The Longitudinal Assessment of Bariatric Surgery (LABS) is a two-phase study analyzing the risks and benefits of bariatric surgery and its impact on the health and well-being of patients with morbid obesity.
On this page:
Experts in:
Institutional involvement in this study was on a competitive basis.
Participant clinical centers, in addition to UPMC, include:
The data coordinating center for the entire project is located in the Graduate School of Public Health at the University of Pittsburgh.
Objective: The first phase, LABS-1, had a short-term focus on the safety of bariatric procedures.
Total participants: 5,965
Outcome: The collected data will result in many publications to help bariatric surgical clinicians provide better care. For example, see the landmark New England Journal of Medicine publication documenting the relative safety of bariatric surgery.
The second phase, LABS-2, began enrolling participants at UPMC on February 27, 2006.
Objective: The primary objective is to use standardized techniques and measures to assess the longer-term safety and effectiveness of bariatric surgery by:
Total participants: 3,063
Outcome: LABS-2 is currently granted to follow participants for as long as eight years after their bariatric surgery. We are hopeful that future grants will extend this time.
Teen LABS - for adolescents who have bariatric surgery — is a multicentered study by the University of Pittsburgh along with:
Objective: In addition to having the same objectives as LABS-2, Teen LABS will:
Participants: The recruitment goal is 200 participants. If interested in participating in the Teen LABS study, please call 412-641-3632.
Outcome: TBD