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.

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

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 with the LapBand.

Who is Eligible:

*PRE-Bariatric Surgery Patients

*Must have PEBB insurance

*Not procedure-specific (open to both band & bypass patients), with the exception of people who have: Type I Diabetes, Previous Gastric or Esophageal Surgery, Anemia, Pregnant

Participation Expections: 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 the 4th study visit, or they have a confirmed surgery date.

Current LABS Participants

Participants!!  Check out the LABS website for up to date study news, wellness tips, bariatric friendly recipes & annual study visit information.

http://www.edc.pitt.edu/labs/

*This is a website for LABS participants only

*User name & Password are necessary (given on annual handouts or contact the research coordinator)

THANK YOU to the LABS 1 study participants!  Your support and collaboration has led to a major publication in the July 2009 issue of the New England Journal of Medicine!   

Please feel free to check out the abstract:  

http://content.nejm.org/cgi/content/short/361/5/445

If you would like a full text version of the article, please contact the research coordinator.

Lap Band Gut Hormone Study

This study is designed to objectively measure the Lap-Band’s effect on digestive hormones, which may be involved in both a decrease in appetite and improved weight loss.  

Currently enrolling:

• Lap-Band patients who have had no previous gastric surgery
• BMI between 35 and 60
• No Type I diabetes

Study participation requires additional, research fasting blood draws before surgery and at 1-month, 3-months, and 6-months post-surgery.