ASMBS Foundation News and Update—April 2012

by David Provost, MD
Dr. Provost is President of the American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery (ASMBS) Foundation. He maintains a private practice, Provost Bariatrics in Denton, Texas. Dr. Provost also serves on the ASMBS Executive Council, is a member of the Surgical Review Corporation’s (SRC) Board of Directors, and is a member of the Society for American Gastrointestinal Endoscopic Surgeons (SAGES), where he serves on the Bariatric Liaison Committee.

The Foundation is proud to announce the recipient of the 2012 Outstanding Achievement Award: Kelvin D. Higa, MD, FACS. Each year, the Foundation honors an American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery (ASMBS) member who has displayed a selfless commitment to the ASMBS and has made significant contributions to the field of metabolic and bariatric surgery. Dr. Kelvin Higa has been involved in the leadership of the ASMBS serving as President of the Society as well as its Foundation. Dr. Higa was one of the first surgeons to perform the Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) with a hand-sewn anastomosis laparoscopically, which has proven to be both a cost-effective and efficient solution to the escalating costs of the surgical procedure.

Dr. Higa serves on the editorial board of several peer-reviewed journals and has authored articles concerning the complications and long-term results of bariatric/metabolic surgery. He is a Clinical Professor of Surgery through UCSF and is active in teaching and mentoring residents and fellows while continuing to lecture at many national and international meetings.

Dr. Higa’s main interest continues to be in exploring the boundaries of minimally invasive techniques applied to complex surgical problems, such as revisional surgery. Dr. Higa currently serves as Director of Bariatric and Minimally Invasive Surgery at the Fresno Heart and Surgical Hospital and CEO of Advanced Laparoscopic Surgery Associates, Medical Group.

The award will be presented at the annual ASMBS Foundation Event titled, “Celebration of Excellence in Bariatric Surgery” on Thursday, June 21, 2012 during the 29th ASMBS Annual Meeting in San Diego, California.

ASMBS Foundation’s 15th Annual Event—Celebration of Excellence in Bariatric Surgery. Join us for a Night of Celebration and Fun! You are cordially invited to the American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery (ASMBS) Foundation’s 15th Annual Fundraising Event “Celebration of Excellence in Bariatric Surgery,” which will be held in conjunction with the 29th Annual Meeting of the ASMBS in San Diego, California, June 2012.

Join friends and colleagues for a post-meeting extravaganza, including dinner, live musical entertainment, dancing, casino games, the chance to win some great prizes, and a celebration of accomplishments.

Each year the Foundation honors an ASMBS member who has displayed a selfless commitment to the ASMBS and has made significant contributions to the field of metabolic and bariatric surgery. The recipient of the ASMBS Foundation’s 2012 Outstanding Achievement Award will be honored with a brief presentation during the dinner program.

Thursday, June 21, 2012
7:00pm–9:00pm
Indigo Ballroom
Hilton San Diego Bayfront Hotel
Ticket Cost: $125
Ticket includes ASMBS AfterDark, where the ASMBS comes alive!

Purchase your ticket today!
•    Purchase your ticket when registering for the ASMBS Annual meeting at www.2012.asmbs.org
•    If you have already registered for the ASMBS Annual Meeting and would like to purchase a ticket online, visit www.asmbsfoundation.org
•    If you would like to purchase a ticket offline, visit www.asmbsfoundation.org to download the ticket order form

Sponsorship Opportunities
The ASMBS Foundation needs your help to make this a successful event! Industry sponsorship is a major way to ensure the success of this special occasion.
For more information about sponsorship, please visit www.asmbsfoundation.org.

The ASMBS Foundation’s Operation M.O.R.E. Congratulations to Dr. Scott Cunneen for winning the drawing for an iPad 2, through making a donation to the ASMBS Foundation’s Operation M.O.R.E. (Monies for Obesity Research and Education).

To make a donation today and for more information about Operation M.O.R.E.’s donor incentives visit www.asmbsfoundation.org.

Thanks to everyone who supported Operation M.O.R.E. in 2011!

The Walk from Obesity’s P3 Pedometer Challenge. Register today for this fun competition taking place during the ASMBS Annual Meeting in beautiful San Diego, California. Registrants will have the chance to win some great prizes, including an iPad 2!

Every step counts! It’s amazing how much walking you can get in without even trying and with a little extra effort you can really put on the miles and burn the calories!

