Patients who have undergone gastrectomy (removal of the stomach) to treat or prevent cancer are known to have a significantly reduced quality of life. To date, there is very little information on the physiological causes of this. The investigators suspect that overproduction of a hormone (chemical) called glucagon like peptide-1 (GLP-1) released by the lining of the gut may play a role in the reduced appetite, weight loss and low blood sugar symptoms seen in this group. To investigate this, the investigators will study the response of 16 patients who have previously had a gastrectomy to a glucose drink, and a meal, while receiving an infusion of a specific blocker of GLP-1 or placebo. The investigators will examine the levels of sugar and associated hormones in the blood, food consumption and food reward behaviour using standard tools. Participants will be invited to attend the Clinical Research Facility at Addenbrooke's Hospital for a screening visit, and two whole day study visits. The study has been designed to assess the role of overproduction of GLP-1 by completely blocking its actions, rather than assess the use of the blocking compound as a medication, and is therefore regarded as a physiological study, not a clinical trial. The goal of this study is to demonstrate the magnitude of effect of GLP-1 on blood sugar and appetite derangement in patients who have had a gastrectomy. This will guide future work on the development of novel treatment paradigms for the post-gastrectomy patient group.
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Nadir Blood Glucose
Timeframe: As assessed during a 50g glucose tolerance test while receiving infusion of GLP-1 antagonist. At time 30-120 minutes of infusion of Exendin 9-39.