Scholarship Reports IFSO Toronto 2026

• Afton Koball, USA

  I am sincerely grateful to IFSO for awarding me a 2026 Scholarship to attend the IFSO World Congress in Toronto, Canada. The scholarship provided an invaluable opportunity to engage with an international community of clinicians and researchers committed to advancing metabolic and bariatric surgery and improving care for people living with obesity. A particular highlight was the opportunity to present my research, “Weight Stigma in Post-MBS Care: Meta-Perspectives of Primary Care Providers,” during the Free Papers 14 session: Mental health, Weight Stigma, and Behavioral Factors.

  Sharing this work with an international audience and engaging in discussion around weight stigma and the experiences of patients following metabolic and bariatric surgery was both professionally meaningful and inspiring. Beyond presenting my research, the Congress provided valuable opportunities to learn from colleagues across disciplines, exchange perspectives, and build connections with others working to advance compassionate, evidence-based obesity care. It was fun to meet clinicians and researchers whose work I know and respect. I returned from Toronto with new ideas and renewed enthusiasm for my clinical and research efforts. I am very grateful to IFSO for this scholarship and for the opportunity to participate in such an engaging and collaborative international meeting.

• Andrea Herrera Santelices, Chile

  I would like to express my sincere gratitude to the International Federation for the Surgery and Other Therapies for Obesity for awarding me the 2026 Integrated Health Scholarship, which supported my participation in the XXIX IFSO World Congress in Toronto, Canada. Receiving this scholarship was a great honor and a meaningful opportunity to continue growing both personally and professionally, while sharing experiences and knowledge with an international community committed to improving the lives of people living with obesity.

  As a physiotherapist, academic, and researcher from Chile, I have dedicated much of my professional career to understanding the role of physical exercise, rehabilitation, and cardiometabolic health in obesity management, particularly in people undergoing metabolic bariatric surgery. Attending this congress was an enriching experience that strengthened my conviction that obesity care requires an interdisciplinary, evidence-based, and person-centered approach, in which Integrated Health professionals play an essential role.

  One of the most meaningful moments of the congress was the opportunity to present our work on the First Latin American Consensus on Physical Exercise in Obesity and Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery. This collaborative initiative brings together the efforts of healthcare professionals and researchers from across Latin America to develop recommendations that respond to the particular needs and realities of our region. Being able to share this work with the international scientific community was especially significant to me, not only as a researcher but also as a Latin American professional committed to strengthening the recognition of physical exercise as an essential therapeutic component of obesity care.

  Throughout the congress, I had the opportunity to learn from leading experts, explore new scientific perspectives, and appreciate the importance of collaboration among different healthcare disciplines. I particularly valued IFSO's evolving vision of obesity treatment, which recognizes that this chronic and complex disease requires comprehensive and sustained therapeutic strategies. This perspective closely reflects my own professional commitment to promoting physical exercise and rehabilitation as fundamental components of care, rather than complementary interventions.

  Beyond the scientific knowledge, this experience reminded me of the importance of creating opportunities for professionals from Latin America to participate in international scientific discussions. Coming from Chile, where access to these opportunities can sometimes be challenging, receiving this scholarship was particularly meaningful. It provided an opportunity to share our regional contributions, learn from diverse experiences, and strengthen my motivation to continue developing research and educational initiatives that contribute to more equitable and comprehensive obesity care. I return from this experience feeling grateful, inspired, and even more committed to contributing to the advancement of integrated obesity care through research, education, and clinical practice. Thank you, IFSO, for this opportunity, for recognizing the contributions of Integrated Health professionals, and for supporting the participation of professionals from different regions of the world.

• Farnaz Farsi, Iran

  I would like to express my sincere gratitude to the Integrated Health Scholarships committee for awarding the scholarship that enabled my participation in the XXIX IFSO World Congress 2026, held in Toronto, Canada. I am deeply grateful for the opportunity to participate in this event of great scientific relevance and professional impact. Through this scholarship support, I had the privilege of presenting my research, including an oral presentation on “Weight loss and micronutrient outcomes after one anastomosis gastric bypass in adolescents”—which was honored as the best oral presentation in our panel—and an e-poster titled “Post-bariatric gut microbiota dysbiosis and nephrolithiasis risk: a literature review.”

