Fasting After Obesity Surgery

Patients who have undergone Obesity Surgery such as Gastric Sleeve Surgery and Gastric Bypass must comply with certain rules. Because it is affecting the healing process and prevent post-operative complications and other health risks.

Inadequate and unbalanced nutrition, malnutrition and especially dehydration are undesirable in the first period after sleeve gastrectomy.

For this reason, it is important that patients who have undergone bariatric surgery do not stay hungry and thirsty for the first 12-18 months .

We recommend that patients not fast for the first 12-18 months after bariatric surgery in order to prevent malnutrition and medical complications.

Why It is Not Recommended?

After bariatric surgery, it is recommended that patients eat frequent and small meals, chew slowly and thoroughly, separate their solid and liquid intake, and stop eating when they feel full.

However, in case of fasting for a long time, when the fast is completed, it may lead to the desire to consume faster and in larger amounts at iftar.

This can cause stomach upset and nausea and vomiting leading to dehydration, malnutrition and possible vitamin and mineral deficiencies.

Vitamin And Mineral Supplements

After gastric sleeve surgery, patients should take vitamins and minerals at regular intervals during the day under the control of a dietitian.

In case of fasting, the order of vitamin and mineral intake changes, and since this period must be fit into a short period of time, the already shrinking stomach volume may result in insufficient vitamin and mineral supplementation.

Dehydration

Dehydration is absolutely undesirable. Fasting, especially during the long summer months, increases the risk of dehydration.

After gastric sleeve surgery, it is necessary not to drink excessive water at once, to drink little by little at short intervals, and to separate solid food and liquid consumption. These requirements may not be met with fasting.

In case of fasting for a long time, the risk of hypoglycemia increases, especially in the summer months when the time between sahur and iftar is long.

Dumping syndrome

Dumping syndrome, which is likely to be seen in patients who have undergone sleeve gastrectomy or other bariatric surgery, can be seen after long-term fasting, when excessive fatty and sugary foods are consumed during iftar.

Conclusion

As a result, although fasting is generally beneficial both spiritually, mentally and physically, it is not recommended for the first period of 12-18 months after sleeve gastrectomy, as it may cause more harm than good. We recommend that our patients who want to fast after this period contact our dietician or doctor and get information about healthy fasting methods.

What to Eat After Gastric Sleeve Surgery.