IFSO History Book

Thirty years ago, a group of visionary surgeons came together with a common belief: that obesity was a serious disease deserving scientific attention, multidisciplinary care, and effective treatment. At the time, bariatric surgery was still in its infancy, often misunderstood and frequently questioned. Yet those pioneers shared a conviction that collaboration, education, and scientific inquiry would ultimately transform the field and improve the lives of countless patients around the world.

From that vision, the International Federation for the Surgery of Obesity (IFSO) was born in 1995.

Today, as we celebrate the 30th anniversary of our Federation, we have the privilege of looking back on an extraordinary journey. What began as a relatively small network of dedicated surgeons has evolved into a truly global organization, representing thousands of professionals across every continent and serving as the leading international voice in bariatric and metabolic surgery.

The story told in these pages is more than the history of an organization. It is the story of a movement. A movement that challenged misconceptions about obesity. A movement that advanced scientific understanding of metabolic disease. A movement that transformed surgical practice, improved patient safety, and helped establish obesity as a chronic disease requiring comprehensive, evidence-based treatment.

Over the past three decades, our specialty has witnessed remarkable progress. We have moved from open surgery to minimally invasive techniques, from weight-loss surgery to metabolic surgery, and from isolated national efforts to a worldwide community united by a common mission. Through research, innovation, education, and advocacy, IFSO has played a central role in shaping these developments and promoting the highest standards of patient care.

This history is also a tribute to the individuals who dedicated their time, expertise, and leadership to building our Federation. The founders, past presidents, executive boards, chapter leaders, committee members, congress organizers, researchers, educators, and healthcare professionals whose commitment helped transform an ambitious vision into a thriving international organization. Their contributions have left a lasting legacy that continues to inspire future generations.

Equally important, this book recognizes the patients whose courage and trust have driven our efforts from the very beginning. Every scientific advance, every educational initiative, every guideline, and every innovation has ultimately been directed toward one goal: improving the lives and health of people living with obesity and metabolic disease.

As we reflect on our achievements, we must also look forward. The landscape of obesity treatment continues to evolve rapidly. New medications, endoscopic therapies, digital technologies, and advances in personalized medicine are creating unprecedented opportunities for patient care. In recognition of this changing environment, 2025 marked a historic milestone in our Federation's evolution with the adoption of a new name: the International Federation for the Surgery and Other Therapies for Obesity. This change reflects our commitment to embracing the full spectrum of evidence-based obesity treatment while remaining firmly rooted in the scientific excellence and surgical innovation that have defined IFSO since its foundation.

The history of IFSO is far from complete. The next chapter will be written by the leaders, clinicians, researchers, and advocates who continue to advance the science and care of obesity worldwide. I am confident that the same spirit of collaboration, innovation, and dedication that guided our founders will continue to shape our future.

On behalf of the Federation, I extend my deepest gratitude to all those who have contributed to this remarkable journey. May this book serve not only as a record of our past but also as an inspiration for the years ahead.

With pride and gratitude,

Prof. Khaled Gawdat
IFSO President 2025-2026

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