  Additionally, as one of the contributing authors, I was thrilled to introduce the IFSO Cookbook Vol. 4 to international participants for the first time. During the conference, I had the invaluable opportunity to interact with world-renowned experts, Young IFSO members, and dedicated I.H professionals. Participating in discussions on GLP-1 agonists, nutritional complications in the post-operative period, and emerging trends in bariatric care was immensely enriching. The event provided access to exceptional scientific sessions, pre-courses, and fostered rich interdisciplinary collaborations. As a bariatric dietitian at the Minimally Invasive Surgery Research Center, Iran University of Medical Sciences, I highlight the excellent organization of the conference and the wonderful networking opportunities. Attending the IFSO Congress has also strengthened my motivation to contribute meaningfully to the field of MBS. It has reinforced my commitment to improving patient outcomes through research, innovation, and compassionate integrated care. I would like to thank IFSO once again for recognizing and supporting Integrated Health professionals. I look forward to continuing to amplify the IH voice, advance collaborative care, and stay active within the global IFSO community.

• Kajsa Järvholm, Sweden

  I would like to express my sincere and heartfelt gratitude to IFSO for awarding me the Integrated Health Scholarship. It made it possible for me to attend the IFSO 2026 Congress in Toronto, and I am very grateful for the opportunity to take part. It was especially rewarding to present on a topic I care deeply about at the Pre-Congress Course From Weight Loss to Health Gain: Celebrating the Strength of the Integrated Health Team.

  My presentation, Adolescents in Surgery and Obesity Care: Best Practices for Research Involving Teens Undergoing Treatment, focused on the importance of conducting research with young people in ways that take their needs and perspectives into account. I was also grateful for the opportunity to present data from two ongoing research projects: A Decade Later: A Qualitative Study of Parents’ Reflections on Adolescent Metabolic Bariatric Surgery and Its Long-Term Impact and AMOS2: Five-Year Mental Health Outcomes After Metabolic Bariatric Surgery or Intensive Treatment in Adolescents with Severe Obesity – A Randomized Clinical Trial.

  The greatest benefit of the congress, however, was the opportunity to listen to other presentations and learn from the knowledge and experience of colleagues. I particularly appreciated seeing an increasingly holistic perspective on the patient come through in the programme. Meeting colleagues I already knew, as well as making new connections, also gave us the chance to exchange ideas and discuss potential collaborations. I return inspired by these conversations and grateful to be part of a community working together to provide the best possible care for people undergoing metabolic bariatric surgery.

• Lucía Alonso Díez, Spain

  Attending the XXIX IFSO 2026 World Congress in Toronto was a truly enriching experience, made possible by the IFSO Integrated Health Scholarship. As a young nutritionist, I am especially grateful for this support, which enabled me to attend the congress and further expand my knowledge and expertise in metabolic bariatric surgery. The congress brought together professionals from around the world, creating an inspiring environment for scientific exchange and professional growth.

  The scientific program provided valuable insights into the latest advances in our field and reinforced the importance of a multidisciplinary approach to obesity care. I also had the opportunity to present my research as an oral presentation entitled “Long-Term Nutritional Deficiencies Persist Regardless of Recurrent Weight Gain After Metabolic Bariatric Surgery.” Sharing my work with an international audience was a valuable experience and an excellent opportunity to contribute to scientific discussions in the field. Beyond the scientific sessions, one of the most valuable aspects of the congress was the opportunity to connect with colleagues from different countries and professional backgrounds.

  Exchanging experiences, strengthening existing relationships, and building new connections reminded me of the value of being part of an international community committed to advancing knowledge and improving patient care. This experience has further motivated me to continue learning, broaden my professional perspective, and apply the knowledge gained to my practice. I would like to express my sincere gratitude to IFSO for supporting young professionals through the Integrated Health Scholarship and for making such valuable learning and networking opportunities possible.

