Conference Program

Stephen A. Glazer, MD, FRCP(C), FCCP
Internal Medicine
Critical Care Medicine
Diplomate of the American Board of Obesity Medicine

Medical Director, Bariatric Surgical Program
Humber River Regional Hospital
American College of Surgeons Level 1 Accredited Bariatric Center of Excellence

Medical Director, Greater Toronto Area Medical Bariatric Program
Humber River Regional Hospital/University Health Network

Assistant Professor, Department of Medicine
Division of Endocrinology and Metabolism
Queen's University

Lecturer, Department of Internal Medicine
University of Toronto
Toronto, Ontario

Dr. Stephen Glazer is a board certified specialist from the University of Toronto in Internal Medicine and Intensive Care Medicine. He is also a Diplomate of the American Board of Obesity Medicine. In April 2010 he was appointed as the Medical Director for the Bariatric Surgical Program at Humber River Regional Hospital. He was instrumental in redeveloping their comprehensive bariatric surgical program. In that year, the bariatric surgical program was nominated as a Leading Practice by Accreditation Canada. In 2012 Dr. Glazer was appointed as a the Director of the only hospital-based Medical Bariatric Program for the Greater Toronto Area, which has enjoyed great growth and development due to the significant contributions of its multidiscipline team members. Dr. Glazer's commitment to the Obesity Epidemic is further displayed by his participation in many committees through the Ontario Bariatric Network and the Canadian Association of Bariatric Physicians and Surgeons. He has a strong interest in program development, quality care initiatives, and physician education. He has personally been involved in direct patient care of over thousands of bariatric patients in the attempt to facilitate weight loss for improved overall health. His research interests include perioperative risk assessment and management as well as sleep apnea in the morbidly obese.

Laurent Biertho, MD
Université Laval, 
Département de Chirurgie
Institut de cardiologie et de pneumologie de Québec
Quebec City, Quebec

Dr Laurent Biertho is Clinical Professor of Surgery at Laval University. After being trained in Biomedical Sciences (1993) and Medicine (1998) at the University of Liege, Belgium, he completed his residency in General Surgery (2004). He underwent post-doctoral training in Minimally Invasive surgery at the Mount Sinai School of Medicine in New York, USA, and McMaster University, Canada (2004-2006). At the end of his training, he was appointed Assistant Professor at McMaster University. He was then offered a position as an Associate Professor of Surgery at Laval University, to introduce minimally invasive bariatric and metabolic surgery at the Institut Universitaire de Cardiologie et Pneumologie de Québec. He is the director of the fellowship program in Bariatric and Metabolic surgery at Laval University and co-director of the Research Chair in Bariatric and Metabolic Surgery. He is also the president of the Canadian Association of Bariatric Physicians and Surgeons.

† Denotes real or potential conflict of interest. Speaker/Presenter requested to declare in his/her presentation slide deck.

Alene Toulany, MD MSc., FRCP(C) 
Adolescent Medicine Specialist
Associate Director, Centre for Quality Improvement and Patient Safety
Assistant Professor, Department of Paediatrics, University of Toronto
The Hospital for Sick Children
Toronto, Ontario

Dr. Toulany is a Pediatrician and Adolescent Medicine Specialist at The Hospital for Sick Children and Assistant Professor in the Department of Paediatrics, University of Toronto. Dr. Toulany is also the Associate Director and SickKids Lead for the Centre for Quality Improvement and Patient Safety. She completed her medical degree at Dalhousie University and postgraduate specialty training at SickKids.

Dr. Toulany is a graduate of the US VA Quality Scholars Fellowship from Dartmouth College Institute for Health Policy & Clinical Practice and has recently completed a MSc in Health Services Research at the Institute for Health Policy, Management and Evaluation, University of Toronto. Her research interests include quality of care and health services outcomes for young people with complex, chronic medical and mental illness and the critical period of transition to adult care. Clinically, she works with teens around issues of body image, obesity and disordered eating, sleep, coping with chronic illness, peer relationships, and sexual health.

Presentation Overview  

Adolescence is one of the most rapid phases of human development. It is a particularly challenging time when young people must learn to cope with the dramatic changes in their physical, cognitive and psychosocial environments.  The “adolescent experience” for youth with obesity is often different than their healthy weight peers. In particular, weight stigmatization and discrimination are chronic stressors that may have a profound effect on relationships and psychological well-being.  

Learning Objectives

At the end of this presentation, participants should be able to: 

• Describe how adolescents with severe obesity experience peer relationships and cope with bullying
• Understand the dating, sexual attitudes and experiences of adolescents with severe obesity

Jill Hamilton, MD, FRCP(C) 
Professor of Paediatrics, University of Toronto
Staff Physician , Division of Endocrinology
Senior Associate Scientist, Research Institute
Director, Centre for Healthy Active Kids
Mead Johnson Chair in Nutritional Science
The Hospital for Sick Children
Toronto, Ontario

Jill Hamilton (MD, MSc, FRCPC) is a Pediatric Endocrinologist at the Hospital for Sick Children, Senior Associate Scientist at the Research Institute, and Professor of Paediatrics at University of Toronto.  Her clinical work is in endocrinology and diabetes with a particular focus in the areas of complex obesity (including hypothalamic obesity and bariatric surgery patients). She is the medical director of the SickKids Team Obesity Management Program (STOMP) and co-chair of the Ontario Paediatric Bariatric Network (OPBN).   Her research focuses on (i) the metabolic complications of obesity in childhood, (ii) biologic and psychosocial determinants of obesity, and (iii) obesity treatment.  She has over 100 peer-reviewed publications and has received research funding from agencies including Canadian Institutes for Health Research (CIHR), National Institute of Health (NIH), Heart and Stroke Foundation and Canadian Diabetes Association.

† Denotes real or potential conflict of interest. Speaker/Presenter requested to declare in his/her presentation slide deck.

Presentation Overview

Bariatric surgery remains the most effective tools to assist in weight loss and improvements in cardiometabolic health. Recent consensus guidelines have relaxed eligibility criteria for surgery in adolescents, but there remains a paucity of long term data regarding sustained weight loss and predictors of who will benefit most from these procedures in this age group.  Recent guidelines will be highlighted, and local data from the SickKids Team Obesity Management Program (STOMP) will be presented, with a focus on predictors related to weight loss 1-2 years after surgery.

