We often talk on this site about how important it is for participants to return for their annual study visits. Yet, we realize that with busy schedules and family obligations, it is extremely difficult for many of you to do so. We appreciate the time that you have dedicated to the study so far and as a token of our appreciation we continue to work on ways to make study participation easier for you, such as the home visits offered by EMSI.
We are also eager to announce a new change to study visits.
Beginning in the sixth year after your surgery, you will only be asked to come into the office for a visit every other year.
Even years after surgery (year 6, 8, etc.) you will complete an abbreviated study interview via telephone or the mail. Your local coordinator will contact you to complete a series of forms asking about your physical and emotional health, your current weight and, if applicable, your reproductive health. This interview will be about 30 minutes in length. No blood draw will be obtained during these years.
Odd years after surgery (year 7, 9, etc.) you will still be asked to come into your local LABS site for a full study visit including physical measurements, weight, blood samples and the corridor walk.
It is our hope that this change will help reduce burden for those of you who struggle to come in for a yearly visit.
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