Religious Fasting Following Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery (MBS): Insights from Jewish Practices in Israel.

: Religious fasting in patients after Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery (MBS) remains a topic with limited clarity. This study aims to present the results of a survey on religious fasting in patients after MBS in Israel. The questionnaire was sent to members of the Israeli Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery (ISMBS). : An online questionnaire survey was designed and distributed to members of the ISMBS. The survey consisted of 23 questions addressing religious fasting in patients after MBS and was divided into three sections: (1) MBS surgeon clinical experience, (2) clinical considerations regarding religious fasting in MBS patients, and (3) fasting-related complications in MBS patients. Responses were recorded and presented as numbers (percentages), with results analyzed descriptively and/or graphically. : The ISMBS has 63 active members, and 37 members (59%) responded to the survey. Most respondents have more than 10 years of MBS experience and perform more than 100 MBS procedures annually (67.5% and 54%, respectively). In general, 81.1% of respondents permit religious fasting in patients after MBS, and 73% think that fasting could be safe at least 12 months after MBS. Most (62.2%) agree that a clinical evaluation should be undertaken prior to permitting religious fasting; 40% of respondents note that there is increased patient admission to emergency rooms during religious fasting, mostly due to dehydration. When asked about fasting risks, most noted hypoglycemia (40.5%) and the evolution of marginal ulcers (16.2%). : In conclusion, these national survey results emphasize the variations in MBS surgeons' opinions regarding religious fasting after MBS. Despite these differences, there were still many similarities in responses such as timing and fasting permission, and this study could aid clinicians in the future when consulted on religious fasting by MBS patients.