Brain Activation in Response to Appetitive Cues Pre- and Post- Bariatric Surgery

Brain Activation in Response to Appetite Cues Pre- and Post- Bariatric Surgery

Utilizing fMRI, this study will examine changes in BOLD signal as a proxy measure of brain activation in response to highly palatable (high energy density [kcal/g]), less palatable and non-food stimuli in severely obese women pre, 1 month post and 3 months post undergoing bariatric surgery (in surgery patients) and at equivalent times for control groups in fed and fasted conditions at each time point.

Two surgical groups: (i) laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) and (ii) gastric banding (GB) will be compared with two control groups: (i)those enrolled on a 3-month formula weight loss program or (ii) those who qualify, but do not undergo bariatric surgery, and receive no weight loss treatment.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Age > 18 and < 65 years
• BMI > 40 and < 50kg/m2
• Right handed
• Good comprehension of English

Exclusion Criteria:

• > 5% weight fluctuation in the past 3 months
• Presence of disease (including diabetes)
• Pregnancy, lactation or planning to become pregnant in next 18mon
• Smoking, or or recent (within past 12 month) smoking cessation
• Consumption of > 3 alcoholic beverages per day
• Left handed