The time it takes to recover from weight loss surgery depends on the type of surgery and surgical technique you receive.
Laparoscopic surgeries generally have a quicker recovery time than open procedures. Open procedures are performed through a large incision in your abdomen. A laparoscopic procedure is performed through smaller incisions with a thin tube called a laparoscope.
We examine the recovery time of some of the most common weight loss surgeries.
With gastric band surgery, your surgeon will place a band around your stomach to help you feel full sooner. While there are risks associated with any type of surgery, health experts consider gastric band surgery to be a safe operation.
How long will you stay in the hospital?
You may go home on the same day as your procedure or spend 1 night in the hospital.
First few days after going home
Over-the-counter pain medications can help you manage discomfort. Your surgeon may give blood-thinning medications to help reduce your risk of blood clots. You’ll need to follow a liquid diet for at least a week.
When can you resume daily activities?
It may take up to 6 weeks to fully return to your typical diet and be able to return to strenuous activity or exercise. Your surgeon may tighten the band around your stomach 4–6 weeks after your procedure.
How long until you can go back to work?
You may be able to return to work within a couple of weeks of gastric banding. You may need a longer recovery if you have a physical job.
A gastric bypass is a procedure that also allows you to lose weight. Your surgeon will create a small pouch at the top of your stomach with surgical staples. This pouch is connected to your small intestines so that food bypasses most of your stomach.
How long will you stay in the hospital?
Typically, you’ll stay in the hospital for approximately 2–3 days following a gastric bypass.
First few days after going home
Medications like acetaminophen (Tylenol) may help minimize your discomfort in the days after your procedure. Some people develop shoulder tip pain from gas left after the surgery, but this usually goes away after 4–5 days.
When can you resume daily activities?
You’ll likely need to consume a liquid diet for 3 weeks, and you won’t be able to drive for a minimum of 1 week.
You may be able to return to most of your normal activities within 3 weeks.
How long until you can go back to work?
You may be able to return to work within 8 weeks.
With a gastric sleeve procedure, your surgeon will remove about 80% of your stomach. This can help make you feel full quicker.
How long will you stay in the hospital?
Usually, you’ll need to stay in the hospital for about 3–5 days after gastric sleeve surgery.
First few days after going home
You may have some pain after your procedure, but you’ll likely be given a prescription medication to help ease discomfort.
You’ll likely feel tired and need extra rest while your body is recovering.
When can you resume daily activities?
You’ll need to eat much smaller portions of food after your procedure. You might not be able to eat a typical diet for at least 6 weeks.
Surgeons usually recommend avoiding abdominal exercise or heavy lifting for at least 6 weeks.
How long until you can go back to work?
It can take up to 4–6 weeks to return to work. However, some people can return sooner.
A duodenal switch is a combination of a gastric sleeve and an intestinal bypass. An intestinal bypass involves attaching the first part of your small intestines to a lower part to limit the calories you absorb.
How long will you stay in the hospital?
The hospital stay after a duodenal switch is often similar to that of a gastric sleeve. You may need to stay for 3–5 days.
First few days after going home
You’ll need to start on a liquid diet after your surgery. It’s important to give your body plenty of rest during the recovery period.
When can you resume daily activities?
You may be able to return to most of your normal activity within a couple of weeks. Surgeons recommend avoiding heavy lifting or exercise for at least 6 weeks following procedures that involve a gastric switch.
How long until you can go back to work?
As with gastric sleeve procedures, it may take up to 4–6 weeks before you can return to work.
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You’ll likely be able to slowly restart your daily activities a week or two after your procedure — possibly quicker after a laparoscopic procedure.
It may take up to 6 weeks to go back to work following open surgery, but laparoscopic surgery often leads to quicker recovery.
It’s important to attend all your scheduled follow-up appointments so your doctor can monitor your recovery. It’s also essential to see your doctor if you develop signs of potential complications, such as:
- red, hot, and swollen skin around your wound
- a high fever
- vomiting
- chills and shivering
- fast breathing
- fast heart rate
- difficulty swallowing
Here are some frequently asked questions people have about recovering from weight loss surgery.
What are the hardest days after weight loss surgery?
The day after surgery might be the hardest since you may have discomfort from your surgery and won’t be able to eat solid food.
How soon can I drive after weight loss surgery?
You won’t be able to drive until you can press the brakes and wear your seatbelt without pain — usually at least 1 week.
Which weight loss surgery has the fastest recovery time?
Gastric band surgery is generally the simplest type of weight loss surgery and has the shortest recovery time.
Weight loss surgery may help you achieve your target weight, but you’ll need weeks to recover from your procedure. You’ll likely need to start on a liquid diet before gradually resuming solid foods.
It’s important to attend all your scheduled follow-up appointments after your procedure to make sure you’re healing properly. It’s also important to contact your doctor if you develop signs of an infection or other complications.
