If the fundus of the stomach (the primary ghrelin-producing region) is surgically removed, which short-term and longer-term changes in appetite hormones and behavior would you predict?

No change in appetite because ghrelin is not involved in hunger signaling; hunger is regulated only by central neurotransmitters independent of stomach-derived peptides.

Massive long-term increase in leptin secretion from adipose tissue to replace ghrelin's function and fully normalize feeding behavior within hours after surgery.

Immediate and permanent hyperphagia because ghrelin normally suppresses appetite, so removing its source removes inhibition of feeding.

Short-term reduction in preprandial ghrelin peaks and decreased meal-initiating hunger; longer-term, compensatory mechanisms (e.g., altered vagal sensitivity or other gut peptide adjustments) may partially restore appetite.