The Role of the Omentum in the Treatment of Morbid Obesity

The purpose of this research is to tease out the mechanisms related to changes in insulin sensitivity, metabolism, hormones, and body composition following bariatric surgery. Because preliminary data indicate differing responses to this surgery, both Caucasian and African American adults, scheduled for RYGB, are being recruited to participate. It is believed that the omentum contributes to hepatic insulin resistance, both because of the increased delivery of NEFAs via the portal vein, and the increased production of cytokines. Because of this, it is postulated that removing the omentum as part of bariatric surgery will speed up the reversal of insulin resistance and diminish racial differences in response to the surgery.

Data are derived from tissue and blood samples obtained operatively (from individuals having bariatric surgery and other abdominal operations), as well as during hyperinsulinemic-euglycemic clamps, from indirect calorimetry, DEXA, Health-related Quality of Life surveys, and 24-hour urine samples. There were 66 participants randomized to omentectomy/no omentectomy. A post hoc data power analysis determined that this number of subjects is sufficient for data analysis.