GAINESVILLE, FL – Nov. 5, 2015 – The American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery (ASMBS) and groups including The Obesity Society (TOS) and Academy for Nutrition and Dietetics (AND), filed a complaint this month with U.S. Health and Human Services (HHS) claiming the 27 states that deny coverage for bariatric surgery are in non-compliance with the Affordable Care Act (ACA) and that their failure to comply is discriminatory against women and people with disabilities,…

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GAINESVILLE, Fla., Oct. 1, 2015 /PRNewswire/ — Representatives from 35 major health and medical organizations including the American Diabetes Association (ADA), American Medical Association (AMA), American Heart Association (AHA), American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (AAOS), and American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) convened for a second annual summit in Chicago to identify opportunities for collaboration in treating obesity. "The National Obesity Summit on the Provision of Care for the Obese Patient" was hosted by the…

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GAINESVILLE, FL – Aug. 12, 2015 – Time is running out for members of the public to submit short films or videos about obesity, the nation’s number one public health threat. The American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery (ASMBS) is sponsoring “It Starts Now,” a national contest that will award winners up to $5,000 and a trip to Los Angeles, where winning entries will premiere during ObesityWeek 2015.

Entries must be received by…

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FDA Approval of ORBERA™ Intragastric Balloon Offers New Weight Loss Option for Patients with Obesity

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) today approved the ORBERA™ Intragastric Balloon, a new non-surgical intervention for the treatment of obesity. The device, which is approved for use in patients with a body mass index (BMI) of 30 to 40, was shown in a clinical trial to be more effective for weight loss than diet and exercise alone. The…

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AMERICAN SOCIETY FOR METABOLIC AND BARIATRIC SURGERY VIEWS NEW BALLOON DEVICE FOR OBESITY AS BRIDGE BETWEEN MEDICATIONS AND BARIATRIC SURGERY

GAINESVILLE, FL – July 29, 2015 – The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) yesterday approved a new balloon device called the ReShape Integrated Dual Balloon System, that may help fill a treatment gap between medications and surgery for people with obesity and one or more obesity-related conditions, according to the American Society for…

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Dear Friends and Colleagues,

The last few weeks have been exciting and fruitful times for ASMBS.

1. OBESITY WEEK-END & OBESITYWEEK LA I want to thank everyone who attended our Obesity Week-End 2015 in Las Vegas, June 25-27. This was our most successful interim annual meeting to date with over 550 attendees. For the future, this meeting will be devoted to practical, clinically-oriented courses in an intimate setting allowing for easy interaction between attendees and…

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Dear Friends,

I hope this letter finds you well. I would like to update you on a few ASMBS initiatives. As we all know, bariatric surgery is safe and effective and we have as a major societal goal to increase access, awareness and education regarding this life-saving intervention. Please read this message regarding our efforts and also complete this attached survey. The survey can help provide guidance for the society as we move forward so…

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Winning Film or Video Awarded $5,000 and National Premiere at ObesityWeek 2015 in Los Angeles

GAINESVILLE, FL – MAY 18, 2015 – It Starts Now, a nationwide competition that seeks short videos and films about obesity in America, begins today. Entries are being sought that creatively inspire, motivate and/or educate the public about issues related to obesity. Submissions will be judged on originality, creativity, direction, production value, dignity, content and thoughtfulness.

A jury-awarded…

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Dear Colleagues,

I hope that this message finds you well. ASMBS is continuing to look for opportunities to increase awareness for treatment of our obese patients. We have a recurring message: bariatric surgery is safe, effective and needed.

1. Clinical Issues Statements: Accreditation and Survival Benefit

One of the main reasons we have seen increasing acceptance of our field is clearly because of our safety record. Due to the…

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From ASMBS President John Morton, MD

I want to wish everyone a Happy and Prosperous New Year. As we begin 2015, I am excited for our opportunity to improve the health and welfare of our patients. Much is expected of ASMBS in leading our efforts against the AMA-recognized disease of obesity and my hope and belief is that much will be provided by ASMBS.

As we begin 2015, it is fitting and proper to establish…

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