Fasting during the holy month of Ramadan is a significant spiritual practice for Muslims around the world. However, patients who have had bariatric surgery are required to take special measures to avoid health risks.
After weight loss surgery such as the sleeve gastrectomy and gastric bypass, it can be difficult to drink enough fluids to stay hydrated and meet your protein and energy requirements with food. It is advised that you drink at least 1.5–2 litres of fluids throughout the day to keep hydrated and prevent constipation. It is also advised that you avoid drinking too quickly or eating and drinking together. These restrictions, combined with fasting, can increase your risk of dehydration.
Patients are advised not to fast in the first 6 months after weight loss surgery to prevent malnutrition and dehydration.
Tips for Fasting During Ramadan
Below are some tips to help you fast safely without putting your health at risk:
- Consume 3 small, nutritious meals each day: Suhoor (just before dawn), Iftar (immediately after sunset), and dinner (2–3 hours after Iftar), plus 1 snack.
- Break your fast by choosing a warm drink or soup to prepare your body for food.
- Eat slowly and chew food well to avoid indigestion.
- Choose meals based on lean protein and vegetables. Eat protein (meat or fish) before vegetables or carbohydrates.
- Include low glycaemic index carbohydrates for sustained energy. These include wholegrain breads, pearl barley, quinoa, Doongara rice, oats, chickpeas, split peas, and lentils.
- Avoid foods high in fats and sugar such as traditional desserts or deep-fried meals to reduce the risk of dumping syndrome.
- Continue to take your multivitamin. If taking two per day, have one at Suhoor and one at Iftar.
- If you're struggling to drink enough fluids, wake earlier and sip water, tea, protein waters, or milk-based drinks.
- If you can't meet protein needs with food, consider protein powders or ready-made protein drinks between meals.
- Constipation is common after sleeve gastrectomy and during fasting. We recommend Benefibre or Metamucil daily. You may also need laxatives like Coloxyl and Senna, Lactulose, or Movicol.
- Adjust physical activity. While staying active is important, consider lowering intensity or rescheduling workouts during Ramadan.
- Embrace the spiritual benefits. Focus on prayer, charity, and family connection to enrich your Ramadan experience.
Examples of Good Snacks
- Mixed nuts and dried fruit (small handful)
- Sliced apple or celery with 1–2 tablespoons natural peanut butter
- Two oat cakes or Vita-Weets topped with cottage cheese and black pepper
- 150–200g low-fat or natural yoghurt
- Carrot sticks with 2 tablespoons hummus
- One hard-boiled egg
- Homemade fruit smoothie with low-fat milk and 1 serve of fruit (add skim milk powder or whey protein to boost protein)
- One small bowl of salad with a matchbox-sized piece of feta cheese (dressed with olive oil and lemon)
Ramadan Mubarak to everyone.
