Harshalee Parkar
Bariatric Dietician & Content Writer
Hormonal Changes After Bariatrics Surgery
Bariatric surgery, also known as weight loss surgery, is a surgical procedure that aims to help people who are severely overweight to lose weight and improve their health. The surgery works by altering the anatomy of the gastrointestinal tract, which can lead to significant changes in hormonal levels.
After bariatric surgery, there are several hormonal changes that occur in the body. These changes can help to reduce appetite, improve insulin sensitivity, and lead to other health benefits. The specific changes depend on the type of surgery performed and individual factors such as age, gender, and pre-existing hormonal imbalances.
Understanding the hormonal changes that occur after bariatric surgery is important for healthcare providers and patients alike. By understanding how these changes affect the body, healthcare providers can provide more effective care and patients can better manage their weight loss and health goals.
Hormones which play roles in regulating the appetite
Bariatric surgery can cause changes in several hormones that play important roles in regulating appetite, metabolism, and blood sugar levels. Some of the common hormonal changes that occur after bariatric surgery include:
Ghrelin: Ghrelin is a hormone produced in the stomach that stimulates appetite. After bariatric surgery, the level of ghrelin in the blood decreases, which can lead to reduced hunger and increased satiety.
Insulin: Bariatric surgery can improve insulin sensitivity and reduce insulin resistance. This means that the body is better able to regulate blood sugar levels, which can help to reduce the risk of developing type 2 diabetes.
GLP-1: Glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) is a hormone that is secreted in response to food intake. After bariatric surgery, GLP-1 levels increase, which can help to improve insulin secretion and reduce appetite.
Leptin: Leptin is a hormone produced by fat cells that helps to regulate energy balance by suppressing appetite and increasing energy expenditure. After bariatric surgery, the level of leptin in the blood decreases, which can contribute to weight loss.
Cortisol: Cortisol is a hormone produced by the adrenal glands that helps to regulate the body’s response to stress. After bariatric surgery, cortisol levels may decrease, which can improve insulin sensitivity and reduce inflammation.
What is the impact of these hormonal changes
The hormonal changes that occur after bariatric surgery can have a significant impact on several aspects of health, including
Appetite control: The decrease in ghrelin and increase in GLP-1 levels after bariatric surgery can lead to reduced hunger and increased satiety. This can make it easier for patients to control their calorie intake and achieve weight loss. Because of this surgery the release of the hormones is reduced.
Metabolic improvements: The hormonal changes after bariatric surgery can improve insulin sensitivity, reduce insulin resistance, and improve glucose control. This can reduce the risk of developing type 2 diabetes and other metabolic disorders.
Weight loss: The changes in appetite and metabolism after bariatric surgery can lead to significant weight loss. This can improve overall health by reducing the risk of obesity-related conditions such as heart disease, sleep apnea, and joint problems.
Mood and mental health: Bariatric surgery can also have positive effects on mood and mental health. For example, the decrease in cortisol levels after surgery can reduce stress and improve mood. Additionally, weight loss itself can lead to improvements in self-esteem, body image, and overall quality of life.
Long-term health outcomes: Studies have shown that bariatric surgery can lead to long-term improvements in health outcomes, including reduced mortality rates and improved quality of life. The hormonal changes that occur after surgery may contribute to these positive outcomes by improving metabolic health, reducing inflammation, and promoting weight loss.
Gut microbiome: Bariatric surgery can also affect the gut microbiome, the community of microorganisms that live in the digestive tract. The changes in gut anatomy and hormone levels after surgery can alter the composition of the microbiome, which can in turn affect metabolism, inflammation, and other aspects of health.
Cardiovascular health: Bariatric surgery can improve several risk factors for cardiovascular disease, including blood pressure, cholesterol levels, and inflammation. The hormonal changes that occur after surgery may contribute to these improvements by reducing adiposity and improving glucose and lipid metabolism.
Cancer risk: Obesity is a known risk factor for several types of cancer, and weight loss after bariatric surgery can reduce this risk. The hormonal changes after surgery may also have a direct effect on cancer risk, for example by reducing insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1), a hormone that has been linked to increased cancer risk.
Bone health: Rapid weight loss after bariatric surgery can lead to bone loss, but the hormonal changes that occur after surgery may help to mitigate this effect. For example, a decrease in cortisol levels can reduce bone breakdown, and an increase in GLP-1 levels may stimulate bone formation.
Management of hormonal changes
Follow your post-surgery diet and exercise plan: It is essential to adhere to the post-surgery diet and exercise plan supplied by your surgeon and nutritionist to ensure that you are receiving the necessary nutrients and energy to support your recovery and manage hormonal changes.
Attend follow-up appointments on a frequent basis: Your surgeon and healthcare team will want to evaluate your progress and verify that you are adjusting well to the hormonal changes that occur following surgery. Attend your scheduled follow-up appointments and express any concerns or symptoms you may be having.
Drink plenty of water: Staying hydrated is essential for managing hormonal changes and boosting weight loss following surgery. Drink at least 8-10 glasses of water every day and avoid sugary or fizzy beverages.
Consume enough protein: Protein is essential for preserving muscle mass and improving healing following surgery. Make sure you’re receiving enough protein in your diet to help with recuperation and hormonal shifts.
Manage stress: Stress might have an impact on hormone levels and weight loss following surgery. Finding stress-management techniques, such as meditation, deep breathing exercises, or counseling, can aid in hormonal balance and recuperation.
Be patient: Hormonal changes following bariatric surgery might be difficult to adjust to. Be patient with yourself and have faith in the process. You can manage hormonal fluctuations and reach your weight loss and health objectives with time and perseverance.
In conclusion, bariatric surgery can result in significant changes in hormone levels, which can contribute to weight loss and metabolic enhancements. Various forms of bariatric surgery have varying effects on hormones, with some procedures causing more significant changes than others. These hormonal changes can influence appetite, energy expenditure, and glucose metabolism, all of which are crucial to weight management and general health. Although these changes can be beneficial for those struggling with obesity and related health conditions, they must be managed through a comprehensive strategy that includes a healthy diet, regular exercise, regular follow-up appointments with healthcare providers, and stress management. After bariatric surgery, sustained weight loss and improved health outcomes are possible with appropriate care and management.