Every dollar raised counts. You can make a difference in the fight against obesity. Monies raised will benefit the ASMBS Foundation’s Operation M.O.R.E. and helps to reach their fundraising goals for obesity research and education.
•    Registration fee is $10 (includes pedometer)
•    Participants will be provided online fundraising tools to collect donations, after registering online.
•    Winners will be announced at the Welcome Reception on Tuesday, June 19.
•    ALL participants will be entered into a drawing for a chance to win an iPod Nano!

Location: 2012 ASMBS Annual Meeting, in San Diego. Check-in and pedometer pickup will be located across from the meeting registration desk in the convention center.

Registration and check-in will be open:
Sunday, June 17, 7:00am—5:00pm
Monday, June 18, 7:00am—5:00pm
Tuesday, June 19, 7:00am—3:00pm

The contest ends: Tuesday, June 19 at 3:30pm

Final check-in: Tuesday, June 19 at 3:30pm–4:00pm

Top three fundraisers will receive (according to placement):  iPad 2,     iPod Nano, ASMBS Logo Products

Top three Individuals (according to placement) with the most steps taken: iPod Nano, Foot Locker Gift Card, ASMBS Logo Item

Register today at www.asmbsfoundation.org or www.2012.asmbs.org. For more information: [email protected] or (866) 471-2727

Host a Walk from Obesity Event. Hosting a Walk from Obesity event is a tremendous experience. The Walk from Obesity is the ONLY event where individuals affected by obesity can join together and raise awareness of this disease. From New York to California, walkers all across the country represent their successes in the fight against obesity.
“The Walk from Obesity is a fabulous day for our bariatric patients to get together and share their stories. Many of the patients haven’t had the ability to participate in any kind of Walk before. This day is empowering to them – you can feel their sense of pride and accomplishment.”
-PJ Stough of LifeWeigh Bariatrics, Chicago, Illinois, Walk from Obesity Event Leader

•    Hosting a Walk in your community is an excellent way to join with local healthcare providers and volunteers to help those affected by obesity and raise money for a worthwhile cause.
•    The Walk from Obesity is a proud tradition among many of the leading bariatric practices across the country.
•    The Walk from Obesity is the only national event that brings together those who are directly affected by obesity.
•    Participating in the Walk is key to drawing attention to obesity and the need for treatment and prevention efforts.
•    This National event gives hospitals, bariatric programs, and sponsors invaluable exposure in the obesity community, in addition to National and local media and the public.
•    Since its inception, the Walk has raised over $5 million for obesity research, treatment, prevention, advocacy, and awareness for the ASMBS Foundation and the Obesity Action Coalition (OAC).

To get started hosting a Walk from Obesity event in your city, visit www.walkfromobesity.com and click on “Host a Walk” to complete the online application form and download the Walk from Obesity Committee Guide.

Become a Sponsor of the Walk from Obesity. Sponsorship in the Walk from Obesity is an excellent and philanthropic way to show your support in the fight against obesity. We thank all of our current National Sponsors for their support in helping the Walk from Obesity become a successful event by raising funds and public awareness of the disease of obesity.

To learn more about becoming an official National Sponsor of the Walk from Obesity and view the 2012 Sponsorship Prospectus, please visit, www.walkfromobesity.com and click on “Become a Sponsor.”

Please direct all sponsor inquiries to: Connie Stillwell, ASMBS Foundation, Director of Programs; Phone: (352) 332-9100; Toll Free: (866) 471-2727; E-mail: [email protected]

Help us Choose the Official Walk from Obesity T-shirt Design by Joining us on Facebook. Have you joined the Walk from Obesity on Facebook and Twitter? Visit our Facebook page and vote for your favorite T-shirt design by liking the design of that you are voting. The design with the most votes will be the official Walk from Obesity T-shirt for our 2012 Fall Walks and 2013 Spring Walks! The deadline is May 25, 2012, so cast your vote today!

Here are some other great benefits to joining the social networking experience:
•    Stay up-to-date with all the latest Walk from Obesity news and happenings.
•    Network with others that are participating in a Walk.
•    See photos from a Walk where you were a participant.
•    See what other Walks are doing across the country.
•    Share your experience and why you participate in the Walk from Obesity.
•    Help spread the word about the Walk from Obesity to your friends and followers.
•    Provide us with feedback.

Tags: ASMBS Foundation

Category: ASMBS Foundation News and Update, Past Articles