surprises day 2-3 post-op.

Solution: Clarify with surgeon exactly what they provide. Assume you need to buy everything else.

The Emergency Kit: If Surgery Is Less Than 1 Week Away

You're reading this with surgery in 5 days and haven't bought anything. Don't panic. Here's priority triage:

Absolute Must-Have (Order Immediately with Rush Shipping)

1. Stage 1 Faja (procedure-appropriate)

• Use size chart, if uncertain size up
• Pay for 2-day shipping
• This is NON-NEGOTIABLE

2. BBL Pillow (if BBL)

• Cannot be substituted with regular pillows
• Determines fat survival

3. Pain Meds & Stool Softeners

• Can buy at pharmacy day before surgery
• Have BEFORE you need them

High Priority (Order or Buy Locally)

4. Front-Close Bras/Button Shirts

• Available at most stores locally
• Buy day before surgery

5. ABD Pads & Medical Tape

• Available at pharmacy
• Buy day before surgery

6. Easy Foods

• Pre-made meals, protein shakes, Gatorade
• Shop day before surgery

Can Wait Until Week 2 (Order Now, Arriving After Surgery OK)

7. Stage 2 Fajas (2)
8. Foam Boards
9. Lymphatic Massager
10. Comfort Items

The point: If you're late, PRIORITIZE. Get Stage 1 faja with rush shipping no matter what. Everything else can be worked around temporarily.

Storage & Organization Before Surgery

Where to Put Everything:

Bedroom (Recovery Base):

• All fajas hung or folded accessibly
• Medications on nightstand
• Water/straws within arm's reach
• Phone charger with long cable
• Tissues, chapstick, essentials within reach
• Pillows arranged for elevated sleeping

Bathroom:

• Shower chair assembled
• Long-handled sponge ready
• Gentle soap accessible
• Towels on low hooks (can't reach high)
• Toilet riser installed

Kitchen/Dining:

• Pre-made meals in fridge labeled by day
• Protein shakes at front of fridge
• Straws in easy-reach drawer
• Paper plates/plastic utensils (less washing)

"Surgery Box":
Create one box with EVERYTHING medical:

• All wound care supplies
• Medications organized by day
• Extra ABD pads
• Medical tape
• Thermometer
• Surgeon's contact info

Brief whoever is helping you on where everything is. They'll need to access items for you.

The Night Before Surgery Checklist

✅ Stage 1 Faja packed in hospital bag
✅ Backup Stage 1 faja at home ready
✅ BBL pillow in car (for ride home)
✅ Recovery space fully set up
✅ All medications organized and accessible
✅ Easy foods/drinks ready
✅ Front-close bra/loose clothes laid out for post-op
✅ Phone fully charged with charger ready
✅ Caregiver knows where everything is
✅ Surgeon's emergency number saved in phone
✅ You've showered with antibacterial soap
✅ You've removed all jewelry, nail polish, makeup
✅ You've eaten your last allowed meal/drink per instructions

Sleep well. You're as prepared as possible.

Day of Surgery: What to Bring

To Hospital/Surgery Center:

✅ Stage 1 Faja (surgeon may put you in this before you leave OR may give you temporary and you switch to yours day 2-3)
✅ Loose button-up shirt (to wear over compression going home)
✅ Slip-on shoes (can't bend to tie)
✅ Front-close bra (if needed)
✅ Phone & charger
✅ ID & insurance cards
✅ List of medications you take
✅ Surgeon's instructions printed
✅ Someone responsible to drive you home

Leave at Home (DON'T Bring):

• Valuables
• Jewelry
• Regular bras (can't lift arms)
• Tight clothing
• Complicated clothing

Post-Surgery Protocol with Your Stage 1 Faja

Immediately Post-Op:
You'll wake up in compression. This might be:

• Your Stage 1 faja (if surgeon put you in it)
• OR temporary surgical binder (foam + wrap)

First 24-48 Hours:
If surgeon used temporary binder, they'll instruct when to switch to your Stage 1 faja. Typically:

• Day 1-2 after surgery
• At first post-op appointment
• Once drains are secured (if applicable)

Putting On Stage 1 Faja First Time:

• You'll need help (can't do alone)
• Take pain meds 30 min before (this is uncomfortable)
• Move slowly, don't rush
• Ensure drain tubes exit through appropriate openings
• Adjust hooks to comfortable-but-firm
• Breathe. It feels tight. This is correct.

