Question:
Problems Post-op Fasting during Ramadan - Muslims

I'm posting this for a friend who had WLS over a year ago. She is muslim and she is trying to fast for Ramadan. Which means no eating or drinking (not even water) from Sun up til Sunset. For other women's health related reasons she did not begin the fast til this past Saturday. Today she felt the beginning of a UTI urinary track infection so she broke the fast. She was wondering how other muslims who have had WLS have faired with their fasting. Any problems, did your dr say it was ok. I believe her dr said it was OK to try.    — SARose61 (posted on November 4, 2003)

November 4, 2003
My nutritionist recommends doing water through the fast but it is not necessary to eat as long as it is only sunrise to sunset.
   — mrsmyranow

November 4, 2003
I am not a muslim, but I do fast during lent from 6:00 am to 6:00 pm. I didn't have any problems fasting. My question to her would be when she break fast do she drink a big glass of water before she eats anything?
   — Sharon T.

November 4, 2003
I encourage ANYONE doing this to at least drink water. Dehydration causes not just UTIs, but can lead to heart attacks and blood clots. Its important to stay safe and even people on hunger strikes drink water. I dont believe fasting like this is dangerous as long as you get in enough protein each day. Probably a excellent use for a protein drink.
   — bob-haller

November 4, 2003
Hi Rosemary- My father was a clergyman. He said it was ok for people to break the fast for medical reasons, as he himself had to do later in his life due to diabetes. Maybe your friend could ask her spiritual leader? Good luck :o) Mea
   — Mea A.

November 5, 2003
Hello! Well, I am a Muslim, and as far as fasting for Ramadan, I have been advised against it. You need nutrients throughout the day, and during the fast you can not eat or drink, resulting in many problems down the line. You can break fast for medical reasons. If you have any questions you can email me!
   — Houman F.

November 5, 2003
I believe the fast is only sunrise to sunset. I usually dont eat at night, so why is it different to reverse the pattern for a month of ramadan. I work with several muslim docs and I was told that it is ok not to fast if you have a medical condition, however this is not an option for many observant muslims. They will often even rip out their IV's when hospitalized, & need modification of their care to respect their religious needs. I have to have a lot of respect for someone who believes so strongly and live their religion.
   — **willow**