Bariatric Times Celebrates the Collaborative Spirit of ObesityWeek
Christopher Still, DO, FACN, FACP, Co-Clinical Editor, Bariatric Times; Medical Director for the Center for Nutrition and Weight Management, and Director for Geisinger Obesity Research Institute, Geisinger Medical Center, Danville, Pennsylvania.
Dear Colleagues,
Welcome to ObesityWeek2016, one of the largest and most important conferences that takes place in our specialty. Since the first year the American Society of Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery (ASMBS) and The Obesity Society (TOS) joined together for ObesityWeek, the excitement surrounding the event and the multidisciplinary spirit of treating obesity has heightened.
While ASMBS and TOS host their own sessions, there are multiple opportunities for everyone to come together to learn and also have fun! This year, the joint sessions will tackle the following topics: “Weight Regain with Bariatric Surgery,” “Tailored Therapy-Toward Optimizing Long-Term Obesity Treatment,” and “Pediatric/Adolescent Obesity”—all important and relevant talking points. As Dr. Michel Gagner mentioned in last month’s guest editorial, the ObesityWeek Board of Directors received more than 650 abstracts. My colleagues and submitted a paper titled, “Long-Term Mortality Risk Following Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass (RYGB): A Case-Control Study.” I am extremely pleased to announce that it was selected as a top paper and will be presented on Wednesday afternoon during Paper Session II.
The collaborative atmosphere continues as attendees and industry join together in the exhibit hall, showcasing the latest innovative products, services, and technologies from companies and organizations worldwide. This year there are more than 250 exhibit booths. Many corporate sponsored symposia also encourage both ASMBS and TOS attendance.
ObesityWeek is a momentous occasion because it marks the passing of the torch among ASMBS leadership. It’s hard to believe that a full year has passed since my friend and colleague Dr. Raul Rosenthal was initiated as ASMBS President. I’d like to take this opportunity to congratulate him on a job well done! While in office, Raul accomplished much for the society, including the formation of new committees. I encourage you to attend his presidential address to hear more about his productive year as president!
The ASMBS Foundation and TOS will also recognize distinguished colleagues at their dedicated awards ceremonies—ASMBS Foundation’s LEAD Awards and TOS’s Ethan Sims Finalists Presentations & Awards.
We can’t forget the social aspect of the week, especially in this year’s location—New Orleans, Louisiana. Events have been planned to really give attendees a taste of the city. The Welcome Reception takes place in the heart of New Orleans at Mardis Gras World, offering a window into the Mardi Gras experience in November! On Thursday, the ASMBS Foundation hosts a Jazz March, which will be led by a traditional second-line band, through the streets of New Orleans. The Jazz March will leave from the main lobby of Section A inside the convention center, pass by the Hilton and will finish at the Spanish Plaza along the riverfront. The popular AfterDark Reception takes place at Generations Hall, a New Orleans French Quarter style facility.
It’s an exciting time for all of us caring for patients with obesity, and I’d like to highlight that Bariatric Times strives to relay the collaborative, multidisciplinary nature that we embrace during ObesityWeek. Through various departments and columns, the Clinical Editors, Department Editors, Column Editors, Editorial Advisory Board, and Editorial Staff work hard to focus on all aspects of care. This month’s issue is a great example as it has something for everyone. Our popular Clinical Nursing Education Series really demonstrates multidisciplinary care with this month’s installment, “Clinical Pearls for Weight Maintenance Following Bariatric Surgery.” Five wonderful authors share their clinical pearls and case studies for success in preventing weight regain and achieving long-term weight maintenance in the following areas: behavioral health, nutrition, obesity medicine, exercise, and nursing. Other contributions this month include a review of Obesity Medicine Association’s newly released Pediatric Obesity Algorithm, a case series in Emerging Technologies on gastroesophageal reflux disease and the bariatric patient, and an interview with Dr. Daniel Jones about the ASMBS Essentials of Bariatric and Metabolic Surgery app.
In closing, let’s keep our momentum through ObesityWeek and into 2017. We have come a long way and I’m thrilled to see what 2017 will bring for all of us! I hope to see you around New Orleans!
Sincerely,
Christopher Still, DO, FACN, FACP
Category: Editorial Message, Past Articles
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