At the moment, many people are interested in fasting during Ramadan. Ramadan is based on the Islamic lunar calendar and begins a few days earlier each year. In principle, during the period of Ramadan, from sunrise to sunset, nothing should enter the stomach. This means that you are not allowed to eat or drink. Before sunrise, a light meal (suhoor or sahur) may be eaten. After sunset, a hearty meal (iftar) is usually eaten with the family.
Rules in Ramadan
Is it advisable to fast after a gastric sleeve or gastric bypass surgery? How long after surgery should one wait before fasting can be carried out without risk? Ramadan has its rules. For example, only those Muslims who are physically and mentally able to do so are required to participate. Those who do not have to fast:
- menstruating, pregnant and breastfeeding women.
- chronically ill people
- elderly people
- and children before the beginning of puberty
What is it like after a surgery?
Obesity is a chronic disease that is treated only through surgery. The desired weight loss takes place over a period of 12 to 18 months. During this time, it is important not to fast to avoid deficiency symptoms or medical complications. After weight-loss surgery, there is a long learning process: you have to learn to eat many small meals, to drink enough and to recognize when, for example, you are at risk of hypoglycemia. The latter is a particular risk after bypass surgery.
If you don’t eat or drink anything during the day as part of fasting, you may end up eating far too much in the evening. This can lead to the dreaded dumping syndrome or to nausea and vomiting, which in turn can lead to dehydration. In extreme cases, eating too fast at night and shortly after surgery can also cause injuries to the stomach that could even be life-threatening. Also, the absorption of special vitamins can be disturbed, so that vitamin deficiency can occur more quickly.
Talk to your physician and dietician before you fast!
