Our Summary

Gastrin is a hormone that helps control the acidity in our stomachs. After weight loss surgery, where a large part of the stomach is removed, it can be challenging for the body to maintain the right acidity levels. The researchers studied the stomach cells of 12 women who had this surgery and found that the body adapts by increasing certain cells that produce acid and another type that produces histamine. These cells also started producing more of certain types of molecules involved in the body’s nervous system. The researchers created a mathematical model to understand this process, and it predicted how the body would react in real patients. This shows that the stomach can change at a cellular level after surgery, and gives us a better understanding of how hormones help our bodies adapt to changes.

FAQs

  1. What changes occur in the stomach at a cellular level after weight loss surgery?
  2. How does the body maintain the right acidity levels in the stomach after a gastric sleeve surgery?
  3. How does a mathematical model help in understanding the process of the body adapting to changes post weight loss surgery?

Doctor’s Tip

One helpful tip a doctor might tell a patient about gastric sleeve surgery is to be mindful of their diet and eating habits post-surgery. It’s important to follow the recommended guidelines for portion sizes, eating slowly, and chewing food thoroughly to avoid discomfort or complications. It’s also important to stay hydrated and prioritize nutrient-dense foods to support healing and overall health. Regular follow-up appointments with healthcare providers can help monitor progress and address any concerns.

Suitable For

Patients who are recommended for a gastric sleeve surgery typically include individuals who are severely obese with a BMI of 35 or higher, have not been successful with other weight loss methods, and have obesity-related health conditions such as diabetes, high blood pressure, or sleep apnea. Additionally, patients who are motivated to make lifestyle changes and commit to long-term follow-up care are also good candidates for gastric sleeve surgery.

Timeline

Before gastric sleeve surgery:

  1. Consultation with a doctor to discuss weight loss goals and options
  2. Pre-operative tests and evaluations to determine eligibility for surgery
  3. Pre-operative diet and exercise regimen to prepare the body for surgery
  4. Surgery date is scheduled and patient undergoes the gastric sleeve procedure

After gastric sleeve surgery:

  1. Recovery period in the hospital, typically 1-2 days
  2. Post-operative diet plan to gradually reintroduce foods and adjust to smaller stomach size
  3. Follow-up appointments with doctor to monitor weight loss progress and address any concerns
  4. Continued lifestyle changes including regular exercise and healthy eating habits
  5. Long-term maintenance of weight loss and monitoring for any potential complications or side effects of the surgery.

What to Ask Your Doctor

  1. How will my diet need to change after the gastric sleeve surgery?
  2. What are the potential risks and complications associated with gastric sleeve surgery?
  3. How much weight can I expect to lose after the surgery?
  4. Will I need to take any vitamins or supplements after the surgery?
  5. How often will I need to follow up with you after the surgery?
  6. How will the surgery affect my digestion and absorption of nutrients?
  7. What lifestyle changes will I need to make to ensure the success of the surgery?
  8. What can I do to minimize the risk of complications after the surgery?
  9. How long is the recovery period after the surgery?
  10. Are there any long-term effects or concerns I should be aware of?

Reference

Authors: Elad A, Moalem B, Sender D, Bardugo A, Kim KS, Arad Y, Benhayon H, Gal Etzyoni A, Greenstein N, Halfon A, Knapp S, Malis M, Peck B, Samuel I, Kupietzky A, Daher S, Forkosh E, Hakimian D, Hershcovici T, Ilani N, Katz L, Rottenstreich M, Vainer E, Ishay Y, Zlotnick E, Nasereddin A, Shiff I, Benson A, Grinbaum R, Mishra S, Kotler S, Samuelson LC, Sandoval DA, Ben-Haroush Schyr R, Ben-Zvi D. Journal: Nat Commun. 2025 Jan 20;16(1):869. doi: 10.1038/s41467-025-56135-y. PMID: 39833151