Fasting after sleeve gastrectomy
New form of the stomach after sleeve gastrectomy has a quite small volume. Furthermore, loss of appetite is also seen thanks to the various hormonal effects of the surgery. These two effects also make the patient’s water consumption a little more difficult compared to the pre-operative period. Especially in the first period of the surgery, liquid consumption should be gradually in small sips. At least 1,5 liters of water, the daily water need, can only be met by extending over a period of time. The period of fasting without food or water will be quite challenging for the first year after surgery and will be unhealthy in terms of its metabolic effects. New form of the stomach is not large enough to hold enough food at one time before a long term hunger other than water consumption. This also applies in gastric bypass surgeries, except for sleeve gastrectomy. Fasting or similar long term hunger and thirst in the first year after the surgery disrupt the liquid and electrolyte balance and may cause the patient to have serious health problems such as weakness, dizziness, low blood pressure, headache, stomach and intestinal problems, and kidney diseases. Long term hunger and thirst may also cause the slowing of metabolism. If the metabolism slows down, problems such as stopping weight loss and having weight problems may be seen. At the same time, with long term hunger, that is, in the case of fasting, a serious amount of muscle loss may be experienced in patients because sufficient protein cannot be taken. These problems that fasting may cause should be evaluated individually, even if the patients have completed their first year after the surgery, and a decision should be made in accordance with the opinion of the physician and dietitian.
