What hormone is primarily responsible for lowering blood glucose levels immediately following bariatric surgery?

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The hormone that plays a significant role in lowering blood glucose levels immediately following bariatric surgery is GLP-1 (glucagon-like peptide-1). After such surgeries, there is an increased secretion of GLP-1 in response to the intake of food, particularly because the altered anatomy allows for a more direct stimulation of the intestinal cells that produce this hormone. GLP-1 enhances insulin secretion in a glucose-dependent manner, which means that it helps to lower blood glucose levels effectively after meals. It also slows gastric emptying and reduces appetite, contributing to overall weight loss and improved glycemic control in the postoperative period.

Ghrelin, leptin, and PYY each have unique roles in appetite regulation and energy homeostasis, but their primary effects on blood glucose levels are not as direct or immediate as that of GLP-1 following bariatric surgery. While ghrelin is involved in hunger signaling and may alter post-surgery behavior, its main increase right after surgery doesn't focus on glucose control. Leptin is primarily associated with energy expenditure and appetite suppression, and while it can influence glucose metabolism, it does not act as quickly as GLP-1 in the context of post-surgical glucose regulation. PYY also plays a

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