Maybe lap banders will be happier and healthier in the long run than people who have more evasive weight loss surgeries that cut-off ghrelin production because their bodies are still producing the hunger/happiness hormone. At least, it would seem so, according to this study funded by the National Institutes of Health and other organizations...

When our bodies notice we need more calories, levels of a hormone called ghrelin increase. Ghrelin is known to spur hunger, but new research suggests this may be a side effect of its primary job as a stress-buster.

Researchers manipulated ghrelin levels in mice through a variety of methods, including prolonged calorie restriction, ghrelin injection and a genetic modification rendering the mice numb to ghrelin’s effect.

Mice who had limited ghrelin activity seemed depressed. If pushed into deep Water they made no effort to swim. When introduced to a maze, they clung to the entryway. And when placed with other mice, they tended to keep to themselves. (These behaviors were reversed when the mice were given a low-dose antidepressant commonly prescribed to humans.)

In contrast, mice with high levels of ghrelin swam energetically in deep water, looking for escape. They eagerly explored new environments. And they were much more social.

Hunger Can Make You Happy, Study Says - AOL News

If that is true i should be happy as hell right now, i'm in the middle of liquid pre-op. I sure thought all this happiness would feel differant. but it's a lovely thought.

According to the article you have to lose 10 to 15 percent of your body weight before you experience the anti-depressant effect. I'm going to chose to believe this study, in hopes that if I believe in it strongly enough, it will hold true for me...lol

That’s funny… my own personal study shows that 10 times out of 10, I am a real grouch when I’m hungry.<?xml:namespace prefix = o ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:office" /><o:p></o:p>

I think that's awesome! I can certainly feel happier and stress doesn't seem to get to me as easily but I assumed it's because I'm no longer afraid of mirrors...and cameras...and bathing suits!

Great info..Thanks!