Learning Objectives

At the end of this presentation, participants should be able to:

• Describe the eligibility criteria for bariatric surgery in adolescence, with a focus on changes to the guidelines
• Understand predictors of weight loss in adolescents following bariatric surgery 

Alissa Steinberg, RD, CDE, MHSc 
Registered Dietitian 
Sickkids Team Obesity Management Program (STOMP)
Toronto, Ontario

Alissa Steinberg currently works as a Registered Dietitian for the SickKids Team Obesity Management Program (STOMP). Through this position she has developed a deeper understanding of the complex, physical and psychological issues that children with severe obesity typically face. By obtaining the Certified Diabetes Educator designation, she was able to create guidelines and nutrition education tools for patients with prediabetes and type 2 diabetes. In an effort to hone her research skills, she pursued a Master of Health Science (MHSc) degree in Nutrition Communication; and earned a publication in the Canadian Journal of Dietetic Practice and Research.

Presentation Overview

This presentation will discuss what is “hyperphagia”, key strategies for managing hyperphagia and behavioural management related to hyperphagia.  A nutrition approach such as structure, routine, portions and food types will also be reviewed. Participants will receive a  healthcare provider toolbox and "Let’s meet Matthew: putting it all together". 

Learning Objectives

At the end of this presentation, participants should be able to:

• Define hyperphagia 
• Identify patients with hyperphagia 
• Learn/apply strategies related to the nutritional and behavioural management of hyperphagia  

Adam Bryant, BSc., BASc., RD
Registered Dietitian
Certified Bariatric Educator
Bariatric Program
St. Joseph's Healthcare Hamilton
Hamilton, Ontario

Adam first graduated from McMaster University with a Bachelor of Science before deciding to pursue a career in nutrition.  He then earned a Bachelor of Applied Science in Human Nutrition from the University of Guelph.  Adam completed his dietetic internship at Mount Sinai Hospital in Toronto, and has worked for the Bariatric Surgery Program at the St. Joseph's Healthcare Hamilton Bariatric Centre of Excellence since 2011. He achieved his Certified Bariatric Educator credential in 2018.  Adam is actively involved with the Ontario Bariatric Network, is co-chair of the Communications Committee and is currently on the Board of Directors for the Canadian Association of Bariatric Physicians and Surgeons.

Presentation Overview

This talk will discuss prevention strategies for common macro and micronutrient deficiencies after duodenal switch.

Learning Objectives

At the end of this presentation, participants should be able to:

• Understand the mechanisms of nutritional deficiencies after duodenal switch
• Understand preventative and therapeutic vitamin/mineral dosing

Nicole Kolozsvari, MD, MSc., FRCS(C)
General and Bariatric Surgeon, The Ottawa Hospital
Assistant Professor of Surgery, University of Ottawa
Program Director, University of Ottawa Bariatric Surgery Fellowship Program
Ottawa, Ontario

Dr. Nicole Kolozsvari is a general surgeon at the Ottawa Hospital. She received her medical degree from the University of Western Ontario. She then completed her General surgery residency, Master’s of Science and Minimally Invasive Bariatric Surgery Fellowship all at McGill University. She joined the Department of Surgery at the University of Ottawa in 2016, with a practice focused on bariatric and foregut surgery. She is also the program director for the University of Ottawa Bariatric Surgery Fellowship.

Presentation Overview

This presentation will discuss the identification and management of surgical complications following duodenal switch.

Learning Objectives

At the end of this presentation, participants should be able to:

• Identify early and late surgical complications after duodenal switch
• Discuss the approach to managing surgical complications following duodenal switch

Amin Andalib, MD, MSc. (Epid), FACS, FRCS(C), FASMBS 
Program Director for Bariatric Surgery
Assistant Professor of Surgery
McGill University
Montreal, Quebec

Dr. Andalib has joined the Division of General Surgery at McGill University as an Assistant Professor of Surgery in 2015. He specializes in Bariatric Surgery, which is the main focus of his clinical practice. He is also the Program Director for Bariatric Surgery Fellowship at McGill University. His research interests center on clinical outcomes, quality improvement, and patient safety projects in bariatric surgery. They include outcome assessment and risk reduction after bariatric surgery especially using large databases.

Presentation Overview

This presentation will discuss the controversies surrounding Single-Anastomosis DS.
 
Learning Objectives

At the end of this presentation, participants should be able to:

• Know expected medium-longterm outcomes from Single-Anastomosis DS and how they compare to other comparable procedures 
• Identify early and late surgical complications after Single-Anastomosis DS
• Discuss the approach to managing surgical complications following Single-Anastomosis DS

John Morton, MD, MPH, FACS
Past President, IFSO-NAC
Past President, ASMBS
Vice-Chair, Quality and Performance Improvement

Division Chief, Bariatric and Minimally Invasive Surgery
Department of Surgery, Yale University School of Medicine
Editor-in-Chief, Bariatric Times
Chair, Committee for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery, American College of Surgeons
New Haven, Connecticut

Dr. John Morton is Vice-Chair for Quality and Division Chief for Bariatric and Minimally Invasive Surgery for the Department of Surgery at the Yale School of Medicine. From 2003-2019, he served as Chief of Bariatric and Minimally Invasive Surgery, Clinic Chief for the Bariatric and Metabolic Inter-Disciplinary Clinic and Director of Bariatric and Minimally Invasive Surgery Fellowship at Stanford University School of Medicine. Dr. Morton received undergraduate, Masters in Public Health, and Medical Doctor Degree from Tulane University and a Masters in Health Administration from University of Washington. He was the first surgical resident to receive a Robert Wood Johnson Clinical Scholar Fellowship in the program’s history at University of Washington and also completed an advanced laparoscopic fellowship at University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill.  He served on Capitol Hill as Senator Bill Frist’s Health Policy Intern. He is a Diplomate of both the American Board of Surgery and American Board of Obesity Medicine and certified in Medical Quality by the American College of Medical Quality. 

