When Can I Fast After Obesity Surgery?

As Ramadan is approaching, one of the most frequently asked questions after sleeve gastrectomy surgery is 'WHEN CAN I FAST?

With sleeve gastrectomy surgery, there is a significant decrease in the amount of food consumed in one meal. In the first 3 months, some of our patients can gradually switch to solid foods. The decrease in solid food intake after sleeve gastrectomy surgery leads to less salt (NaCl) entering the body. Most of the patients find the taste of water different after sleeve gastrectomy surgery and do not drink enough. This is a result of the decrease in salt intake mentioned above. In other words, when we take less salt, we are less thirsty. Water does not taste pleasant.

The second issue related to water after sleeve gastrectomy surgery is the distinction between solid and liquid. Since our stomach shrinks, we cannot take plenty of liquid during solid consumption in order to get enough protein in a meal.

We can drink fluids either 10 minutes before or 30-40 minutes after a meal. After sleeve gastrectomy surgery, water intake may always remain below our needs, especially in the first months due to the decrease in solid food intake, thus salt, and solid liquid separation. Therefore, our dietitian reminds you to drink fluids frequently.

After sleeve gastrectomy surgery, in case of insufficient fluid intake due to the reasons mentioned above, especially in our kidneys, not enough urine can be formed and urine color begins to darken. Another effect of insufficient fluid intake is constipation. Due to insufficient fluid in the large intestine, the stool becomes solid and therefore constipation is aggravated.

The tendency of most people to consume less water in the first months after sleeve gastrectomy surgery can partially damage our body. If fasting is added to this situation, the picture becomes even more severe. This leads to excessive strain on the kidneys and a drop in blood pressure. Therefore, fasting is not recommended for the first 6 months after sleeve gastrectomy surgery. Gastric sleeve gastrectomy patients who have completed 6 months should closely monitor their body's reaction in the first days of fasting if they want to fast. Excessive darkening in the amount of urine and decrease in the amount of urine is not desirable. Excessive weakness and dizziness when standing up may also indicate that your blood pressure is not regular. If you are experiencing such problems, you should not insist on fasting. Fasting may become easier at the end of the first year after sleeve gastrectomy. 

Those who want to fast after sleeve gastrectomy surgery and those who have completed at least 6 months or preferably one year as mentioned above should pay attention to the following recommendations:

Be careful to break your fast slowly, chewing a lot and not forgetting your solid-liquid separation rules, along with being hungry and thirsty all day long.

At iftar time;

• First, drink your water and wait for 10-15 minutes. 
• In order to meet your protein needs, consume protein group foods such as meat / chicken / fish / fish / meatballs / turkey after water.
• After 30 minutes, try to drink plenty of water to make up for your water deficit instead of drinks such as tea and coffee. 
• In the meantime, consuming protein powder or protein milk as a snack will support you to get enough protein. 

Suhoor after sleeve gastrectomy surgery is very valuable for us to ensure that you spend the day in the best way. Do not fast without getting up for sahur. Eggs should be your primary food source in order to provide both protein requirement and satiety. It would be better to consume foods such as cheese and bread, which are higher in calories and nutritional value than tomatoes and cucumbers, for adequate nutrient intake. Do not take a short time for sahur. Continue drinking water by getting up early. Sharing the foods you consume with your dietician or doctor every 3-4 days will prevent inadequate nutrient and water intake. Do not fast unless your doctor or dietitian gives permission, remembering that your health is more precious in our religion.