This project provides the planning phase to obtain a U01 grant for long-term multi-center study designed to assess the durability and effectiveness of bariatric surgery compared to medical/lifestyle management of T2D in obese patients at seven or more years. The U34 project will focus on harmonization of four randomized trials comparing surgical and medical treatments in Type 2 Diabetes which includes the “Triabetes Study” (A Randomized Trial to Compare Surgical and Medical Treatments for Type 2 Diabetes). The aims will be to develop documentation for management and oversight of the U01 trial, finalize the protocol, harmonize pre-existing and prospective datasets, complete the Manual of Operations, institute a core laboratory, coordinate guiding principles for the non-surgical treatment groups, develop a detailed budget, establish a safety oversight plan, form an outcome adjudication committee, obtain IRB approvals and complete re-consenting at all sites.