We propose to compare the standard of care with the use of a novel medical food in 6 bariatric surgery patients by measuring outcomes of body composition, quality of life, hair loss, muscle strength, resting energy expenditure, and biochemical parameters.

STUDY SUMMARY The purpose of this pilot study is to compare a medical food intervention with the dietary standard of care at Boston Medical Center, in obese women subjects undergoing Roux-en Y gastric bypass surgery. Commercially available nutritional supplements will also be provided as part of the study's protocol.

Subjects will be selected from surgical candidates of the Nutrition and Weight Management Center who meet the study criteria. Subjects will be randomly assigned to one of the 2 groups (treatment and control). Subjects will be seen at the study site 2 weeks before surgery and 4 weeks, 8 weeks, 12 weeks, and 6 months after surgery (for a total of 5 visits). Data recorded during the study visits will be used to assess post-operative progress and will include: body composition, resting energy expenditure, muscle strength, quality of life questionnaires, hair loss, and blood markers for insulin resistance, nutritional state, organ function, lipid profile and inflammation. Safety indicators and compliance will also be monitored.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Obese and morbidly obese women (BMI 30 - 50)
• 25 years and older undergoing laparoscopic gastric bypass surgery
• Present with at least either metabolic syndrome or diabetes

Exclusion Criteria:

• Have smoked in the past 4 weeks
• Pregnant
• Allergic or intolerant to ingredients used in the study (e.g. soy and THIAA)
• There is a sound medical, psychiatric and/or social reason as determined by the Principal Investigator (PI) that makes the subject unsuitable for the study