RESUMO
Background: Plasma ghrelin levels may decrease after vertical sleeve gastrectomy, probably due to the excision of a large portion of the gastric fundus. It is worth exploring the long term effects of this surgical procedure on ghrelin levels and their associations with changes in body weight. Aim: To assess ghrelin levels and changes in body weight, one and five years after a vertical sleeve gastrectomy. Material and Methods: Plasma ghrelin was measured prior to gastric sleeve gastrectomy, immediately after surgery and BMI was controlled at one and five years of the postoperative period in 16 and 10 obese patients, respectively. Mean baseline body mass index was 40.4 ± 6 kg/m². Results: Ghrelin decreased in 10 patients and increased in six during the long term postoperative period. At one year, mean body mass index decreased to 25.1 ± 1.6 kg/m². Changes in weight and ghrelin levels had no relationship whatsoever. At five years of follow up, body mass index had increased to 29.9 ± 2.5 kg/m², again without any association with ghrelin levels. Conclusions: Ghrelin levels may decrease or increase after vertical sleeve gastrectomy and have no association with changes in body weight.