1 year Post RNY - Ramadan

Yes, the usual custom is to make up days later in the year (usually during the shorter winter months) and to provide meals for those who are hungry by either buying them food directly or donating to food pantry or other similar service. The rules on what you need to do if you break a fast before sunset vary by the reason it is broken.

The teaching of Muhammad (pbuh) are clear that one should NEVER become ill due to fasting so if I start to have feelings of dehydration that indicate I'm hurting my body I must break the fast. The point of fasting isn't to harm my body, it's to stretch my mind. I'm intentionally making myself uncomfortable as an act of obedience and by giving up water I'm made aware of those who go withou****er because they don't have access to clean water. By giving up food I'm more keenly aware of those who go hungry due to famine and poverty. When I break my fast in the evening, I'm extra grateful to God for the food I'm able to enjoy.

While in Egypt I was amazed by the heat of the South, near Sudan and so impressed that the workers there mostly celebrate Ramadan as they carry on their daily work out in the heat. In April it was 107F at 8 am. If they get light headed or start to show signs of heat sickness, they MUST take water and break their fast to make it up later but most make it through the day. It's very impressive.

One of my Muslim friends was stationed in Alaska while serving in the Air Force. He was following the standards that say if you're in the North and the timing of Ramadan is during the calendar when the sun isn't setting, you follow the time table of Saudi Arabia. He said it was funny because that made his fast much shorter than if he were in his home town of NYC :)

Well I guess I'm sort of relieved for the Muslims in Alaska

It's nice to hear from you again! I hope your depression lifts soon. Perhaps your reflections and renewal during Ramadan will help somewhat.

Sorry I don't have any pointers for you, but it sounds like you've got a great plan and you've covered all bases.

I am sorry that you have been struggling with depression again and I applaud your efforts to find resolution. I know that for some people that spiritual practices are cathartic and while that may be true, I deeply believe that this is a very dangerous practice for your health. I know that you have done some research on the issues and that is good, but for a person who is post-bariatric surgery, especially by only one year, doing without regular food and most particularly doing without fluids for an extended time is very dangerous.

That said, if you feel that you must participate in this fast (and please don't call it Ramadan, because you do not claim to be participating in it because you are a Muslim!), do a modified fast. Maybe do without some foods, and keep to unlimited fluids and light meals during the day.

For instance, I have a friend who always fasted and gave up certain foods during Lent. Her health has become worse in the last few years, but she still wants to remember that time of the year. She has decided to do specific charity work for the needy rather than further injuring her health by fasting.

If you feel the need for doing some sacrifice for a period of time and believe that it will help you mentally, find a way that will not hurt your health.

I found some very helpful information on fasting from a Christian perspective. It makes mention of something called a "Daniel fast," which I've never heard of, but allows vegetables and water.

https://www.ihopkc.org/about/fasting-guidelines-and-informat ion/

I can understand that the OP is looking for advice, but she would be wise to keep Matthew 6:16 - 18 in mind :)

I would suggest that some of your fluids should have electrolytes. Can you have milk? Change up your fluids to include some protein and vitamins if possible. Good luck I hope you get what you need from this years Ramadan. Maybe it might help with your depression.

good point! I've been breaking my fasts with green tea with added protein powder, but I hadn't thought of adding some electrolytes!

I can't answer your question, but I'm glad to see you back! I applaud your honesty. BTW, I am not Catholic but DH is so I do celebrate some of their traditions which were not mine originally. I am moved by the meaning of Ramadan and can understand why you would want to celebrate it.

Good luck and I hope that your mood will lift. Perhaps celebrating Ramadan will help?