Adults, ages 18 – 60, who have a body mass index (BMI) over 35. In addition, participants should be:

• Not currently taking appetite suppressant medications
• Comfortable lying flat on their back for up to two hours at a time

Because of the use of MRI, anyone who has a permanent metal object (such as a pacemaker) inside his or her body cannot participate.

Qualified participants will complete:

• An interview with trained staff
• Neuropsychological testing, which consists of tests that measure cognitive abilities
• Questionnaires about a variety of things, including the participant’s eating behaviors
• A safe and non-invasive fMRI scan
• Activity monitoring using a lightweight accelerometer

These activities take place over three study visits: a 5 – 6 hour screening visit and a 3 hour MRI visit at baseline, and a 5 – 6 hour follow-up visit after 1 year. All information is kept strictly confidential, with one exception. Staff will tell another health professional if they learn that the participant is in any danger of physically harming him/herself or others.

Participants will help us understand how brain function is related to weight loss following bariatric surgery. Participants are given $20 an hour for the time that they participate as well as additional monetary incentives for completing different tasks. While our research staff cannot provide treatment, we can refer anyone who desires follow-up assessments or treatment to Hartford Healthcare staff who can assist you.

Phone: 860.508.6358
Email: Erika.Renkl@hhchealth.org