Religious Fasting Being 2 1/2 Years Post Op

I am a person of faith and we are doing an "Esther Fast" but wasn't sure if it would cause major issues not eating or drinking for 3 days. I've opted to do a liquid fast with liquid protein tea latte's and soup broth twice a day. Does anyone know if I can complete a fast with cutting out all food an liquid without any major issues? I am taking my vitamin suppliments through this fast but it feels like food. Let me know your thoughts as I don't want to something that will hurt my body but want to follow my faith.

For those of you who do not share my faith, I apologize if you do not understand the reason for it an ask that you respect my decision or reason for doing so. I would like some insight from other Christians who might be doing the same thing as I and are also post-op at least a year.

Thank you and God Bless!

hi

im not really sure about your questions, but i think overall fasting for 2-3 days would be a major problem with our protein requirements.

i would call your doctor and get his or her input

good luck, be safe and well, jacki

I have done religious fasting since having surgery,but I did it in a modified way~I had to be sure to get in enough liquids throughout the day and had to use protein shakes 3x's per day. I did still take all vits during this time~I don't think it would be healthy for us to give up our vits even for 3 days. Most religions do give guidelines that can be followed for "special cir****tances" such as those that suffer from diabetes and other health issues~you  might want to look into what those guidelines are at your specific church. The purpose of the fast is to cleanse the body, mind and soul and this can be done in many different ways. Some consider skipping 1 meal per day a fast, while others consider only liquids all day a fast and the extreme fasters will only allow water during their fast~everyone is different and one is not better than another, its just a matter of opinion and your personal beliefs. Good Luck!

I would keep the medically required parts of the diet:  Vitamins and Protein Supplements.  Other than that, I don't see problems.

With the protein, you can stick to shakes or even the bullets instead of a Protein Bar which is a little like food.  I don't see the protein supplements as "food"

I would most definately make sure you stick w/the vits/supps - even a few days without can cause you issues even if you are further out. I would also get in your minimum daily protein via tha protein lattes and soup.
I remember reading a while ago somebody who did a religious fast and decided they would be ok without the vits/supps and landed in the hospital even thou it was a few days so make sure you are careful and listen to your body.

Hi,

I'm a Christian and have thought about this as well.  I am a year and half post op and still have to eat every 3 hours to feel my best and not feel "off".  I don't think physically it would be a good idea for me to go that long without eating because of the dangers of my sugar dropping - however if you don't have any of those issues, I would encourage you to fast.

Another way of thinking is that a diabetic could never fast - do you consider yourself in that same category?  I do - since I have a "required" way of living/eating.

Whatever choice you make - the Lord will most definitely continue to reveal Himself to you whether you fast or not! :)

Peace

Could you possibly do a Daniel fast instead? No red meat, or carbs, and only fresh veggies, baked or broiled chicken or fish and only water to drink. Pray God will guide you.

Interesting idea to do an Esther Fast.

Jewish people do do an Fast before Purim, most however only do one day.  We have numerous other fast days during the year as well ( Yom Kippur for example).Also as a Jew we are allowed exemptions for medical reasons. The reason behind this is the more important of the Torah commandments is to "choice life."

So for me and with my Rabbi's blessing I approach fast days as a post-WLS differently than I would of pre-op. I take all my medications- vitamins and other medications. If I need to eat with a specific medication I am commanded to do so. However the Rabbi and I agree that it is the spirit of the eating that matters. So on that day or any day I fast I choose to have very very plain food or protein drinks ( which I actually despise normally). I do not season it extravagently, I do not eat in excess of my protein and calorie needs. I do not set it out on my nice china. I do not do it in front of other members of my family that are fasting. Many times I say a prayer, eat quietly. I may play some holiday music and after finish eating then will read some inspiring, relevant religious material. The spirit of the action is to take the mundane and make it spiritual.

I think the idea behind fasting (my opinion of course) is that you deny the flesh to get closer to God. So you might be better off doing a fast that doesn't put your health at risk. You would be better off doing a liquid protein shake fast, 5-8 protein shakes a day plus water and vits. (and you might want to add some fiber suppliment so you dont' get the runs too badly). As a post op you're health is more delicate then a non op. Things like "missing a few days of vits" or "not getting in protein for a few das" won't kill you, but they can damage you.

Scott