Ms. Shamika Girkar
Bariatric nutritionist and clinical dietician
MetaHeal- Laparoscopy and Bariatric Surgery Center
The holy month of Ramadan, a time of fasting from dawn to sunset, has begun. During this month, individuals refrain from consuming food and beverages, including water, until sunset. The day starts with a pre-fast meal called suhur before sunrise, which typically consists of items like bread, cheese, eggs, or leftovers from the previous night’s meal. The fast is broken at sunset with iftar, often starting with dates and water or milk, followed by a meal that may include fruits, sharbat, and various other dishes which may include fried snacks.
Patients who have undergone bariatric surgery such as sleeve or bypass procedures, may find it challenging to tolerate sugary or fried foods due to the risk of dumping syndrome. Dumping syndrome can lead to symptoms like uneasiness, nausea, dizziness, fatigue, diarrhoea, and sweating after eating such foods. Additionally, some patients may experience low blood sugar levels, known as reactive hypoglycaemia, which can cause dizziness, confusion, headaches, and fatigue. It’s important for bariatric surgery patients to be mindful of their dietary choices during Ramadan and consult with their healthcare providers for guidance.
Here are some dietary tips to help prevent issues like dumping syndrome and reactive hypoglycemia during fasting:
- Stay well-hydrated by drinking 1.5-2 liters of water daily. Adding chia seeds can also help with hydration and provide fiber.
- Avoid spicy foods as they can cause acidity and bloating during long hours of fasting.
- Limit tea and coffee intake as they can act as diuretics, leading to increased urination and water loss.
- Choose dates as a sweetener over other sugary products to prevent complications. Dates offer sweetness and instant energy but should be paired with fiber and protein from meals to avoid sudden drops in sugar levels.
- Include protein and fiber-rich foods in your suhur and iftar meals for long-lasting satiety.
- Opt for complex carbohydrates like whole grains, legumes, and nuts for sustained energy and fiber.
- Incorporate protein sources like paneer, tofu, legumes, eggs, chicken, and fish in your meals.
- Eat whole fruits instead of fruit juice to benefit from their fiber content and promote healthy digestion.
- Choose beverages like buttermilk, lemon water without sugar, coconut water, or jaljeera water instead of sugary sharbat.
- Avoid refined bakery items and fried foods, as they can worsen digestive issues and other complications.
In summary, focus on high-fiber meals, adequate hydration, and balanced nutrition during fasting to support overall well-being and health.