First Week with Stage 1:

• Wear 24 hours (only remove for showering if cleared)
• Tighten hooks as swelling reduces (typically day 3-5)
• Check incisions daily for issues
• Keep ABD pads over leaking areas
• Wash faja every 2-3 days (use backup while washing)

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I buy my Stage 1 faja on Amazon?

You CAN, but quality varies dramatically. Many are mislabeled (claim to be Stage 1 but provide inadequate compression) or lose compression within weeks. Colombian medical-grade fajas from authorized retailers (like Snatched Body) are engineered specifically for post-op and maintain compression throughout recovery. Don't risk your results on uncertain quality.

My surgeon said I don't need Stage 1, just Stage 2. Should I still buy it?

Follow your surgeon's specific instructions. Some surgeons use different protocols (starting directly with Stage 2 around day 3-5, skipping traditional Stage 1). If your surgeon said you don't need Stage 1, confirm what compression you DO need immediately post-op and ensure you have that ready.

What if my measurements are between two sizes and I can't decide?

For Stage 1, if between sizes, size UP 90% of the time. You'll be maximally swollen. Too tight = unbearable pain, restricted breathing, can't wear it. Too loose = still provides compression, just adjust hooks tighter as you slim. Exception: If you're at very TOP of larger size, true to size might work.

Can I buy used Stage 1 faja to save money?

Medically not recommended. Used compression garments:

• Have degraded elastic (less effective compression)
• May harbor bacteria even if washed
• Could have been improperly cared for
• You don't know their history

Your Stage 1 faja is investment in your $10,000+ surgery results. Buy new, quality garments.

Do I really need 2 Stage 1 fajas or can I get away with 1?

Technically you can get by with 1, BUT:

• You need to wash it (every 2-3 days minimum for hygiene)
• Washing + air-drying takes 24+ hours
• Wearing unwashed faja risks infection
• If your only faja is damaged/uncomfortable, you're stuck

Recommended: Buy 2 Stage 1 if budget allows. Minimum: Buy 1 Stage 1 + 2 Stage 2 (you'll transition to Stage 2 by day 10-14, so having 2 Stage 2 covers you).

I'm having surgery out of state/country. How do I handle faja shopping?

Order fajas shipped to your recovery location (hotel, Airbnb, family member's house) with delivery BEFORE your surgery date. Measure at home before you travel, order with enough lead time (2-3 weeks before surgery date). Don't assume you'll be able to shop once you arrive; you'll be busy with pre-op appointments and won't have local knowledge of stores.

Your Pre-Surgery Action Plan

Starting Today:

Week 6-4 Before:

•  Read this guide completely
•  Identify your procedure type
•  Understand which fajas you need
•  Budget for complete recovery supplies

Week 3-4 Before:

•  Measure yourself accurately
•  Order Stage 1 faja
•  Order Stage 2 fajas (2 minimum)
•  Order all recovery supplies from checklist

Week 2-3 Before:

•  Fajas arrive - TRY ON IMMEDIATELY
•  Exchange if size is wrong
•  Wash all fajas
•  Shop for remaining items (food, comfort items)

Week 1 Before:

•  Set up recovery space completely
•  Organize all supplies accessibly
•  Brief your caregiver
•  Final check: do you have EVERYTHING?

Night Before:

•  Use checklist above
•  Sleep knowing you're prepared

Surgery Day:

•  Bring Stage 1 faja + essentials
•  Trust your preparation
•  Focus on surgery, not logistics

The Bottom Line: Preparation Determines Your Recovery Experience

Two scenarios:

Scenario A: Unprepared

• Day 2 post-op, realize you need items you don't have
• Send someone shopping with unclear instructions (they buy wrong things)
• Order Stage 2 fajas, wait 5 days for shipping
• Miss critical compression days
• Experience more swelling, discomfort, stress
• Results compromised by gaps in compression

Scenario B: Prepared (You, After Reading This)

• Wake up day 2, everything you need is within reach
• Caregiver knows exactly where everything is
• Stage 1 faja fitting correctly
• Stage 2 fajas ready for week 2 transition
• Recovery supplies organized
• Can focus entirely on healing, not logistics
• Optimal compression from hour 1 = optimal results

The choice is yours. But make it NOW, before surgery, while you have time, energy, and clear judgment.

Your surgery will transform your body. Your preparation will determine whether that transformation reaches its full potential.

👉 Shop Stage 1 Fajas

👉 Complete Recovery Kit

Get everything you need NOW. Your post-surgery self will thank you.