Bariatric Surgery Telemedicine Study

Obesity, defined as a body mass index (BMI) >30 in kg/m2, has reached epidemic levels in the
United States (US). Morbid obesity, which is classified as a BMI>=40, is the fastest growing
obesity category. It has increased 52% between 2000 and 2005, to now affect 15 million US
adults. Morbid obesity is associated with serious medical co-morbidities, and these
obesity-related diseases have a significant impact on the individual patient, as well as on
our healthcare system as a whole. Gastric bypass surgery is the only current effective
treatment for MO. Approximately 220,000 operations were carried out in 2008, making it one
of the most commonly performed procedures in the U.S. The most common form (80%) of
bariatric surgery performed in the U.S. is laparoscopic gastric bypass (LGB). While there
has been considerable clinical focus on multidisciplinary pre-surgical screening regarding
medical, behavioral, and psychosocial suitability of candidates for bariatric surgery, there
is a paucity of post-surgical follow-up examining behavioral adaptation and adherence. The
purpose of this study is to examine such post-surgical behavioral components that are
relevant to weight loss surgery. Specifically, the investigators will assess the
feasibility, reliability, usability, and satisfaction of some newly developed wireless home
monitoring technology (i.e., medication box, weight scale, and pedometer) in a group of
patients who have recently had gastric bypass surgery. A prospective cohort study design
will be conducted. Questionnaire data will be collected and data analysis will be
descriptive in nature.

Inclusion Criteria:

- 6 weeks-1 year post gastric bypass surgery

- > 18 years of age

- English-speaking and able to read and understand consent form and study
questionnaires.

- Land line analog telephone service at home

Exclusion Criteria:

- Suffered unexpected complications from surgery as judged by the surgeons

- Anyone judged not fit to participate in the study, as per the surgeon or dietician's
clinical judgment

- Weight >440 lbs. at enrollment (upper limit of our weight scale)

- Planning to relocate from the area within the next 2-3 months (i.e., during study
timeframe)