Fasting After Bariatric Surgery

After bariatric surgery your digestive tract is physically different and can no longer accommodate large amounts of food. However, it’s just as bad for you to consume no food.

You know that after bariatric surgery, it’s critical to have an adequate intake of fluids and nutrients. Because of the quick weight loss, you need to make sure you get all of the nutrients, vitamins and minerals you need to recover.

People who observe a fast, whether for religious or lifestyle reasons, face several challenges.

Your new eating and drinking habits are being established. Since you can’t consume large amounts in one sitting, you should be sipping fluids throughout the day. A complete fast can put you at risk for dehydration and poor calorie and nutrient intake. Additionally, an inadequate intake of protein can reduce lean body mass and metabolic rate.

Fasting for long periods of time could result in vomiting, compounding dehydration and poor nutritional intake. Foods that are usually eaten at the end of a religious fast are sweets, carbohydrates and fats that can also put you at risk for dumping syndrome and steatorrhoea (excess fat in feces caused by fat malabsorption). Sounds pleasant, right?

Moreover, the small amount of volume in the stomach may make it difficult to fit the proper amount of food, nutritional supplements and medications at meal times after a fast.

We recommend that you avoid the fast and stick to foods that are high in protein and low in fats and sugars. Protein is great because it builds tissue and regulates various bodily processes necessary for good health. You also don’t need to eat as large an amount to feel full.

If you have any questions about fasting or your diet, contact your doctor, nurse practitioner or bariatric dietitian.