He has published over 145 articles and 18 book chapters with over 300 national and international presentations. He serves as editor of four books: Quality in Obesity Treatment, Morbid Obesity: Perioperative Management, The ASMBS Textbook of Bariatric Surgery, Volume 1: Bariatric Surgery and SAGES Handbook on Quality, Patient Safety and Outcomes. Furthermore, he is Clinical Editor for Bariatric Times and serves on 11 editorial boards including Obesity Surgery, Surgery for Obesity and Related Diseases, American College of Surgeons Case Studies in Surgery, and World Journal of Gastroenterology. 

His research efforts have been recognized by 28 research awards from 5 different surgical societies. As a teacher, Dr. Morton has received 5 teaching awards at Stanford in 8 years including the 2008 Arthur Bloomfield Clinical Teacher of the Year & 2011 Henry J. Kaiser Teaching Award. 

As Director of Surgical Quality at Stanford University Medical Center from 2007-2013, Dr. Morton led efforts to improve the Department of Surgery’s University Health Consortium’s annual ranking from 24/98 to 1/98 and their Annual NSQIP mortality ranking from Average to Exemplary. Currently, he is the national Chair of the Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery Accreditation and Quality Improvement Program (MBSAQIP), a collaboration for 800 hospitals between the American Society of Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery and the American College of Surgeons. 

From 2014-5, he served as elected President of the American Society of Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery (ASMBS) composed of over 4000 members from 52 countries. In 2017, he received the highest honor accorded to a bariatric surgeon with the ASMBS Foundation Award for Outstanding Achievement. With over 3000 bariatric surgeries performed, he has been recognized as a bariatric surgery leader by Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality, RAND, American College of Surgeons, Who’s Who and America’s Top Surgeons. 
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XJaFJCZRtb4

Maria Tiboni, MD, FRCP(C)
Associate Professor, McMaster University
St. Joseph's Healthcare, Hamilton, ON

Dr. Maria Tiboni graduated with honors from the University of Buenos Aires, Argentina in 1990 and completed training in Internal Medicine.  She moved to Canada in 1999 and retrained in Internal Medicine at McMaster University receiving her FRCPC in Internal Medicine from the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada in 2006.  Dr. Tiboni holds an academic appointment at the rank of Associate Professor, Department of Medicine, at McMaster University and she is also a staff physician at St. Joseph’s Healthcare Hamilton (SJH) since 2006.  She was appointed the Medical Director of the Bariatric Surgical Program at SJH in 2009, she is a member of the Ontario Bariatric Network Advisory Board and chairs the Ontario Bariatric Network Medical Task Force.

Her interests include perioperative and consultative medicine, medical student and resident education.  Dr. Tiboni’s research interest is perioperative medicine with focus on non-cardiac surgery and bariatric surgery.

She is the local Co-PI at Saint Joseph’s Healthcare of the Vision Study (Vascular Events In Non Cardiac Surgery PatIents COhort evaluatioN), the POISE 2 study (PeriOperative Ischemic Evaluation- 2 Trial). She is the local Co-PI at Saint Joseph's Healtcare of the Vision Study (Vascular Events In Non Cardiac Surgery PatIents COhort evaluantioN)

Christopher D. Still, DO, FACN, FACP, FTOS
Director, Geisinger Obesity Institute
Medical Director, Center for Nutrition and Weight Management
Associate, Department of Gastroenterology and Nutrition
Geisinger Health Care System
Danville, Pennsylvania

Professor of Medicine 
Department of Clinical Sciences
Geisinger Commonwealth School of Medicine
Scranton, Pennsylvania

Adjunct Clinical Assistant Professor of Nutrition
The Pennsylvania State University
University Park, Pennsylvania

Dr. Still has been studying developments in nutrition, metabolic syndrome, and obesity for nearly three decades.  His work has included research into genetic markers for obesity, NASH and diabetes; longitudinal assessment and outcomes of the bariatric surgery patient.  

He has recently edited CRC Press 2014 Nutrition and Bariatric surgery as well as 2014 ASMBS Textbook of Bariatric Surgery, Volume1.  He has also published in multiple journals, including Obesity, PNAS, Lancet Endocrinology, Annals of Surgery, Gastroenterology, Journal of Clinical Gastroenterology, Surgery for Obesity and Related Disorders, Human Molecular Genetics, among others.   He has lectured on such subjects as vitamin and mineral metabolism; diet, nutrition, and exercise; obesity through the life cycle; and the peri-operative medical and nutritional management of the bariatric surgery patient.

Dr. Still is certified by the American Board of Internal Medicine, American Board of Obesity Medicine, the American Board of Physician Nutrition Specialists, and the American College of Nutrition.  He belongs to several professional societies, including The Obesity Society, American Society of Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery and the American Society of Parenteral and Enteral Nutrition.  He is a fellow of the American College of Physicians and the American College of Nutrition.  He served on the board of directors for The Obesity Action Coalition and is the past President of the National Board of Physician Nutrition Specialists as well as others editorial boards.  He and his program have been featured on CNN, National Public Radio, ABC News, The Discovery Health Channel and several local affiliates.  He was awarded the 2011 ASMBS’ Integrated Health Circle of Excellence Award.

Dr. Still received Master of Science degree from Columbia University Institute of Human Nutrition and his osteopathic medical degree from The Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine.  He completed his internship at the University of Buffalo at Sisters of Charity Hospital, followed by a residency in internal medicine and a subsequent fellowship in clinical nutrition and obesity medicine at Geisinger Medical Center in Danville, Pa.

† Denotes real or potential conflict of interest. Speaker/Presenter requested to declare in his/her presentation slide deck.

Presentation Overview 
 
Bariatric surgery has been shown to be a safe and effective treatment modality for the treatment of obesity and its multiple co-morbid medical problems.  The sleeve gastrectomy, Roux-en Y gastric bypass, and the duodenal switch remain the most common procedures currently performed.  The presentation with review the anatomical changes that occur with each procedure, alterations in absorption as it relates to potential nutritional deficiencies and reasoning for appropriate supplementation.
 
Learning Objectives 
 
At the end of this presentation, participants should be able to:

• Understand the anatomical changes that occur with the most common bariatric procedures
• Explain the changes in absorption that occurs with each bariatric procedure
• Describe the appropriate post-operative supplementation required after bariatric surgery

David E. Harris, MD, FRCP(C), Dipl. of ABOM
Richmond Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery Program
Richmond, British Columbia

LEAF Weight Management Clinic
Ottawa, Ontario

Dr. Harris is an Endocrinologist and General Internist trained at the University of British Columbia. He has completed the American Boards in Obesity and Bariatric Medicine. He works as a medical director of the Richmond Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery Program in Richmond, BC, for the past 6 years, and still remotely today. 

