Dr Harsh Shah
MS, MCh (Surgical Gastroenterology), DrNB (Surgical Gastroenterology)
Registered with Gujarat Medical Council, Reg. No. G-38738
Hernia Surgeon · Dr. Jivraj Mehta Hospital, Vasna, Ahmedabad
In short
- In the first week, it is better not to fast. Regular food and water help the wound heal and keep stools soft.
- After the first week, a fruit and milk fast is often manageable if you feel well. A fast without water is better postponed.
- If the hernia is not urgent, choose a surgery date that keeps the first two weeks of recovery clear of a strict fast.
Fasting is an important part of faith for many families. Navratri, Ramzan, Paryushan, Ekadashi and many weekly fasts are kept with care.
After a hernia repair, people often ask whether they can keep their fast. This page explains what the body needs and how to plan.
Why the first weeks need food and water
A healing wound needs protein, energy and fluid. Without them, healing is slower and you feel weak and dizzy.
Too little water also makes stools hard. Straining on the toilet is one of the things your surgeon will ask you to avoid in the early weeks.
Types of fast after hernia repair
Types of fast after hernia repair
| Type of fast | First week | Later, if you feel well |
|---|---|---|
| No food and no water | Better avoided | Discuss with your surgeon first |
| Food once a day, water allowed | Better avoided | Often manageable after the first weeks |
| Fruit, milk and water only | Better avoided | Often manageable after the first week |
| Skipping certain foods only | Usually fine | Usually fine |
Planning hernia surgery around a festival or a fast? Ask us before you fix the date.
If you choose to fast later in recovery
- Ask your surgeon first, and tell them which type of fast you keep.
- Drink plenty of water whenever your fast allows it.
- Include milk, curd, paneer or nuts if your fast allows them, for protein.
- Do not stop pain or other tablets without asking.
- Break the fast if you feel dizzy, faint or very weak.
Extra care with diabetes and other illnesses
If you have diabetes, fasting after surgery can make blood sugar fall too low or rise too high. Speak to your physician about your tablets or insulin before any fast.
The same applies if you have kidney disease, heart disease or take many medicines. In most faiths, people who are unwell or recovering are allowed to delay a fast.
Choosing the date of surgery
If the hernia is small and not troubling you, you can usually choose the date. Leave the first two weeks after surgery clear of a strict fast.
If the hernia is painful, getting bigger or getting stuck, do not wait for a festival to pass. A hernia that cannot be pushed back needs care the same day.
Signs to stop fasting and call
Signs to stop fasting and call
- Dizziness or fainting.
- Very little urine, or dark urine.
- No stool for three days, or a swollen belly.
- Fever, or a red or leaking wound.
Frequently asked questions
Can I keep a fast in the first week after hernia surgery?
It is better not to. The body needs regular food and water in the first week to heal the wound and avoid constipation.
Is a waterless fast safe after hernia surgery?
A fast without water is the hardest on the body. It is better avoided for the first few weeks after any operation.
Can I keep a fruit and milk fast?
Often yes, after the first week, if you feel well and drink plenty of water. Ask your surgeon for your own case.
I have diabetes. Can I fast after surgery?
Fasting with diabetes needs extra care after surgery. Speak to your physician about your tablets or insulin before any fast.
Should I plan surgery around a festival?
If the hernia is not causing problems, you can choose a date that leaves the first two weeks clear of a strict fast.
Related pages
The main page on this site is hernia surgery in Ahmedabad. These cover the neighbouring questions.
Where to find us
Dr Harsh Shah, MS, MCh (Surgical Gastroenterology), DrNB (Surgical Gastroenterology)
Dr. Jivraj Mehta Hospital, Vasna, Ahmedabad
Bring your reports. Second opinions are welcome.