SEROTONIN

SEROTONIN--
What is it??  Serotonin is "a chemical created by the human body that works as a neurotransmitter."
What does it do?? "Serotonin can affect mood and social behavior, appetite and digestion, sleep, memory and sexual desire and function."
Where does it come from?? 90-95% comes from the GUT

So, it was no surprise when I was talking to Sheila Buehler, my GI CPN down in Mayo, about how I'm doing and giving her information I have learned regarding Dr. Parry Guilford and his studies that this would be brought up.  She said they are currently doing research, but she strongly believes that with 90-95% of SEROTONIN coming from the gut that people who have had a total gastrectomy could be lacking this.  We were talking about patients who were feeling down and out or "just not right" after they had their TG.  She said that she had a patient who was "just off" after surgery for the longest time.  After thinking more on this serotonin bit, she decided to have her try taking depression/anxiety medication.  Depression/anxiety medication help with raising serotonin levels.  Sheila said that after a month of her patient taking these meds, it was a NIGHT and DAY difference.  She seemed to be back to her old, non-TG, self.  I am thankful that I have not had a change in my attitude, anxiety, etc., but I feel like this was GREAT information to have and it completely makes sense!  They do say that your gut acts as your 2nd brain (ie: butterflies in your stomach).  I don't think that having to take things such as depression/anxiety medication make you "crazy," at all....and in this case, it makes complete sense why TG patients may need it!!!