Prepared by Christopher Gallagher, ASMBS Washington Representative

On June 22, 2015, the Obesity Care Continuum provided comments in response to the May 22, 2015 Senate Finance Committee Chronic Disease Working Group letter to Stakeholders requesting feedback on possible solutions to improve outcomes for Medicare patients requiring chronic care.

On June 19, 2015, the OCC submitted comments in response to the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission’s (EEOC) proposed rule regarding amendments to regulations governing employer wellness programs…

Read More

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…

Read More

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…

Read More

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…

Read More

Prepared by Christopher Gallagher, ASMBS Washington Representative

Obesity Care Continuum (OCC) groups continued to prepare for the eventual reintroduction of the Treat and Reduce Obesity Act (TROA) during the 114th Congress. Both House and Senate sponsors of the bill have finally agreed on legislative language and are looking to reintroduce the bill in conjunction with the Campaign to End Obesity’s annual Breakfast of Champions event on May 13th. This is excellent timing as several OCC…

Read More

Prepared by Christopher Gallagher, ASMBS Washington Representative

During March, Dr. James Pitt met with the Missouri Department of Insurance (MDI) and presented ASMBS’s case for including coverage of bariatric surgery in the state’s essential health benefits (EHB) package. While MDI staff seemed supportive, they did state that the legislature would be required to act in order to add a bariatric surgery benefit. This was seen as very unlikely given the current composition of the legislature….

Read More

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 accreditation movement, advent of the laparoscopic…

Read More

Prepared by Christopher Gallagher, ASMBS Washington Representative

ASMBS Washington Representative Chris Gallagher joined with other leaders of the Obesity Care Continuum (OCC) for the OCC’s monthly Advocacy Day on Capitol Hill, which took place on March 2nd. Mr. Gallagher was joined by American Society of Bariatric Physicians (ASBP) Advocacy Committee Chair Dr. Carolynn Francavilla, The Obesity Society’s (TOS) Executive Director Francesca Dea and the Obesity Action Coalition’s (OAC) President Joe Nadglowski and Board Chair…

Read More

Prepared by Christopher Gallagher, ASMBS Washington Representative

On February 6, 2015, ASMBS Executive Director Georgeann Mallory and ASBP Advocacy Committee member Dr. Krishna Doniparthi traveled from Florida and Georgia, respectively, to participate in the Obesity Care Continuum’s (OCC) first monthly advocacy day during the 114th Congress.

Advocacy efforts focused on the Florida and Georgia congressional delegations — educating legislators about the Treat and Reduce Obesity Act (TROA) and urging them to cosponsor the legislation when…

Read More

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…

Read More