Appetite Suppression / Hormone Study Control Group

The purpose of this research study is to determine how changes in levels of obesity-related hormones in the gastrointestinal tract following Laparoscopic Adjustable Gastric Banding (LAGB) surgery may lead to a decrease in appetite and weight loss. Learning exactly how the Lap Band works may help us to develop new, less invasive treatments for morbid obesity. This knowledge may also lead to the development of preventive, cost-effective treatment strategies. As a control subject, participants will provide a comparison for changes in these hormones with medical weight loss compared to weight loss after LAGB surgery.