Does Gastric Sleeve Surgery Remove the Hunger Hormone

Gastric sleeve surgery, a popular weight loss procedure, is often sought by those looking to achieve significant and lasting weight loss. One of the most intriguing aspects of this surgery is its impact on the hunger hormone ghrelin. Ghrelin regulates your appetite, but what happens to this hormone during gastric sleeve surgery?

In this article, you’ll explore whether the hunger hormone is removed during the procedure and what that means for your hunger and weight loss journey.

What is Ghrelin?

Ghrelin, often called the hunger hormone, is produced mainly in the stomach. It sends signals to your brain to stimulate appetite, making you feel hungry. Ghrelin levels typically rise before meals, prompting you to eat and decrease after you’ve eaten.

How Ghrelin Levels Fluctuate

Your ghrelin levels naturally fluctuate throughout the day. They peak before you eat, encouraging you to seek food, and drop after eating, signaling that you’re full. Various factors, such as your eating patterns, sleep, and stress levels, can influence these fluctuations.

Ghrelin Production Sites

Ghrelin is primarily produced in the stomach, specifically in the upper part, known as the fundus. However, it is also produced in smaller amounts in other parts of your body, including the intestines, pancreas, and brain.

The Fundus: The Ghrelin-Producing Region

The fundus at the top of your stomach is the main site of ghrelin production. This area is highly sensitive to changes in your body’s energy balance and is critical in regulating hunger and food intake.

What Happens to Ghrelin During Gastric Sleeve Surgery?

The fundus, where most of the ghrelin is produced, is removed during gastric sleeve surgery. This significantly reduces the amount of ghrelin that your body can produce.

Impact on Ghrelin Levels Post-Surgery

After the surgery, ghrelin levels typically drop significantly. This reduction is one reason why many people experience a decreased appetite following the surgery. Various studies have shown that patients often report feeling less hungry, which helps them adhere to their new, lower-calorie diet and lose weight more effectively.

How Does Reduced Ghrelin Affect Hunger and Weight Loss?

Right after your surgery, you may notice a dramatic decrease in your appetite. This is due to the lower levels of ghrelin in your body. Many patients report no longer feeling the same level of hunger as before the surgery, making it easier to consume fewer calories and lose weight rapidly.

In the long term, the sustained reduction in ghrelin helps many individuals maintain their weight loss. Since your appetite is consistently lower, you are less likely to overeat, which supports long-term weight management. This hormonal change is a key factor in the success of gastric sleeve surgery.

Is Ghrelin Completely Removed or Just Reduced?

While the surgery significantly reduces ghrelin levels, it doesn’t eliminate them. Some ghrelin is still produced in other parts of your body, such as the small intestine and the brain, but at much lower levels than before.

It’s important to note that the reduction in ghrelin can vary from person to person. Age, weight, and overall health can influence how much your ghrelin levels decrease after surgery. However, the overall trend is a marked reduction in appetite, which supports weight loss.

How the Surgery Alters Hormonal Balance

Gastric sleeve surgery Turkey triggers changes in these hormones as well. Reduced stomach size and altered digestion process lead to a new hormonal balance that favors weight loss. This shift is crucial for reducing appetite and improving overall metabolic health.

The Psychological Impact of Reduced Hunger

Changes in Relationship with Food

With less hunger, your relationship with food might change. You may find that you no longer eat out of habit or emotional need but only when genuinely hungry. This shift can be liberating, helping you develop a healthier relationship with food.

Emotional Eating and Food Cravings

Many patients report a decrease in emotional eating and food cravings after surgery. The reduced ghrelin levels mean you’re not as driven by hunger, making it easier to avoid unhealthy foods and stick to a balanced diet.

Gastric sleeve surgery significantly reduces the hunger hormone ghrelin by removing the part of the stomach where it is primarily produced. This reduction in ghrelin leads to decreased hunger and supports long-term weight loss, making the surgery an effective option for many people struggling with obesity.

Consult with your healthcare provider to determine if this surgery is right for you and to develop a comprehensive plan for achieving your weight loss goals. Remember, while the surgery can help you lose weight, long-term success depends on adopting a healthy lifestyle and staying committed to your new habits.

Ready to take the next step in your health journey? Visit Flymedi to compare top-rated clinics, read real patient reviews, and find the best options for your gastric sleeve surgery. Start your journey towards a healthier you today—discover trusted clinics at Flymedi!