Ramadan and surgery
If your operation or recovery falls near Ramadan, these points from Dr. Elalfy's guides explain what to ask and what to avoid, and which guides to read next.
Key points from the guides
Planned surgery is best scheduled outside Ramadan for people with diabetes, where possible.
From the guide: Diabetes and Surgery: Keeping Your Sugar SafeDo not fast until you have recovered, are eating normally, and your sugar is stable.
From the guide: Diabetes and Surgery: Keeping Your Sugar SafeRamadan: many people can fast on blood thinners with doses re-timed to iftar or suhoor, and warfarin needs closer INR checks because diet changes. Do not fast while recovering from surgery, and agree any change with your prescriber.
From the guide: Blood Thinners, Aspirin and SurgeryRamadan: many people take these medicines while fasting, but nausea and drinking less increase dehydration risk. Do not fast while recovering from surgery, and plan any fasting afterward with your prescriber.
From the guide: Weight-Loss Injections (GLP-1) and SurgeryCan I delay until after Ramadan, the holidays, or my exams? Ask what delay would mean for your condition, and which warning signs would make waiting unsafe.
From the guide: Your First Clinic Visit: Deciding About Surgery
Guides to read next
- Preparing for Surgery: Fasting, Medicines and the Days Before
- Diabetes and Surgery: Keeping Your Sugar Safe
- Blood Thinners, Aspirin and Surgery
- Weight-Loss Injections (GLP-1) and Surgery
- Your First Clinic Visit: Deciding About Surgery
Go to the emergency room immediately, then call your surgeon, if you have severe pain, difficulty breathing, heavy bleeding, fever, or any warning sign in your guide.
This page gives general information and does not replace the advice of your treating team. Your own team's instructions always come first.