IFSO

IFSO The International Federation for the Surgery and other Therapies for Obesity (IFSO)

IFSO is growing into a professional organization, with the goal to support its members in aspects directly related to their profession. IFSO's main activity is currently the organization of the yearly World Congress, which provides a forum to exchange knowledge on surgical treatment of severely obese patients, to present new techniques, research and concepts, and to meet the experts in the field. VISION
“To optimize the control of adiposity-based chronic diseases.”
MISSION
“To unify the global scientific, surgical and integrated health communities, for the purpose of dissemination of knowledge, collaboration and establishing universal standards of care for the treatment of individuals with adiposity-based chronic disease.”

10/11/2025

Alejandra’s Story: 18 Years of Health and Stability

At IFSO, we celebrate long-term success stories like Alejandra’s.
18 years ago, she underwent Metabolic Bariatric Surgery, going from 131 kg to 59 kg — and has maintained a healthy weight ever since.

For her, surgery wasn’t just about losing weight — it was about regaining health, confidence, and control.
Alejandra calls it “the best decision of my life.”

Her story reminds us that with the right treatment, guidance, and follow-up, lasting change is possible.

👉 Learn more inspiring stories from patients around the world with IFSO.

07/11/2025

Prof. Paulina Salminen presented results from the landmark SLEEVEPASS trial, a 10-year randomized study comparing the two most common bariatric procedures: sleeve gastrectomy and gastric bypass.

The trial included 240 adults with severe obesity (average BMI ~46), with follow-up extending from 2008 to 2021—and now continuing toward 20 years. Remarkably, more than 80% of patients completed long-term follow-up, making this one of the most robust datasets in bariatric surgery.

👉 Key takeaway: Both procedures are effective long-term treatments for severe obesity, but the choice of surgery should be guided by patient-specific risk profiles and potential post-operative complications.

✨ At IFSO, we highlight evidence like SLEEVEPASS to help clinicians and patients make informed, individualized decisions.

Metabolic Bariatric Surgery targets more than just the stomach, it acts on the gut-brain axis, the powerful communicatio...
05/11/2025

Metabolic Bariatric Surgery targets more than just the stomach, it acts on the gut-brain axis, the powerful communication link between your digestive system and your brain.
By changing how hormones and signals work, surgery helps reduce hunger, improve satiety, and restore metabolic balance.

It’s not only about eating less. It’s about resetting how your body and mind work together to sustain long-term health.

03/11/2025

Imagine preparing for a life-changing surgery—such as metabolic bariatric surgery—while carrying an invisible burden that surgery alone cannot remove: weight stigma.

Experts emphasized how harmful assumptions—seeing people with higher weight as “lazy,” “unmotivated,” or “lacking willpower”—are forms of stigma that undermine care. Research shows weight stigma is linked to depression, anxiety, chronic stress, disordered eating, and low self-esteem. These challenges can persist even after surgery, affecting both mental health and adherence to treatment.

One of the most troubling findings is that healthcare providers themselves can be a source of weight stigma—often unintentionally. This highlights the need for greater awareness, training, and empathy in clinical settings.

Metabolic bariatric surgery has the power to transform health and quality of life. But to unlock its full benefits, the hidden impact of weight stigma must also be addressed.

At IFSO, we are committed to raising awareness and promoting stigma-free care for all patients living with obesity.

At IFSO, we emphasize a simple truth: obesity is a disease, not a character flaw. Too many people delay care because of ...
29/10/2025

At IFSO, we emphasize a simple truth: obesity is a disease, not a character flaw. Too many people delay care because of stigma and judgment, losing precious time for their health.
Metabolic Bariatric Surgery exists to provide effective, scientifically proven treatment — because every person deserves health, dignity, and a real chance to move forward.

27/10/2025

“If I can do it, you can too.” – Monique’s Story

Eight years ago, Monique underwent bariatric surgery.
Before that, she had reached 200 kilos and could barely walk 100 meters or stand for more than a few minutes.
Her goals were simple; to fit into waiting room chairs, to put on socks, to cut her own toenails.

After losing over 120 kilos, Monique has maintained a healthy weight for six years.
She went from nearly being in a wheelchair to climbing thousands of steps every year, a journey of strength, courage, and self-discovery.

As Monique says:

“Metabolic Bariatric Surgery isn’t a quick fix or a miracle cure. It didn’t do it for me. It made it possible for me.”

