Gists from OSSICON 2024

21st National Conference of Obesity & Metabolic Surgery Society of India was successfully held at VPS Lakeshore Hospital and Le Meridien Hotel, 7 – 10 Feb 2024 in association with Keyhole Clinic, Kochi. Lots of topics pertaining to Obesity were discussed, and grey zones were cleared.

Dr. R. Padmakumar, Organizing Chairman of OSSICON 2024, Kochi

Dr. Madhukar Pai, Organizing Secretary of OSSICON 2024, Kochi

– Dr Gerhard Prager, President, IFSO (.International Federation for the Surgery of Obesity and Metabolic Disorders)

The gists from the conference are

1. Indians are more prone for obesity complications because they have abdominal obesity.

– Dr Gerhard Prager, President, IFSO (.International Federation for the Surgery of Obesity and Metabolic Disorders)

2. In Kerala, obesity is more because of excess intake of rice.

– Dr. Praveen Raj, President, OSSI.

3. Bariatric surgery is not a cosmetic surgery: it is a lifesaving surgery. 

These procedures lead to health gain by correcting Metabolic Syndrome and that’s more important.

– Prof. James Byrne, President, BOMSS (British Obesity & Metabolic Surgery Society)

4. Long term resolution of diabetes is achieved through Metabolic Surgeries.

– Dr Aureo De Paula, Father of Metabolic Surgery, Brazil.

5. Bariatric surgery is safe even in people with renal failure, cardiac failure and lifesaver in severe sleep apnea. 

– Dr R Padmakumar, HOD, Minimally Invasive Surgery, VPS Lakeshore Hospital, Kochi and Organizing Chairman of the conference. 

6. Sleeve Gastrectomy is the most common surgery worldwide; Bypass is gold standard, while Mini Bypass is safe and effective.

All these procedures are good in the hands of those who do it regularly 

-Dr Madhukar Pai, Sr. Consultant, Minimally Invasive Surgery, VPS Lakeshore Hospital, Kochi and Organizing Secretary of the conference. 

7. These procedures are better done in centers with experienced staff and equipment for managing obesity. 

Such centers are awarded COEBMS (Centre of Excellence in Bariatric Metabolic Surgery) by OSSI 

-Dr. G S Jammu, Chief Convener COEBMS committee, OSSI.

8. ‘Resistance Exercise for doctors’; the need was emphasized.

-Dr Rajeev Jayadevan, Co-Chairman National IMA COVID Task Force & Past President, Indian Medical Association, Cochin.

9. Diet and exercise is the keystone to tackle Metabolic Syndrome.

– Nutritionists and physiotherapists who attended the conference. 

Medical and Non-Surgical methods were also discussed. Surgical procedures, how to do and tips and tricks were shown. Upcoming bariatric surgeons were given hands-on training on endo-trainers for these procedures.

Two hundred and fifty two attendees interacted with each other, based on their role as Faculty, Presenter of Paper, or Delegate. Participation across globe with 11 international attendees helped to understand disease profile across globe, and the heights achieved by India in the field of Obesity Care.

Thanks & Regards,

Dr. D. Madhukar Pai, MBBS, MS, FCLS, FMAS, FLHS.

Organizing Secretary, OSSICON 2024
Mob. no 0984 727 8663
Senior Consultant General and Laparoscopic Surgeon,