Recently, his family relocated to Ottawa, and he has joined the LEAF Medical Weight Management Clinic. Dr. Harris enjoys teaching physicians in obesity and bariatrics, and participates in conducting clinical research - mainly studies in the bariatric surgery process, diabetes, and immunology integrated with clinical obesity studies. His future research goals include pharmacological studies of obesity, and also studies of brown and beige adipose tissue.

† Denotes real or potential conflict of interest. Speaker/Presenter requested to declare in his/her presentation slide deck.

Learning Objectives

At the end of this presentation, participants should be able to: 

• Review 2 rare cases of nutritional deficiency/excess
• Review treatment and management

Christopher D. Still, DO, FACN, FACP, FTOS
Director, Geisinger Obesity Institute
Medical Director, Center for Nutrition and Weight Management
Associate, Department of Gastroenterology and Nutrition
Geisinger Health Care System
Danville, Pennsylvania

Professor of Medicine 
Department of Clinical Sciences
Geisinger Commonwealth School of Medicine
Scranton, Pennsylvania

Adjunct Clinical Assistant Professor of Nutrition
The Pennsylvania State University
University Park, Pennsylvania

Dr. Still has been studying developments in nutrition, metabolic syndrome, and obesity for nearly three decades.  His work has included research into genetic markers for obesity, NASH and diabetes; longitudinal assessment and outcomes of the bariatric surgery patient.  

He has recently edited CRC Press 2014 Nutrition and Bariatric surgery as well as 2014 ASMBS Textbook of Bariatric Surgery, Volume1.  He has also published in multiple journals, including Obesity, PNAS, Lancet Endocrinology, Annals of Surgery, Gastroenterology, Journal of Clinical Gastroenterology, Surgery for Obesity and Related Disorders, Human Molecular Genetics, among others.   He has lectured on such subjects as vitamin and mineral metabolism; diet, nutrition, and exercise; obesity through the life cycle; and the peri-operative medical and nutritional management of the bariatric surgery patient.

Dr. Still is certified by the American Board of Internal Medicine, American Board of Obesity Medicine, the American Board of Physician Nutrition Specialists, and the American College of Nutrition.  He belongs to several professional societies, including The Obesity Society, American Society of Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery and the American Society of Parenteral and Enteral Nutrition.  He is a fellow of the American College of Physicians and the American College of Nutrition.  He served on the board of directors for The Obesity Action Coalition and is the past President of the National Board of Physician Nutrition Specialists as well as others editorial boards.  He and his program have been featured on CNN, National Public Radio, ABC News, The Discovery Health Channel and several local affiliates.  He was awarded the 2011 ASMBS’ Integrated Health Circle of Excellence Award.

Dr. Still received Master of Science degree from Columbia University Institute of Human Nutrition and his osteopathic medical degree from The Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine.  He completed his internship at the University of Buffalo at Sisters of Charity Hospital, followed by a residency in internal medicine and a subsequent fellowship in clinical nutrition and obesity medicine at Geisinger Medical Center in Danville, Pa.

† Denotes real or potential conflict of interest. Speaker/Presenter requested to declare in his/her presentation slide deck.

Presentation Overview
 
The incidence of obesity has increased dramatically over the past 3 decades and is considered to have reached epidemic proportions.  Clinicians are often patient’s first line faced discussing effective weight management without having much or any formal training. This presentation with review clinically relevant treatment options geared toward the busy clinician.  Current popular diets will be reviewed as well as effective behavior modification techniques and exercise recommendations.  Moreover, current anti-obesity medications will be reviewed.  Specifically, their indications, options, pathophysiology, and most appropriate patient selection.  Medications currently in developed will be reviewed.
 
Learning Objectives
 
At the end of this presentation, participants should be able to:

• Utilize effective diet, exercise, and behavior modification techniques for the management of patients with overweight or obesity
• Identify patients that are indicated and likely to benefit from anti-obesity medications
• Review the mechanisms of action and effectiveness of currently available anti-obesity medications

Stephen A. Glazer, MD, FRCP(C), FCCP
Internal Medicine
Critical Care Medicine
Diplomate of the American Board of Obesity Medicine

Medical Director, Bariatric Surgical Program
Humber River Regional Hospital
American College of Surgeons Level 1 Accredited Bariatric Center of Excellence

Medical Director, Greater Toronto Area Medical Bariatric Program
Humber River Regional Hospital/University Health Network

Assistant Professor, Department of Medicine
Division of Endocrinology and Metabolism
Queen's University

Lecturer, Department of Internal Medicine
University of Toronto
Toronto, Ontario

Dr. Stephen Glazer is a board certified specialist from the University of Toronto in Internal Medicine and Intensive Care Medicine. He is also a Diplomate of the American Board of Obesity Medicine. In April 2010 he was appointed as the Medical Director for the Bariatric Surgical Program at Humber River Regional Hospital. He was instrumental in redeveloping their comprehensive bariatric surgical program. In that year, the bariatric surgical program was nominated as a Leading Practice by Accreditation Canada. In 2012 Dr. Glazer was appointed as a the Director of the only hospital-based Medical Bariatric Program for the Greater Toronto Area, which has enjoyed great growth and development due to the significant contributions of its multidiscipline team members. Dr. Glazer's commitment to the Obesity Epidemic is further displayed by his participation in many committees through the Ontario Bariatric Network and the Canadian Association of Bariatric Physicians and Surgeons. He has a strong interest in program development, quality care initiatives, and physician education. He has personally been involved in direct patient care of over thousands of bariatric patients in the attempt to facilitate weight loss for improved overall health. His research interests include perioperative risk assessment and management as well as sleep apnea in the morbidly obese.

Marie-Philippe Morin, MD, FRCP(C)
General Internal Medicine specialist
Bariatric Medicine fellowship

Dr. Marie-Philippe Morin works as a General Internal Medicine Specialist at the Quebec Heart and Lung Institute and is an Assistant Professor affiliated to Laval University. She completed her Doctorate in Medicine and her residency in General Internal Medicine at Laval University. In 2016, she achieved a one-year fellowship in bariatric medicine through the University of Ottawa at the Ottawa Hospital Bariatric Centre of Excellence and LEAF Weight Management Clinic. She is also a diplomate of the American Board of Obesity Medicine. Her specialty interests are cardiovascular risk factor management associated with obesity and the management of medical/nutritional complications after bariatric surgery, particularly duodenal switch.