At IFSO, we believe every story like Monique’s reminds the world that obesity is a disease, and that treatment brings freedom, dignity, and health back to people’s lives.

If she could, so can you.

24/10/2025

Prof. Carel Le Roux reminded us that obesity is a relapsing disease with over 220 complications. Yet, unlike hypertension or diabetes, obesity has long lacked clear treatment targets—limiting the ability to deliver structured and effective care.

Thanks to advances such as metabolic bariatric surgery and new medications like semaglutide and tirzepatide, achieving 20–25% weight loss is now possible. For the first time, this allows clinicians to set meaningful treatment targets—helping track progress, improve clinician–patient alignment, and integrate obesity care into a chronic disease model.

Recent qualitative research also revealed five key factors influencing patient decisions in obesity treatment.

The takeaway message is clear: Provide tailored, transparent information.
Ask not only about weight-loss goals, but also about health gains and quality of life.
Understand patients’ fears and support needs.

At IFSO, we remind patients and professionals that Metabolic Bariatric Surgery is not a one-time fix. It marks the start...
22/10/2025

At IFSO, we remind patients and professionals that Metabolic Bariatric Surgery is not a one-time fix. It marks the start of a new chapter, where follow-ups are essential to prevent nutritional issues, track progress and sustain long-term success.
This is a journey that requires care, expertise and continuous support — and your team of experts will always be with you.

20/10/2025

Prof. Francesco Rubino explained a historic shift in how obesity is defined. For decades, BMI was treated as the defining measure of obesity—but BMI alone does not tell the whole story. It cannot confirm whether excess body fat is truly present, nor capture the clinical consequences of the disease.

The Lancet Commission on Clinical Obesity has filled this gap by proposing a proper clinical diagnosis. Obesity is now recognized not just as a number, but as a condition where excess fat directly impairs organ function or limits the ability to perform normal, valued activities.

Importantly, the Commission also introduced the concept of pre-clinical obesity, recognizing that not all individuals with excess fat yet show organ dysfunction—just as medicine distinguishes between HIV and AIDS, or pre-diabetes and diabetes.

This new framework provides two critical advances:

1) It establishes obesity as a clinically diagnosable disease with clear manifestations.

2) It helps to reduce stigma, by shifting focus from body size to the actual health impact of the disease.

At IFSO, we stand with Prof. Rubino and global experts in redefining obesity—not as a number, but as a disease that deserves proper diagnosis and care.

17/10/2025

It’s not just surgery — it’s a new way of living.
A young woman’s life transformed: confidence regained, energy renewed, and a love for movement rediscovered.
Metabolic Bariatric Surgery opens the door to a healthier, happier you.
________

No es solo cirugía — es una nueva forma de vivir.
La vida de una joven cambia: recupera su confianza, su energía y el amor por cuidar de sí misma.
La Cirugía Bariátrica Metabólica abre la puerta a una vida más sana y feliz.

Obesity is more than a number — and so is your health.For too long, BMI alone has been used to decide who qualifies for ...
15/10/2025

Obesity is more than a number — and so is your health.
For too long, BMI alone has been used to decide who qualifies for treatment. But science and experience tell us: it’s not just about weight — it’s about health.

Metabolic Bariatric Surgery should be considered based on medical need, not just a BMI threshold.
Factors like type 2 diabetes, hypertension, sleep apnea, and liver disease must be part of the conversation.

At IFSO, we advocate for a personalized, patient-centered approach — because your health is complex, and so is the care you deserve.

13/10/2025

Brandi underwent bariatric surgery just over three years ago, at a time when she was struggling with her health and close to needing diabetes medication. Since then, she has lost more than 130 pounds, regained her mobility, and accomplished goals she never thought possible—from completing a triathlon within eight months to stepping on stage at a bodybuilding competition.

Beyond the physical changes, Brandi speaks about the emotional transformation: she now shows up for her children with pride and energy, free from the shame and limitations that once held her back.

Her journey is a reminder that bariatric surgery is not just about weight loss—it’s about reclaiming health, confidence, and quality of life.

At IFSO, we share stories like Brandi’s to show what’s possible when effective treatment meets determination.

Indirizzo

Rione Sirignano, 5
Naples
80121

Orario di apertura

Lunedì 09:00 - 18:00
Martedì 09:00 - 18:00
Mercoledì 09:00 - 18:00
Giovedì 09:00 - 18:00
Venerdì 09:00 - 18:00

Telefono

+39 081 7611085

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