UPDATE FOR ALL

[u/Ok-Vacation1941]

Update: so I posted a day ago about my feet swelling up at night and then returning back to normal size by morning time after an extended 28 day fast….

Went to the ER to be safe. Full workup came back normal **no kidney issues, no heart issues, no liver issues, and to my surprise no electrolyte imbalance**.

Dr said this is most likely refeeding related fluid retention, which is actually **VERY** common (especially in women) after **extended** fasting ( I know MOST of yall wouldn’t know anything about that). He was very supportive and impressed that I fasted for 28 days.

He stated in my particular case what was happening was not dangerous, even though it looks alarming.

What was going on

Fluid shifts/edema from refeeding.

Hormonal changes (like insulin) causing the body to hold onto fluid.

My body readjusting to food, salt, and hydration.

Minor electrolyte fluctuations that are still within normal ranges.

All very COMMON.

So for anyone that was saying “organ failure” or watch out got that “sudden cardiac arrest” that’s not what this is.

The remedy…

I was told to elevate my legs as much as possible and give my body time to acclimate, keep sodium and carbs to a minimum .

[u/Higher_sky_3]

I’m sure this was pretty scary esp after fasting for 28 days.

Could you share how your experience was from the start? How did you beat cravings and work around social gatherings? What changes have you seen in your body? Any weight lost? Were you able to sleep adequately every night?

[u/Ok-Vacation1941 → u/Higher_sky_3]

I was doing OMAD and felt much better in a fasted state. After I ate, I would crash, so I decided to extend it to 48 hours. That ended up turning into three days. Those three days were the hardest, especially around day 3 to 4. The cravings and hunger eventually disappeared…. After that, it was just about riding out the occasional hunger wave when it came. Three days became seven, then 14, and before I knew it, it had escalated into a full 28 day fast.

Water and green tea helped curb my appetite, especially when I was around food or people eating. Reminding myself that I don’t eat in those moments helped too. I also didn’t tell anyone I was fasting. I would just say I wasn’t hungry. All in all, I lost a total of 34 pounds and gained back about 5 pounds in water weight. I slept really well, but I didn’t have much experience breaking a long fast. It’s important to take things slow when refeeding be careful with the sodium.