† Denotes real or potential conflict of interest. Speaker/Presenter requested to declare in his/her presentation slide deck.

Presentation Overview

Obesity is associated with different cardiac diseases like coronary artery disease, arrythmia and heart failure. It also has a major impact on the value and the feasibility of the different diagnostic tests used in cardiology. Fortunately, weight loss can have a favourable impact on the cardiovascular system and its associated conditions.

Learning Objectives

At the end of this presentation, participants should be able to:

• Review the adaptation of the cardiovascular system in obesity 
• Understand the relationship between different cardiac conditions like arrythmia, heart failure and coronary heart disease and obesity
• Review the impact of obesity on frequently prescribed diagnostic tests and procedures in cardiology
• Review the benefits of weight loss and bariatric surgery on the hear

David C. W. Lau, MD, PhD, FRCP(C)
Professor of Medicine, Biochemistry and Molecular Biology
University of Calgary Cumming School of Medicine
Calgary, Alberta

Dr. Lau is Professor of Medicine, Biochemistry and Molecular Biology at the Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary. He recently completed his 8-year term as Editor-in-Chief of the Canadian Journal of Diabetes and is immediate Past-President of the Canadian Association of Bariatric Physicians and Surgeons (CABPS).

Dr. Lau is Co-Chair of the evidence-based 2018 Clinical Practice Guidelines (CPGs) update on the management of obesity, led by CABPS and Obesity Canada. He also served as an Expert Panel member of the 2018 evidence-based Diabetes Canada CPGs (he also served as an expert member for the 1998, 2003, 2008 and 2013 updates), and a primary panel expert committee member of the 2012, 2016 and 2019 update of the Canadian Cardiovascular Society Guidelines for the diagnosis and treatment of dyslipidaemia and prevention of cardiovascular disease in adults. Dr. Lau is involved in population health and clinical research programmes in diabetes, obesity and lipid disorders.

Dr. Lau was honoured as one of the top 20 notable Calgarians and top 50 Albertans in 2004 for his exemplary contributions to improve the health of Albertans.

Presentation Overview

Bariatric surgery is an effective treatment for obesity with sustained weight loss over the long-term. Traditionally bariatric surgery can be classified into restrictive versus malabsorptive procedures, with the latter procedures leading to greater weight loss and associated metabolic improvements.  The precise mechanisms underlying the efficacy of various bariatric surgical procedures remain largely unknown. Recent animal and human studies have shed light on the important role of gastrointestinal and pancreatic peptides in weight loss and weight regain. This presentation will discuss and summarize the effects of gastrointestinal and pancreatic hormones on appetite and body weight regulation following bariatric surgery.

Learning Objectives

At the end of this presentation, participants should be able to:

• Review the traditional understanding of the mechanisms of weight loss following bariatric surgery
• Discuss the role of gastrointestinal and pancreatic peptides on appetite and body weight regulation, and metabolic benefits following bariatric surgery
• Discuss the implications of new insights on management of weight regain following bariatric surgery

Tony Chetty, MD, FRCP(C), MSc.
Associate Professor
Pathology and Molecular Medicine
Division: Anatomical Pathology
Discipline Director, Clinical Chemistry and Immunology (HRLMP)
McMaster University

Dr. Tony Chetty obtained his Medical Degree in South Africa. He completed his Fellowship in Medical Biochemistry and Master's Degree in Health Research Methodology at McMaster University. His research interests have a focus on Clinical Trials, New Pharmacological approaches in Obesity and Type 2 DM Mx. He is currently an Associate Professor in the Department of Pathology and Molecular Medicine at McMaster University. Dr. Chetty is the Medical Director of the Bariatric Medical Clinic at St. Joseph Healthcare Hamilton. He is also Chair of the Medical Program task force Committee of the Ontario Bariatric Network.

Presentation Overview

This presentation will discuss the mechanisms of weight gain in patients with Type 1 Diabetes. The role of lifestyle intervention, novel pharmacological approaches for weight loss, and the role of Bariatric Surgery will also be discussed.

Heidi Dutton, MD, FRCP(C)
Physician
LEAF Weight Management Clinic
Ottawa, Ontario

Dr. Heidi Dutton is an Endocrinologist in the Division of Endocrinology & Metabolism, University of Ottawa, with an interest in obesity.  She completed a fellowship in Bariatric Medicine in 2017, and is completing a Masters Degree in Epidemiology at the University of Ottawa.  She practices as a general endocrinologist and also practices at the LEAF Weight Management Clinic in Ottawa. 

† Denotes real or potential conflict of interest. Speaker/Presenter requested to declare in his/her presentation slide deck.

Presentation Overview

This presentation will highlight the impact of obesity on the endocrine system, including male and female fertility and sex hormones, the thyroid gland, and the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis. The impact of weight loss on these endocrine parameters will also be discussed.  

Learning Objectives

At the end of this presentation, participants should be able to:

• Identify how obesity may impact male and female sex hormones and fertility
• Identify the impact of obesity on thyroid hormone metabolism
• Identify the impact of obesity on the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis
• Discuss the impact of weight loss on the above endocrine parameters

François Julien, MD, FRCS(C)
General and Bariatric Surgeon
Quebec City Heart and Lung Institute
Quebec City, Quebec

Dr François Julien is a general and bariatric surgeon at the Quebec City Heart and Lung Institute.  He attended medical school at Université de Montréal and trained in general surgery at Université Laval, in Quebec City.  He pursued a minimally invasive and bariatric fellowship at the University of Ottawa and Université Laval. 

Presentation Overview

Enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS) is well implemented in many fields of general surgery.  Many aspects of perioperative care are improved by ERAS protocols.  The main objectives of ERAS protocols will be reviewed, along with evidence-based datas.

