It is once again the month of Ramadan. For those of you not familiar with Ramadan it is the ninth month of the Islamic calendar during which strict fasting is observed from sunrise to sunset.
As I stated in one of my Ramadan posts last year, I am not a Muslim, but I respect Muhammad as a true prophet of God and I think that fasting, when done with the right intentions, can be very beneficial. Besides, there can't be anything wrong with it if all three of the biggest religions prescribe fasting. I'm sure my parents would think I was crazy though.
BUT, I don't really feel like waxing spiritual or philosphical, just respect the fact that I believe what I believe.
Honestly, I'm too worn out to really go into any sort of deep or profound dialogue. The fast has been extremely hard this year. I'm not really complaining, just talking about what some of the challenges are and what some of the specific post wls challenges are.
I think the biggest factor is that Ramadan is now in the summer; it doesn't occur in a specific Gregorian calendar month and the dates vary from year to year. Ramadan is always on the same day of the Islamic calendar. Since the Gregorian calendar is a solar calendar and the Islamic calendar is a lunar calendar, the difference means Ramadan moves (up) in the Gregorian calendar approximately 11 days every year.
In 2013 it will be from the 9th of July until the 7th of August
In 2014 it will be from the 28th of June until the 27th of July
and so and and so forth
There won't be a reprieve any time soon.
Last night, I broke my fast with a cheeseburger topped with roasted corn and guacamole. My mouth was watering at the sight of it and the anticipation damn near killed me. Eyes half glazed over from delirium, I took a bite....and then another bite......and then
I. Was. Done.
I wanted to eat more, but I couldn't. It just was not possible.
I almost felt like crying.

So I really gotta get in as much calorie dense food as possible. Now is not the time for me to be filling up on fruits and vegetables or boneless skinless anything. I need full fat meat, olives, butter, avocado, peanut butter, spoonfuls of buttercream icing. Because that brings me to my next point....
Weight loss. I'm losing a fair amount of weight and I can see it both in my clothes and out. I feel it. Though not reflected on the scale, this is the smallest I've been since my wls. I have to readjust the adjust-a-button that is already in the jeans I'm wearing today. My button needs to be right up flush to the belt loop. These jeans have never fit like this and honestly, I think I look good. BUT, I'm only about a week and a half into this thing and I'm not done fasting until August 18th. I don't want to lose too much weight.
I'm not really worried too much about my body, I just don't want my face to start looking haggard. Though if it did, it would be of little consequence to you cause as far as you know I don't have a head OR a face. But, I've seen what too much weight loss looks like. I see it on the message boards, on facebook and I've even seen it in the faces of some of my friends. Nobody ever tells you that you look old in the face. *Raising my hand cause I'm guilty of it, too*
But, this has dragged on long enough and it is almost time for iftar, the evening meal which breaks the fast, so I gotta get running.

Give me the strength.
i think you look pretty damn great too honey. good luck with your fasy. mine comes in october and then march. two weeks, but i at least get to drink and eat veggies and fruits. yours is so much harder. good luck girl and big hugs
ReplyDeleteAwwwwww shucks now!!!!! You were already on Super Diva status and I didn't think it was possible to level up from that. I was sooooooo wrong. We also already know of your gorgeousness but with your drive to better yourself and taking us along on your journey adds to that infinitely!!!! Keep up the good work and know that "WE" support you and have your back!
ReplyDeleteYou are always gorgeous. Inside and out.
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ReplyDeleteI had a weight loss surgery last year and it has change my life too. Best wishes.
ReplyDeleteKeep up the hard work! One thing I’ve found to be extremely helpful and useful as a supplement to my current diet/exercise plan is Fullbar (www.fullbar.com). Their products (Fullbar shakes) have helped me lose weight and learn how to maintain that weight-loss.
ReplyDeleteYour blog is fantastic. I am muslim and 3 days away from having a roux-en-y that I hope will contribute to a longer more highly enhanced lifestyle. I know all about fasting long days and how arduous it can be. My concern is related to the amount of protein necessary and the consumption of other supplements in a small window of time. I will be jammed if I ever miss suhri. Your approach to explaining how you go about it is hilarious and real. You look great by the way.
ReplyDeleteMasha Allah I love this post and I needed....even though I'm a few years late. I'm Muslim and I had RNY gastric bypass in December of 2014. I'm now 18 months post-op and I'm finally trying to fast but it has been difficult. I'm a nurse and I've passed out once or twice once at home and once at work...my coworkers are lovely and step up if I need help or a break. On those days when it gets to be too much I do break my fast and I make them up during shorter days if I can. Insha Allah I will be able to make it though the next 19 days of Ramadan.
ReplyDeleteOnce again I loved the post!!!
Shahana
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ReplyDeleteThe blog is so charming. You can't avoid it.
ReplyDeleteRamadan Turkey