• Adisa Poljo, Switzerland

  I would like to express my sincere gratitude to IFSO for awarding me the IFSO Scholarship for Surgeons 2026, which enabled me to attend the IFSO World Congress in Toronto, Canada. It was a great honour to receive this recognition and an invaluable opportunity for my professional and academic development. The World Congress provided an outstanding platform for scientific exchange, bringing together leading experts, surgeons, researchers, and multidisciplinary professionals from across the globe. It was particularly inspiring to experience the breadth and evolution of metabolic bariatric surgery, exchange perspectives on current challenges, and gain insights into emerging research and future directions in our field.

  An important highlight for me was the opportunity to actively contribute to the scientific programme by presenting two research projects. The first presentation focused on Quantitative Changes in the Serum Proteome and Phosphoproteome in Patients with Obesity and Type 2 Diabetes Following Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery, exploring the metabolic and molecular changes associated with surgery. The second presentation addressed The Impact of Obesity On-set and Duration on Outcomes After Metabolic Bariatric Surgery: An International DACH-Multicenter Cohort Study, investigating the influence of obesity history on long-term surgical outcomes. Presenting these projects to an international audience provided a valuable opportunity to discuss our findings, receive feedback, and exchange ideas with colleagues working in related research areas.

  Beyond the scientific programme, I particularly enjoyed reconnecting with colleagues from Young IFSO and meeting new people from the international bariatric surgery community. I also had the opportunity to meet some of the surgeons from the bariatric team at Toronto Western Hospital, which was a great opportunity to connect and share experiences. These encounters, both old and new, made the congress a particularly memorable experience and reminded me of the importance of international exchange and collaboration in our field. I would like to sincerely thank IFSO for investing in young surgeons and researchers and for providing opportunities that go beyond financial support. This scholarship enabled me not only to participate in a world-leading scientific congress but also to feel part of a truly international community working towards improving the care of people living with obesity. I am deeply grateful for this opportunity and look forward to continuing to contribute to the field of metabolic bariatric surgery, both in Switzerland and internationally.

• Sanchez Anabella Beatriz, Argentina

  Attending the IFSO 2026 World Congress in Toronto, Canada, as an official IFSO Scholarship recipient has been a transformative experience for my academic and clinical career in metabolic bariatric surgery. I extend my sincere gratitude to the IFSO Scholarship Committee, the leadership team, and the congress organizers for providing young surgeons like myself with the invaluable opportunity to connect with global experts and engage with cutting-edge scientific innovations. Among the exceptional clinical sessions, live surgery broadcasts, and scientific symposia, two specific activities stood out as defining highlights of my participation in Toronto:

  • The Bariatric Suturing Tournament:Participating in the Suturing Tournament was an extraordinarily engaging and high-yield experience. Competing alongside dynamic peers from across the world tested precision, laparoscopic speed, and ergonomic efficiency under expert observation. It provided a unique environment to benchmark my surgical technique, refine advanced tissue-handling skills, and gain immediate practical feedback from international faculty.
  • Young IFSO Activities & Networking:The dedicated Young IFSO sessions offered an exceptional platform tailored specifically to early-career bariatric surgeons. The mentorship panels, networking mixers, and collaborative workshops demonstrated the vibrant spirit and inclusivity of the global Young IFSO community.

  Future Engagement with Young IFSO

  Inspired by the high energy and welcoming environment in Toronto, I am eager to formally become an active member of Young IFSO. I am enthusiastic about contributing to future committee projects, multicenter research initiatives, and international peer exchange programs, serving as an ambassador for metabolic health in my home region. The scientific program in Toronto offered outstanding depth across complex bariatric topics. Key panels on endoscopic bariatric therapies (EBTs), single-anastomosis procedures, and the management of metabolic revisional surgery provided crucial insights that directly inform my clinical practice. Exposure to new long-term safety data and international consensus guidelines has strengthened my evidence-based approach to patient selection and post-operative care. The knowledge, connections, and surgical motivation gained at IFSO 2026 will have a lasting impact on my clinical development. Returning home, my immediate goals are:

  -Knowledge Dissemination: Share key technological updates and guidelines with colleagues at my home institute.
  -Surgical Refinement: Implement ergonomics and suturing techniques practiced during the Toronto hands-on sessions.
  -Active Membership: Formally join Young IFSO initiatives and help foster young surgeon participation in future congresses.