Learning Objectives

At the end of this presentation, participants should be able:

• Enumerate the main objectives of ERAS protocols  
• Understand evidenced-based data available in the literature

Radu Pescarus, MD, FRCS(C) 
Foregut and Bariatric Surgery
Hôpital Sacré-Coeur de Montréal
Assistant Professor, Université de Montréal
Montréal, Québec

Dr. Radu Pescarus is an Assistant Professor of Surgery at Université de Montréal. He specializes in minimally invasive bariatric and foregut surgery, as well as therapeutic endoscopy. After completing a Bachelor of Science in Biology at McGill University, Dr. Pescarus continued his medical studies at the Université de Montréal. Once his General Surgery residency was finalized in 2012, he continued his subspecialty training in Canada with a one-year fellowship in bariatric and minimally invasive surgery at McMaster University. Subsequently, he underwent a second fellowship in Portland, USA to further his knowledge in the fields of foregut surgery and therapeutic endoscopy. He is currently Assistant Professor at Université de Montréal and performs his clinical duties in the CIUSSS du Nord-de-l’Île-de-Montréal. 

Presentation Overview

Enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS) protocols have been shown to decrease both the post-operative length of stay and complications in several surgical subspecialties, among which bariatric surgery. Patient selection and preparation is a key aspect in the optimisation of any ERAS protocol.

Learning Objectives

At the end of the presentation, participants should be able to:

• Understand the importance of pre-operative counselling and establishing clear goals and expectations
• Identify the exclusion criteria for patient selection for ERAS bariatric surgery

Pierre Y. Garneau, MD, FRCS(C), FASMBS
Bariatric Surgeon
Chief of General Surgery, Hôpital du Sacré-Coeur de Montréal
Professor, University of Montréal
Montreal, Quebec

Dr. Pierre Garneau received his medical degree at Laval University in Quebec City in 1991. He completed his residency in general surgery at the University Laval, and had the opportunity to work with the team of Dr. Picard Marceau, one of the fathers of bariatric surgery. Dr. Garneau has been a member of the General Surgery team at Hôpital du Sacré-Coeur de Montreal since 1997 and is currently chief of general surgery and Professor at the University of Montreal. Research interest include the impact of obesity surgery on fat tissus and revisional surgery.

Presentation Overview

The audience needs to know that several considerations or decisions during the surgical procedure will impact on the patient recovery. Most of them need to be addressed with our OR team before the case starts to ensure the best quality care for the patient.

Learning Objectives

At the end of the presentation, participants should be able to:

• Understand the concept of “low” abdominal pressure and recovery for MIS procedures
• Understand the role of neuromuscular block during the surgery
• Realize the limitation of any modifications

Annie Lafortune, MD, FRCS(C)
Bariatric Surgeon
Bariatric Surgery Division
Institut universitaire de cardiologie et de pneumologie de Québec
Quebec

Dr. Annie Lafortune graduated in general surgery from Laval University in 2012. She did most part of her bariatric surgery fellowship in Quebec City and Brussels. After working 4 years in a community hospital she joined the bariatric surgery division at IUCPQ last year. She has special interest in reduced port surgery and bariatric endoscopy.

Presentation Overview

Postoperative care is another important component of the success of an ERAS protocol. Some principles and details should be known to implement this protocol in each of our hospitals.

Learning Objectives

At the end of this presentation, participants should be able to understand the ideal postoperative management in bariatric surgery in term of medication, ambulation, monitoring, diet and follow up after discharge.

Dayna Lee-Baggley, PhD
Registered Clinical Psychologist
Assistant Professor
Department of Family Medicine
Dalhousie University
Halifax, Nova Scotia

Dr. Dayna Lee-Baggley is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Family Medicine with cross appointments in the Departments of Surgery and Psychology at Dalhousie University. She is a Clinical Health Psychologist at the Nova Scotia Health Authority. She leads the Centre for Behaviour Change Research, which conducts research and training in chronic disease management. She is an internationally recognized trainer in Acceptance and Commitment Therapy. She was the recipient of the 2017 Women of Excellence Award. She is the author of "Healthy Habits Suck: How to get off the couch & live a healthy life....even if you don't want to."

† Denotes real or potential conflict of interest. Speaker/Presenter requested to declare in his/her presentation slide deck.

Presentation Overview

While there is evidence for the effectiveness of weight loss programs in the short-term, long-term, sustainable changes in obesity remain elusive. The authors will review the ways in which Acceptance and Commitment Therapy can be used to promote sustained behaviour change for people living with obesity. The authors will present techniques, clinical examples, and research data.

Learning Objectives

At the end of this presentation, participants should be able to:

• Explain some of the psychological factors that influence long term weight management
• Describe research evidence and data on the effectiveness of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy for weight management
• Describe the mechanisms that may explain how Acceptance and Commitment Therapy may contribute to sustained behavior change

Susan Wnuk, PhD, C.Psych
Staff Psychologist, Bariatric Surgery Program
Assistant Professor, Dept. of Psychiatry
University of Toronto
Toronto Western Hospital, UHN
Toronto, Ontario

Dr. Susan Wnuk is a clinical psychologist at the University Health Network Bariatric Surgery Program in Toronto where she provides clinical care to pre and post-bariatric surgery patients, conducts research and supervises students. Her current areas of interest are mindfulness, emotion regulation, and the effectiveness of behavioural interventions for bariatric surgery patients. She is involved in research projects investigating psychosocial predictors of outcome in bariatric surgery patients and the effectiveness of various therapies for this population. Prior to joining the Bariatric Surgery Program in 2010, she worked in hospital-based eating disorder and borderline personality disorder programs. She facilitates workshops for professionals and presents at research conferences. Dr. Wnuk is an Assistant Professor at the University of Toronto Department of Psychiatry.

Presentation Overview

Problematic postoperative eating behaviors can impact weight loss outcomes, mental health and quality of life. These include loss of control over eating, grazing, overeating, emotional eating, night eating, overly restrictive eating and purging. Associated emotional and cognitive features include over-evaluation of weight and shape, preoccupation with weight loss, hopelessness, shame and body image distress. These symptoms may have existed prior to surgery or may develop for the first time post-bariatric surgery. They should be identified and addressed as they may be indicators for weight regain and the re-emergence of associated medical comorbidities, mobility limitations, and mental health distress.  However, assessing eating-related psychopathology following bariatric surgery can be complex, given the expected surgical and behavioural consequences of bariatric surgery.  For example, following surgery patients may experience frequent vomiting and food intolerances, and may be instructed by clinicians to eat slowly and measure portions, symptoms and behaviours that overlap with eating disorder presentations. By better understanding these shared features, as well as the symptoms that are unique to eating disorders, bariatric clinicians can learn to screen for eating psychopathology and provide appropriate psychoeducation and referrals for more comprehensive assessment and treatment. 

