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Bariatric Surgery
Weight Regain
Research Study

Up to 20–30% of people who undergo bariatric surgery regain weight over time, making it harder to maintain long-term health and manage conditions like diabetes or high blood pressure. This study will evaluate whether a remotely delivered behavioral program can help reduce weight regain and improve eating habits, physical activity, and overall health after surgery.

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Fast Facts

Had a Gastric Bypass or Sleeve Gastrectomy at Least 6 Months Ago

Have Overweight or Obesity (BMI > 25) & Have Regained Weight After Surgery

Compensation
Provided

Conducted in
Chicago, IL

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Additional Information

This study is being conducted to test the effectiveness of a remotely delivered behavioral program in helping adults manage and reverse weight regain after bariatric surgery.

You may be eligible for this study if you meet the following criteria.

Inclusion Criteria:

  • Had a gastric bypass or sleeve gastrectomy at least 6 months ago
  • Gained back the weight lost after surgery
  • Currently overweight or obese (BMI > 25)
  • Can walk at least one city block without assistance
  • Ages 18-70

Exclusion Criteria:

  • Long-term treatment with oral steroids
  • Current use of weight loss medication (OTC or prescription)
  • Currently pregnant, pregnancy/lactation in the previous 6 months, or planning to become pregnant within 12 months
  • Psychiatric hospitalization in the past 6 months
  • Use of tobacco products
  • Alcohol or substance abuse within the past 12 months or at-risk drinking (i.e., consumption > 14 alcohol drinks per week)
  • Weight loss >10 lbs in the past 3 months
  • History of more than one bariatric procedure
  • Current enrollment in a structured weight-loss program

If eligible, you will be randomly assigned to one of two groups: the Intervention group (receiving the online ABTi program plus brief health coaching calls) or the Control group (receiving brief phone calls reviewing standard bariatric guidelines).

If randomized to the ABTi group, you will complete a 6-month intervention delivered online and through phone coach calls, where you will be asked to follow a plan to maintain or lose weight by altering your eating habits, your physical activity, and the way you think about your eating and weight.

If randomized to the control group, you will complete 6 months of phone coach calls, where you will review dietary and behavioral instructions that you received as part of your bariatric surgery process.

Each visit includes:

  • Weight and blood pressure measurement
  • Blood draw (after a 12-hour fast) to check blood glucose, HbA1c, cholesterol, and triglycerides
  • Online surveys
  • Wearing a wrist monitor for 7 days to track physical activity
  • Completing short daily smartphone surveys about eating behavior and mood

Some study activities will take place online or over the phone, while others require in-person visits at Rush University Medical Center.

Participants will receive:

  • $50 at baseline
  • $50 at mid-treatment (3 months)
  • $75 at post-treatment (6 months)
  • $75 at follow-up (12 months)
  • Up to $31.50 for the completion of smartphone-based surveys at each of the four clinical assessment points mentioned above

You’ll also be reimbursed for travel expenses related to in-person visits ($10–$20 depending on visit length). Payment is made within approximately 30 days of each completed visit.

There is no cost for you to participate in our research study.

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