Fasting in Ramadan After Bariatric Surgery: When and How

There is no single number that suits everyone. In an international consensus of 61 bariatric surgeons from 24 countries, most advised delaying fasting for 6 to 12 months after bypass-type operations, depending on the patient. Some hospitals advise not fasting during the first 12 to 18 months. What matters is being able to take in enough fluid and protein in the short hours between iftar and suhoor, and your surgeon assesses this with you.

• Start with water and one or two dates, then pause briefly before the meal (your doctor will tell you how long).
• A small meal that starts with protein: lentil soup, grilled chicken or fish, laban.
• Chew well and eat slowly, and don't drink with food.
• Avoid Ramadan sweets, fried food and sweetened juices, which can trigger dumping syndrome, especially after a bypass.

• Sip water throughout the night, since dehydration is one of the main problems.
• Keep taking your vitamins and supplements, spread between iftar and suhoor.
• If you exercise, do it about two hours after iftar.
• If you take stomach-protecting medicine, continue it as your doctor advises.

A small, protein-rich meal such as eggs, yoghurt or low-salt cheese, with water before and after it, not with it. Have suhoor as late as you can.

Severe dizziness or fainting, repeated vomiting, severe abdominal pain, signs of dehydration such as very little or very dark urine, or low blood sugar in people with diabetes. Anyone who keeps having symptoms of intolerance while fasting should stop and see their doctor.