Question:
Anyone experience problems from fasting post op?

My church has an annual week-long time of fasting and prayer each year. I had surgery 2 1/2 mos ago and want to participate again this year. Anyone done something similar? In the past, I would drink water and fruit juices. Now, I guess I just drink water and crystal lite, etc. I just want to be sure I don't cause any major problems for myself...I wouldn't think there would be anything different to cause problems, but just looking for someone who has done it. Thanks!    — lezawomack (posted on January 16, 2003)


January 16, 2003
I AM A CO PASOTR OF A CHURCH AND MY WIFE IS THE PASTOR WE BOTH HADE SUGERY LAST YEAR AND THE LORD TOLD HER TO PUT THE CHURCH ON A FAST THE DANILE FAST I HAVE NT HADE ANY PROBLEMS WE ARE GOING 30 DAYS WITH JUST KEEP YOUR FAITH AND PRAY
   — lewis Y.

January 16, 2003
If juice was allowed for your fast, could you also have soup broth and protein drinks?
   — Dana B.

January 16, 2003
Certainly fasting for a week cannot be good for your health, whether you have had WLS or not. But with WLS we are supposed to get in a certain amount of protein a day and you would not be getting any. Probably won't cause major problems, but many religions have "out" clauses that allow participants to opt-out of fasting for medical reasons. I hope in addition to water you are at least allowed to take your vitamins?
   — Cindy R.

January 16, 2003
fasting is not good for you. You need to be able to get your protein and vitamins in. You may have worse hypoglycemia, so be careful!!
   — Vicki L.

January 16, 2003
Call your surgeon for advice. You do realize this will stall your loss at a critical time. Its best to take advantage of your easiest loss time. Fasting will put your body in starvation mode. I really dont think this is a good time for this. If you were a year out it would be fine. DO ABSOLUTELY take your vitamins and a potassium pill. Low values could in the worst case bring about a heart attack. Potassium is critical, and low potassium is common in the first few months. It may be used up as part of the healing process. I would think you should get bloodwork a day or two before to make sure your ok before starting this. I recommend you ask for a exception and instead of fasting volunteer at a homeless shelter, food bank, habitat for humanity, or other worthy cause. You run the risk of endangering your health.
   — bob-haller

January 16, 2003
Yikes!! You still have some healing going on. Proteins are necessary for that process. Do you really want to deprive your body of what it needs for healing? If you believe the Lord led you to have your WLS, then certainly you must believe that the Lord would want you to be responsible to yourself about it. Please don't do something that could hurt yourself... Lori (RNY 6/20/02,308/215)
   — [Deactivated Member]

January 16, 2003
I'd definitely call your surgeon's office for advice. You can drink the water and the 100% fruit juices, just no sodas, sweetened drinks, or fruit cocktail drinks. Like another poster said, you are still healing and need the protein. Could you drink protein drinks during the fast?
   — Lynette B.

January 16, 2003
WE asked our doc this question and he said as long as we keep up with the protein supps, vitamins & water, he was OK with a week. Any more made him nervous. We can't rebound as we once did, is his concern.
   — vitalady

January 16, 2003
Thanks everyone for your suggestions and comments. I can't tell you how much I appreciate everyone's willingness to help each other and share experiences on this website. You guys are great - couldn't do it without you all!
   — lezawomack




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