The Benefits Of Bariatric Surgery

Obesity is increasing in prevalence and is associated with many non-communicable diseases including: stroke, type II diabetes, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, coronary heart disease, cancer, and other adverse health states. As prevalence of obesity increases, the popularity of bariatric surgery also rises for treatment in obesity by achieving and managing long-term weight loss while decreasing health risks. (A, p 1-2)(B, p 2)(C, p 2). The most common type of bariatric surgery performed is the Roux-en-Y gastric bypass surgery. The procedure drastically decreases stomach volume and bypasses the duodenum by attaching the stomach to the jejunum. (A, p 3-4) (B, p 2). Roux-en-Y bypass surgery promotes weight loss through decreased food intake …show more content…
(B, p 2) (C, p 2). Post-prandial GLP-1 and PYY levels increase after bariatric surgery, due to a greater stimulation of the L-cells in the distal intestine from an increase in unabsorbed nutrients. Increase in these levels amplifies the feeling of satiety and can further contribute to weight loss (C, p 2). Bariatric surgery decreases fasting hunger rating (analyzed using the visual analog scale), specifically after a balanced nutrient meal (Total calories: protein 32%, carbs 47%, fat 21%), following surgery (53.3 +/- 11.6 mm verses 25.4 +/- 7.8 mm) indicating the decrease in hunger is due to satiety promoted by increased levels of GLP-1 and PYY (C, p …show more content…
Active PYY binds to receptors on the NPY neural pathway and inhibits the release of neurotransmitters, which promotes increased appetite (A, p 8). Post-prandial and total PYY levels increase post-procedure (post prandial p<0.05). Protein provides the greatest increase in satiety when compared to carbohydrates and fats, so this could contribute to the differing results as ghrelin levels decreases in the presence of food in the digestive tract (B, p 9). Research procedures differ drastically and may contribute to the controversial results (B, p 8 &