Ghrelin, sometimes referred to as lenomorelin, is the hunger hormone that we produce in our stomachs. Once produced, it travels through the bloodstream until it reaches your brain wherein you will begin to feel hungry and start seeking food. It is the lowering of ghrelin that allows our patients to lose weight more comfortably. An appetite increaser, gastric balloons and bariatric surgery not only reduce the available space but also reduce the production of ghrelin.
What is a Gastric Balloon?
A gastric balloon is a state of the art weight loss tool utilised in order to provide a patient with temporary relief from hunger. Gastric balloons can stay in the stomach for varying degrees of length depending on the model. The BiB balloon for example stays in the stomach for 6 months, whereas the Orbera 365 is FDA approved to be in place for up to 12 months. Whilst placed, the gastric balloon takes up 60% of the stomach, delays gastric emptying, and suppresses the production of the hunger hormone, ghrelin, leaving you feeling fuller for longer in order to give you the time to make the necessary lifestyle changes for success. Allure patients have the privilege of working alongside our HCPC registered dietitian in order to help facilitate this.
How Does Bariatric Surgery Impact the Hunger Hormone?
Just like gastric balloon placements, bariatric surgery reduces the amount of ghrelin that is produced. Unlike gastric balloon placements, bariatric surgeries are permanent and a patient will live with the impact of surgery for the rest of their lives. For example, a gastric sleeve or gastric bypass patient will need to take vitamin supplements every single day for the rest of their lives. It is due to the transformation and removal of a large portion of the stomach that bariatric surgery has been proven to reduce plasma ghrelin generation significantly.
Fun fact: ghrelin also promotes blood sugar regulation, prevents muscle breakdown, and protects the heart.
Enquire Today
To learn more about the hunger hormone, gastric balloon placement and bariatric surgery options with Allure Weightloss, get in touch today by calling 03455 120 094, emailing info@tech-itguide.com, or by filling out our enquiry form.
Allure Weightloss is a CQC registered provider of gastric balloons and bariatric surgery in the United Kingdom.
