Nutritional Behaviors of Patients Undergoing Bariatric Surgery in Ramadan

Aim: There are significant changes in the lifestyle, diet, and quality of the food taken during the fasting process in the month of Ramadan. This study aims to determine the nutritional behaviors of patients undergoing bariatric surgery during Ramadan and to reveal its psychosocial effects. Material and Methods: The study was conducted with 44 patients who agreed to participate in the study among 110 patients who underwent bariatric surgery (sleeve gastrectomy) between January 01, 2019, and December 31, 2020. The data were collected using a 49-question questionnaire prepared in accordance with the literature and the Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9). Results: The mean age of the study participants was 38.89±9.48 (min:22; max:55), and the majority were women (67.2%). 43.2% of the participants were smokers, and 15.9% had a chronic disease. It was determined that 45.5% of the patients fasted for the second time after bariatric surgery. However, 84.1% did not consult a health professional before starting the fast, and 70.5% did not have any health screening. It was determined that most of the fasting patients (61.36%) had dyspeptic problems such as heartburn (27.3%), indigestion (22.7%), and additional constipation (52.3%) during Ramadan. It was found that 56.8% of the patients experienced a weight change during the month of Ramadan, with the change ranging from 2 to 5 kilograms. The study determined that 18.2% of the patients had variable waking times after iftar or sahur. At the same time, the mean PHQ-9 score of the patients was 10.61±6.25 (min:0-max:24). Accordingly, it was determined that the patients experienced moderate depression during Ramadan. Conclusion: As a result of the research, it is seen that patients undergoing bariatric surgery face significant problems during fasting. For this reason, it is again noticed how important it is for health professionals to inform and guide the individual about possible difficulties and precautions that may develop while fasting. This study is the first study conducted during the month of Ramadan on the subject in Turkish society in line with the literature reviewed, and the results of this study will guide future studies.