The Canada chapter of American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery (ASMBS), the largest society for this specialty in the world, is holding it’s first International Consensus Conference on Duodenal Switch in Montreal this summer, June 22-23. Dr. Michel Gagner, President of ASMBS Canada Chapter, will host the conference with other soon to be announced international delegates.

Founded in 1983, the ASMBS strives to advance the art and science of metabolic and bariatric surgery by continually improving the quality and safety of care and treatment of people with obesity and related diseases by “advancing the science of metabolic and bariatric surgery and increase public understanding of obesity” and “fostering collaboration between health professionals on obesity and related diseases”.

The Consensus Conference on Duodenal Switch is a big step in achieving these goals; by bring a host of international health professionals on obesity and related diseases all under one roof, the conference hopes to provide understanding and public awareness on issues pertinent to obesity on a global scale.

The first day of the conference (June 22-nd) will be dedicated to live surgery demonstrations supervised by Dr. Gagner, including a Laparoscopic Duodenal Switches, revision of duodenal switch, conversion of sleeve to duodenal switch, SADI-S (Single Anastomosis Duodeno-Ilestomy with Sleeve), conversion of sleeve to SADI-S, SIPS (Stomach Intestine Pylorus Sparing surgery), conversion of bands to DS, and conversion of gastric bypass to DS.

The second day will have a focus on oral presentations, debates, and panel discussions on nutrition, physiology of malabsorption, hormonal aspects, outcomes and results, along with complication management and the when, whys, and how’s of Conversions. While this conference might hold numerous educational opportunities, one of the largest added advantages of coming in person to one of these events is fraternizing with colleagues. By attending you will be able to enjoy the company of like-minded professionals who have a vested interest in the field of Bariatrics and Metabolic Surgery.

So now that you know about the conference, save the date! There isn’t a better time to come visit Montreal. In this town, it’s next to impossible to miss a big festival during the summer. The city pulses with music, fireworks, sports events, along with many other indoor and outdoor happenings that are perfect for family outings. Streets close off to cars to make way for sidewalk sales and terasses, and the entire city is packed with free concerts almost everywhere you go. Speaking of free concerts, the Montreal International Jazz Festival is just around the corner, starting June 26^th and lasting until July 5-th.  Enjoy world-class music in one of the most culturally vibrant cities in the world.

Written by: Guillaume Lapointe-Gagner