Since adjustable gastric banding is performed laparoscopically, recovery time is relatively short. Even among weight loss surgeries, adjustable gastric banding recovery time is, on average, the shortest. Proponents of the surgery claim that...

it is associated with fewer operative risks, shorter hospital stays and early recoveries.

Susan Cummings, a registered dietician at the Massachusetts General Hospital (MGH) Weight Center has proposed a sequence of meal progression following adjustable gastric banding. On days one and two after surgery, meals should be restricted to clear liquids only but no liquids with carbonation, added sugar or caffeine. On postsurgical days two and three, full liquids can be added such as milk and yogurt. This is considered the discharge diet as most people will not stay in the hospital more than a couple days. Frequent small meals should be continued and after about 10 to 14 days, high protein meals that have been softened or pureed can be eaten. Good sources include eggs, ground meats and low-fat cheeses. Hunger is very common in this stage but it is important not to overeat at any one meal. By four weeks after surgery the diet can be advanced as tolerated and by five weeks, a move to more solid foods can be made. By six weeks a stable diet of healthy solid foods should be well tolerated. The patient should have adapted to the small size of meals and be able to recognize early satiety (feeling full).

For best outcome, patients undergoing adjustable gastric banding will need rather frequent adjustments, perhaps as many as six within a year. With each adjustment, the diet may need to be altered to accommodate the smaller volume. Initially there is a return to full liquids for a few days and then a fairly rapid progress back to solid foods, maintaining each step for a few days in between. Overall the advancement to solid food is much faster with adjustment than with the initial band placement.