Learning Objectives

At the end of this presentation, participants should be able to:

• Understand how eating psychopathology presents following bariatric surgery
• Know how to screen for eating disorder symptoms
• Consider a triage plan for patients with significant eating psychopathology

Sanjeev Sockalingam, MD, MHPE, FRCP(C)
Vice President, Education
Centre for Addiction and Mental Health
Associate Professor of Psychiatry
University of Toronto
Toronto, Ontario

Dr. Sanjeev Sockalingam is an Associate Professor of Psychiatry at the University of Toronto and the Director of the Bariatric Surgery Psychosocial Program at the Toronto Western Hospital, University Health Network. 

Dr. Sockalingam has more than 130 peer-reviewed publications and is the co-editor of the books, “Psychiatric Care in Severe Obesity”, a comprehensive summary of an integrated approach to the assessment and managing psychosocial care in severe obesity, and a newly released book by Cambridge University Press, “Psychological Care in Severe Obesity: A Practical Approach”. He has funding from CIHR and other peer-reviewed agencies examining psychosocial outcomes related to obesity care, psychological treatments for obesity and exploring the construct of food addiction. He is the co-principal investigator on a large multi-site CIHR funded to evaluate the long-term outcomes of telephone-based cognitive behavioural therapy after bariatric surgery. Dr. Sockalingam is a co-author on the upcoming Canadian Obesity Guidelines scheduled to be published in 2019.

† Denotes real or potential conflict of interest. Speaker/Presenter requested to declare in his/her presentation slide deck.

Sarah Royal, PhD, C.Psych.
Psychologist
Bariatric Surgery Program
Toronto Western Hospital
University Health Network
Toronto, Ontario

Dr. Sarah Royal is a staff psychologist at the Toronto Western Hospital Bariatric Surgery Program through University Health Network.  She graduated with her MA and PhD in Clinical Psychology from Ryerson University and her dissertation examined a psychological treatment focused on relapse prevention in eating disorders.  Dr. Royal previously worked in Toronto General Hospital’s Eating Disorder Program.  She began working in the field of bariatric surgery in 2010 and has presented at local, national, and international conferences.  She has also published research articles related to both bariatric surgery and eating disorders.  

Roshni John, RD, MSc., CBE, CDE
Registered Dietitian, Bariatric Clinic
Humber River Hospital
Toronto, Ontario

Roshni John is a Registered Dietitian and a member of the Dietitians of Canada and the College of Dietitians of Ontario. Roshni works with the Bariatric Program at Humber River Hospital, Ontario. 

Roshni graduated from University of Mumbai, India with a Master’s Degree in Food, Nutrition and Dietetics in 1998. She is a Certified Bariatric Educator and a Certified Diabetes Educator. She also holds a Certification in Sports Nutrition from Sports Dietitians Australia.

Over the past 21 years, Roshni has worked in many different environments as a RD:  Bariatric Program, acute care hospital- Surgical Program, out-patient Diabetes Education Program and long-term care facilities. Roshni also thoroughly enjoys her role as a preceptor for Dietetic Interns. Outside of work, Roshni loves travelling with her and camping with her husband, canning, baking, reading and is a proud pet parent to her dog ‘Truffles’.

Nooshin Alizadeh-Pasdar, PhD, RD
Registered Dietitian
Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery
Vancouver Coastal Health
Richmond, British Columbia

Dr. Nooshin Alizadeh-Pasdar, graduated from University of British Columbia (UBC) where she did her PhD and postdoctoral studies and McGill University where she did her Maters degree. She is a Registered Clinical Dietitian & founder of Bariatric Nutrition at Richmond Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery Program of Vancouver Coastal Health in Richmond, BC, Canada. She has also hold various positions (since 1996) at the University of British Columbia including as sessional lecturer and clinical instructor. She is the main author of the Bariatric Surgery Lifestyle Manual for the Bariatric patients. She is reviewer of nutrition textbooks, journal articles, and diet analysis softwares and has many publications. She has presented in many conferences including Dietetics in Action, National Obesity Summits, BC Obesity Network Summits, Global Summit on Obesity & Diet Management, and CABPS. She is passionate about the work she does and enjoys everyday interaction with patients and colleagues.

Presentation Overview 

A short-term pre-operative energy restrictive diet to facilitate Bariatric surgery intervention by: reducing liver size, improving liver tissue flexibility during surgery, ensuring access to the esophageal junction, and preventing laceration of liver. Such preparations help to reduce bariatric surgery cancellation rate and possibly post-operative complications, as the liver tissue burden on the surgical site is attenuated 

No consensus on the preoperative bariatric diet on total caloric daily intake or classification of types of macronutrients consumed by patients. The use of low calorie diets resulted in a mean liver size reduction of 9-18%. Duration of diet has been reported to vary between 1-6 weeks, and for most current pre-operative diets there are neither objective measures of liver size reduction nor randomized study designs to evaluate success. In Ontario alone, 13 Weight Management centres (including major hospitals for their pre-operative diet before bariatric surgery) offer Optifast (https://www.optifast.com/Pages/ca/index.aspx).

From discussions at national gatherings of bariatric programs it is likely that Optifast is currently the most common pre-operative diet in Canadian bariatric centers. This is an observational and descriptive prospective study which has compared two pre-operative diets, Optifast and RMBS, in terms of: liver volume reduction, liver enzymes, patient recruitment and satisfaction, and clinical anthropometric indices in patients who are set to undergo a bariatric surgery procedure.

Learning Objectives

At the end of this presentation, participants should be able to:

• Understand the reason behind a preoperative diet prior to bariatric surgery,
• Explain the differences between common liquid diet and scientifically designed solid diet,
• Recognize newly designed solid diet for patients prior to the bariatric surgery or any abdominal surgery.

