How does weight loss surgery affect hormones?
Weight loss surgery, also known as bariatric surgery, has become increasingly popular for those looking to lose weight and improve their overall health. There are several different types of bariatric surgeries available today, including gastric bypass, sleeve gastrectomy, adjustable gastric banding (Lap Band), biliopancreatic diversion with duodenal switch (BPD/DS), and gastric balloon (intragastric balloon). Each type has its own advantages and disadvantages depending on individual needs and preferences.
The benefits of bariatric surgery extend beyond just weight loss; it can also reduce the risk of developing certain serious medical conditions associated with obesity such as heart disease, stroke, high blood pressure, sleep apnea, gallbladder disease and joint problems. Furthermore, research has shown that obese individuals who undergo bariatric surgery tend to live longer than those who don’t; this is likely due to improved overall health from successful weight loss efforts. As such, it’s important to understand how this type of surgery affects hormones, including ghrelin. Ghrelin is a hormone that is released from the stomach and helps regulate appetite. It is believed that when ghrelin levels are high, we feel hungrier.
Weight loss surgery can have a profound effect on ghrelin levels. Studies have shown that after bariatric surgery, ghrelin levels drop significantly and remain low for up to two years post-surgery. This means that the patient will be less likely to feel hungry and will be able to better control their food intake. This can lead to significant weight loss in the long term and improved health outcomes.
In addition to affecting ghrelin levels, weight loss surgery can also affect other hormones associated with appetite control. For example, leptin is another hormone released from fat cells in the body that helps regulate appetite by signaling when we are full or satisfied after eating a meal. After bariatric surgery, leptin levels are found to increase significantly which can further help reduce hunger and promote weight loss in the long term.
Other hormones affected by weight loss surgery include insulin and glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP-1). Insulin is a hormone released from the pancreas that helps regulate blood sugar levels while GLP-1 helps signal when we are full or satisfied after eating a meal. Studies have found that both insulin and GLP-1 levels decrease significantly after bariatric surgery which can help reduce hunger cravings and promote weight loss in the long term.
Overall, there are many positive effects of bariatric surgery on hormones associated with appetite control such as ghrelin, leptin, insulin, and GLP-1. By reducing hunger cravings through decreasing these hormones’ production or activity in the body, patients can experience significant weight loss in the long term which can lead to improved health outcomes overall.
About Author
One of the most experienced weight loss surgeons in the country – Dr. Nick Nicholson – along with a full staff of surgeons, physician assistants, and other experienced clinicians, help patients reverse obesity with Sleeve Gastrectomy, Gastric Bypass, Duodenal Switch, LAP-BAND, Gastric Balloon and Revisions.
