What Is the Recovery Time for Gastric Banding?

Thousands of Americans have undergone gastric banding weight loss surgery. The outpatient procedure is generally less invasive than some other types of bariatric surgery. As with any procedure, there are risks, so people considering gastric banding should seek medical advice.

Types

• There are two types of gastric banding procedures available in the United States---the Lap-Band System and the Realize Band. During both procedures, a surgeon laparoscopically inserts a band and a saline-filled port into a patient's stomach.

Function

• During post-surgery follow-up visits, the doctor administers saline injections to adjust the band. The band will need to be loosened or tightened over time to manage weight loss.

Time Frame

• Patients must heal before their first band adjustment. Following surgery, most people will require about six weeks of recovery time before their first adjustment, according to the Consumer Guide to Bariatric Surgery.

Diet

• Immediately following gastric banding surgery, patients may be advised to follow a liquid diet for a few weeks while their stomachs heal. Patients will gradually build up to eating solid foods again.

Weight Loss

• Many gastric banding patients lose 40 to 60 percent of their excess body weight within one to three years following their procedures, according to the Consumer Guide to Bariatric Surgery.