  I would like to express my deepest thanks once again to the IFSO Board, the Scholarship Committee, and the global bariatric community for this honor and memorable experience. 

• Bárbara Luiza Charneski, Brazil

  Dear IFSO Scholarship Committee, I would like to express my sincere gratitude for the opportunity to attend the IFSO 2026 Congress in Toronto as a scholarship recipient. Receiving this award was a great honour, and it made possible an experience that has enriched me both professionally and personally. The congress offered valuable exposure to emerging technologies and to a multifactorial approach to obesity, particularly the growing role of new anti-obesity medications as a complement to surgical care.

  The hands-on areas in robotics, laparoscopy and endoscopy were a highlight, as were the discussions on how novel drugs will shape patient management in the years ahead. Exchanging surgical experiences with colleagues from around the world was equally rewarding. Delivering an oral presentation of my work, "Artificial Intelligence to Predict Weight Loss After Gastric Bypass: Personalized 10-Year Weight-Loss Prediction and Patient Follow-Up," in the technology track was a key moment of the congress, and the feedback I received will guide the next steps of my research. I return to Brazil inspired and committed to applying what I learned in my practice. Thank you once again for this extraordinary opportunity.

• Ralph Victor C. Yap, Philippines

  I would like to express my heartfelt gratitude to the IFSO Scholarship Committee for giving me the opportunity to attend the IFSO 2026 World Congress in Toronto, Canada. The experience felt surreal. It was my first time visiting Canada, and being selected as an IFSO scholar was truly an honor. Coming from the Philippines, where opportunities to attend major international conferences can be limited, this scholarship meant so much to me, both personally and professionally.

  Having completed my fellowship training in metabolic bariatric surgery less than a year earlier, attending the congress was both inspiring and humbling. The pre-congress workshop on robotic bariatric surgery and the main scientific sessions exposed me to advances in surgical techniques, emerging technologies, obesity pharmacotherapy, and comprehensive obesity care. It reminded me that there is still so much to learn beyond the operating room. One of the highlights was presenting two of our research projects through rapid-fire presentations. Equally memorable was meeting world-renowned surgeons whom I had previously known only through publications and social media. Learning from their experiences, exchanging ideas, and exploring opportunities for future training and collaboration were invaluable.

  I returned home with renewed motivation and a broader perspective on obesity management. In the Philippines, where metabolic and bariatric surgery remains underutilized, I hope to apply what I have learned to promote greater awareness, improve access to evidence-based treatment, and provide better care for patients living with obesity. This scholarship gave me far more than the opportunity to attend a congress. It opened doors, broadened my perspective, and inspired me to become a better surgeon, researcher, and advocate for obesity care. Thank you, IFSO, for supporting young surgeons like me. I will always be grateful for this opportunity.

• Félix Thibeault, France

  I would like to sincerely thank IFSO for awarding me a scholarship to attend the 2026 IFSO World Congress in Toronto this past September. This meeting held special meaning for me. It took place in my home country, and it was my first time back since I left a year ago for my bariatric surgery fellowship in Lille, France. It was a real pleasure to introduce my new European colleagues to my long-time friends in the Canadian bariatric community, and to help strengthen the ties between these two leading centres of metabolic bariatric surgery.

  The scientific program was outstanding. Several sessions took a thoughtful look at where metabolic bariatric surgery stands now that anti-obesity medications are so widely used, and at how the two approaches can complement each other rather than compete. I also appreciated the coverage of emerging technologies such as magnetic compression anastomosis, and the video sessions on complex cases were among the most educational of the meeting. I had the honour of presenting our new results on the survival benefit associated with the resolution of clinical obesity, a concept that has drawn considerable attention over the past two years. This work was made possible by the exceptional long-term data collected by Prof. François Pattou and our team in Lille.

  I am very grateful that the abstract was recognized with a scholarship, and the discussion after the presentation gave me valuable feedback for the next steps of the project. I am leaving Toronto with new ideas, new collaborations and a renewed enthusiasm for our field, which I look forward to bringing back to my team in Lille and, eventually, to my practice in Canada. Thank you again to IFSO and the Scientific Committee for this opportunity. I hope to see everyone at next year’s congress.