Clinical Research Studies

Weight loss that occurs with Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) and sleeve surgery is due to lowered food intake and possibly a metabolic process that produces heat, called the cholesterol 27-hydroxylation pathway (CYP27A1). This study aims to identify and compare the specific substances that are made during the CYP27A1 process, cholestenoic acids and chendeoxycholic acid, before bariatric surgery, and compare them to levels in the healthy population. Existing research shows that these substances may promote weight loss, and have looked at these substances in patients after surgery as well as those in the healthy population. This study will examine the presence of these substances prior to surgery. By collecting blood prior to bariatric surgery, we can compare levels of these acids in those who are obese and in healthy adults. This is to better understand the chemical process behind weight loss.