Page 9 - IFSO-History-Book-Digital-File

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

This book is the culmination of three decades of dedication, progress, and relentless advocacy for
the surgical and medical treatment of obesity worldwide. Bringing the thirty-year history of the
International Federation for the Surgery and Other Therapies for Obesity (IFSO) to life has been a
deeply fulfilling journey, but it is one that I could not have completed alone.
First and foremost, I extend my profound gratitude to our chapter authors. Your deep domain
expertise, painstaking historical recollection, and commitment to documenting our shared scientific
legacy have given this volume its substance, authority, and breadth. Thank you for taking time out of
your demanding clinical and academic lives to contribute your insights.

I thank the global IFSO community - our past presidents, executive board members, chapter leaders,
and member societies. Your collective vision and ceaseless efforts over the last 30 years created the
very history recorded in these pages. It has been an honor to serve as your President and to
document our shared legacy.
My deepest appreciation goes to the extraordinary team who worked tirelessly behind the scenes to
bring this project across the finish line under an exceptionally demanding deadline: Your
endurance, professionalism, and unwavering focus during this final stretch were nothing short of
remarkable. This book simply would not exist without your extraordinary devotion.

I thank you all,
Khaled Gawdat, MD

Jane N. Buchwald: (IFSO Member)
A world-class scientific research writer, editor, and educator who has
contributed so much to IFSO over many years. Jane worked tirelessly on
editing, correcting, and shaping this manuscript into its final form. Simply
put, if it were not for her extraordinary effort and dedication, this book
would have never seen the light of day.

Manuela Mazzarella (IFSO Chief Operating Officer)
For her indefatigable dedication, administrative push, and sheer
determination. Manuela’s relentless drive was the central force that
propelled us through every tight deadline, overcame every
organizational barrier, and turned the vision of an available, printed
volume into a tangible reality.

Stefanie D'Arco (IFSO Membership & Communication Manager)
For her diligent efforts in coordination, communication, and meticulous
detail management. Stefanie played a vital role in keeping information
flowing smoothly and driving the project through to completion without
compromising on quality.

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