Our physicians at Oregon Weight Loss Surgery actively participate in many research studies and clinical trials. Our patients benefit from these research activities by actively working with us to contribute to the scientific community at-large, helping to answer questions about bariatric surgery and weight loss.

Sometimes there is financial compensation for time and travel for patients who elect to participate in a research study; however, there is no additional patient cost for participation in any of our studies. A separate application and screening process may be required for entry into each study. Specific study information is available below. Additionally, information on current research studies will be presented at new patient information sessions. To address any further questions concerning research at OWLS, please contact (503) 863-5255 and ask to speak with one of our research coordinators.

Currently Enrolling Studies

Hormone Study Control Group

The purpose of this study is to capture pre-surgery weight loss in patients to compare it to post surgical weight loss.

Who is Eligible?

• Pre-bariatric surgery patients
• Must have PEBB insurance
• Not procedure specific (open to band, bypass & sleeve patients), with the exception of people who have: Type I Diabetes, Previous Gastric or Esophageal Surgery, Anemia or are Pregnant

Participation Expectations:

• Additional blood work done at 4 different time points; 1-week after consent, 1-month after consent, 3-months after consent & 5-months after consent.
• All study visits are conducted at OHSU.
• Study is completed for patient after 4th study visit, or they have a confirmed surgery date.

Future Studies (not yet enrolling participants)

Lap-Band Diabetes Study

 Questions we are trying to answer:

• Does the Lap-Band surgery improve Type 2 Diabetes?
• How does the Lap-Band work to lower blood sugars?

Study Requirements (6 research study visits at OHSU):

• 2 Pre-Surgery and 4 Post-Surgery research blood tests done
• Duration of participation = 2 years

Eligibility:

•  Must have Type 2 Diabetes treated through diet or oral medication (no insulin)
•  Must have Lap-Band surgery
•  Control group needed without Type 2 Diabetes

ReShape Balloons Clinical Research Study

The ReShape Dual-Balloon is designed to be placed in the stomach during a 15-minute outpatient procedure using only deep conscious sedation. The balloons remain in place for six-months and are then removed. While in your stomach, the balloons are designed to serve as built-in portion control, so you feel full and satisfied sooner. They do not change or alter the natural anatomy of your stomach in any way; the balloons simply occupy existing space in the stomach to reduce its capacity for food (www.reshapemedical.com).

 Who Is Eligible?

• You're between the ages of 20 and 60. 
•  You have a BMI (Body Mass Index) between 30 and 40. 
•  You've been overweight for over 6 months and have tried other weight-loss alternatives without success.
•  You're willing to commit to a low calorie (1,000 - 1,500 calories per day) supervised diet for the one year duration of the study. 
•  You're willing and able to commit to one year of follow-up visits.