The overall goal of this study is to determine whether variations in the perilipin, and several other, genes would be a useful tool for physicians who are caring for morbidly obese patients to guide therapy. The main hypotheses to be tested is that sequence variations (polymorphisms) in the perilipin gene and several other obesity-related genes are associated with resistance to weight loss for obese individuals on energy restricted diets, potentially playing a role in the development of obesity related complications.
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Inclusion Criteria: * Caucasian * competent patients interested in Gastric Bypass Surgery * patients who are eligible for Gastric Bypass Surgery based on NIH criteria: * Male or Female * 21 - 70 years old, inclusive * Body Mass Index (BMI) \> 40 with 2 co-morbid conditions such as Sleep Apnea, Hypertension, or Type 2 Diabetes * BMI \> 45 with no co-morbid conditions Exclusion Criteria: * Patients not interested in Gastric Bypass Surgery * Patients who do not qualify for surgery based on medical contraindications * Patients with severe psychological contraindications * Patients not willing to be compliant with pre-post surgical recommendations * Patients younger than 21 years of age * Patients older than 70 years of age * Patients who do not qualify for surgery based on insurance constraints i.e., insurance guidelines for bypass surgery * Patients who are pregnant * Hispanic, Black, Asian Races * Abnormal thyroid function