Plasma ghrelin levels after laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy in obese individuals

BACKGROUND & OBJECTIVES: Ghrelin is an orexigenic gut hormone expressed by the gastric fundus. Laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG) procedure involves resection of the gastric fundus leading to a decreased appetite and weight loss. This study was undertaken to determine the levels of plasma ghrelin after sleeve gastrectomy in obese patients. METHODS: The study was conducted on 90 morbidly obese patients [body mass index (BMI) >40 kg/m(2)] and severely obese patients (BMI >35/kg/m(2)) who underwent sleeve gastrectomy. The patients were followed up for six months. Weight loss parameters and plasma ghrelin levels were assessed pre- and postoperatively. RESULTS: A significant weight loss and decrease in BMI were observed at three and six months postoperatively. A significant decrease in plasma ghrelin levels over six months of follow up postoperatively was also seen. INTERPRETATION & CONCLUSIONS: These preliminary findings indicated inhibition of ghrelin production after LSG leading to a decrease in the plasma ghrelin levels within a few days of surgery and sustainable weight loss in obese patients.