Question:
Has any post-ops had any experience with fasting?

I had lap rny on Nov 12th and yesterday started a two day juice and water fast. My reasoning behind this was 1) to detoxify my system 2) give my digestive system a rest 3) hopefully shrink my stomach in case I have stretched it out any since surgery and 4) to help break a plateau. I plan on doing this every two weeks or at least every month. Has anyone had any success with fasting or know of any reason why this could be harmful or not helpful? Pre 315 lbs - Current 196 lbs (56 lbs from goal)    — Rhonda D. (posted on August 4, 2000)

August 5, 2000
Hi Rhoda, I'm a little surprised that you've not had any posted responses to your question on fasting. I, too, would be interested in reading how other people feel about it. Personally, I don't see where it could hurt to give it a try. People have fasted for religious reasons for (literally) ages. I suppose that some may consider fasting as a kinda "drastic" measure of sorts, but then again, many of those same people (or not) probably considered our decision to have wls "drastic" as well. The only "con" that I can think of could be the possibility of slowing your metabolism down slightly during the fast, but the "pros" could include giving your weight loss effort a little "shot in the arm" by doing just what you hope it will do (detoxifying your system...shrinking your pouch...etc). Just be careful to break your fast gradually so you don't throw your system into complete shock. Please let us know how it works out. You've had a wonderful weight loss so far. Continued good luck and God bless. cj
   — cj T.

August 6, 2000
I was on a "forced" fast for four days when I had my hernia repaired recently. I was on clear liquids the day before the surgery, ice chips for two days after the surgery, and clear liquids again on the third day after surgery. After that, I did notice that my pouch had shrunk. I could only eat a few bites before I got full, similar to when I first started solid foods after my WLS. I lost weight more quickly during that time too, but after a couple weeks, I went back to eating a little bit larger meals.
   — Lynn K.