Danielle Aldous, RD, CDE
Registered Dietitian, Certified Diabetes Educator
Lead Dietitian
LEAF Weight Management Clinic
Ottawa, Ontario

A native of Nova Scotia, Danielle holds a Bachelor of Science in Biology from Dalhousie University (Halifax) and a Bachelor of Applied Science, Nutrition from Acadia University, (Wolfville).  She practiced at Capital District Health Authority’s outpatient Nutrition Education Clinic and later joined the interdisciplinary pre & rehabilitation team of Community Cardiac Hearts In Motion.

In 2009, she relocated to Ottawa and had the opportunity to join the EMERALD program at Ottawa Cardiovascular Centre. In addition, Danielle became a member of the dietetic team at The Ottawa Hospital’s Bariatric Centre of Excellence.  

In 2016, Danielle returned to community practice, this time with a bariatric focus, as the Lead Dietitian at LEAF Weight Management. Her counselling and program development at LEAF helps the clinics clients to find personally tailored ways to live, eat & be active with a focus on enduring or ‘forever’ approaches to better health.

† Denotes real or potential conflict of interest. Speaker/Presenter requested to declare in his/her presentation slide deck.

Presentation Overview

This talk will examine the current evidence concerning the use of meal replacements as an option in planning approaches for intensive lifestyle intervention (ILI) for weight and weight related metabolic co-morbidities.

In addition, this talk will review recent evidence for layering the tools of meal replacements and medications to address treatment gaps in intensive lifestyle intervention.

Learning Objectives

At the end of this presentation, participants should be able to:

• Better understand the role that meal replacements play in treatment plans for weight and weight related co-morbidities
• Appreciate updates in the literature that address longer term follow up after initiation of meal replacement in ILI
• Understand the available evidence for the combined effect of meal replacement and medication on weight trajectories during and subsequent to ILI 

Michelle Mountain, BSc, BScAHN, RD
Registered Dietician
Humber River Hospital
Toronto, Ontario

Michelle is a registered dietitian with a passion for nutrition. Michelle is originally from New Brunswick. She received a Bachelor of Science degree in psychology from Mount Allison University. After completing this degree she moved to Nova Scotia to pursue her passion in nutrition. She received her Bachelor of Science in Applied Nutrition and Dietetic from Mount Saint Vincent University and completed her dietetic internship. In Michelle's current role, she serves as a clinical dietitian in the bariatric program at the Humber River Hospital. She has clinical experience working with patients both pre and post-bariatric surgery. Michelle has been actively involved in helping with the development and incorporation of many programs with the bariatric program.

Presentation Overview

Learners reviewing this case will have a better idea of how to prepare a patient with PKU for bariatric surgery. Additionally, this case offers opportunity for discussion on how we support patients who have complex medical conditions.

Shannon Stogryn, MD 
Clinical Fellow - MIS/Bariatric Surgery
University of Toronto
Toronto, Ontario

Dr. Stogryn graduated from the University of Sydney in 2012.  She completed residency training in General Surgery at the University of Manitoba in 2018. During residency, she earned a Masters of Science in Surgery in 2017. She is currently a clinical fellow in Minimally Invasive & Bariatric Surgery at the University of Toronto which she will complete in July 2019. Her research interests include quality improvement in clinical surgery as well as in surgical communication.

Theodoros Thomopoulos, MD 
Department of Minimally Invasive and Bariatric Surgery
Sacré-Cœur Hospital
CIUSSS du Nord de l’île de Montréal, Québec

Dr. Thomopoulos graduated from the Aristotelion University of Thessaloniki in Greece. He completed his residency in Switzerland, in the University Hospital of Geneva and in the Hospital of Sion (affiliated to Geneva). He did a first fellowship in foregut and bariatric surgery in the University Hospital of Saint-Luc in Belgium and returned in Sion to be a staff general surgeon for one year. 

He is presently at the University of Montreal, in the hospital of Sacre-Coeur, as a fellow in bariatric, mini invasive and robotic surgery. Research interests include bariatric surgery and upper GI surgery mostly.

Dr. Sebastian Mafeld
Assistant Professor
Toronto General Hospital
Division of Vascular/Interventional Radiology, and Joint Department of Medical Imaging
University Health Network
Toronto, Ontario

Francois Julien, MD, FRCS(C) 
General and Bariatric Surgeon
Quebec City Heart and Lung Institute

Dr Francois Julien is a general and bariatric surgeon at the Quebec city Heart and Lung Institute.  He attended medical school at Université de Montréal and trained in general surgery at Université Laval, in Quebec City.  He pursued a minimally invasive and bariatric fellowship at the University of Ottawa and Université Laval. 

Vanessa Boudreau, MD, FRCS(C) 

Dr. Vanessa Boudreau graduated from University of Montreal, Québec in 2001. She then completed her residency in General Surgery at University of Sherbrooke, Québec, in 2016. She completed a Fellowship in Minimally Invasive and Bariatric Surgery in Hamilton, Ontario, in 2017.

Vanessa is currently pursuing a Master in Clinical Epidemiology with the Health Research Methodology Program at McMaster University, while being a Clinical Scholar at McMaster University. Her research interests focus mainly on metabolic surgery and include diabetes remission, revisional surgery and implantation of new surgical techniques (Duodenal Switch).

Vanessa Boudreau, MD, FRCS(C) 

Dr. Vanessa Boudreau graduated from University of Montreal, Québec in 2001. She then completed her residency in General Surgery at University of Sherbrooke, Québec, in 2016. She completed a Fellowship in Minimally Invasive and Bariatric Surgery in Hamilton, Ontario, in 2017.

Vanessa is currently pursuing a Master in Clinical Epidemiology with the Health Research Methodology Program at McMaster University, while being a Clinical Scholar at McMaster University. Her research interests focus mainly on metabolic surgery and include diabetes remission, revisional surgery and implantation of new surgical techniques (Duodenal Switch).

Michele Podetta, MD 
Department of Minimally Invasive and Bariatric Surgery
Sacré-Cœur Hospital
CIUSSS du Nord de l’île de Montréal, Québec

Dr. Podetta graduated from University of Pavia (Italy) School of Medicine in 2004. He practiced general and minimally invasive surgery in Geneva University Hospital. Dr. Podetta is currently working as a Fellow in University of Montreal’s, Bariatric Surgery Unit from 2017. 

Anne-Sophie Studer, MD  
Department of Minimally Invasive Surgery 
Division of Bariatric Surgery
Hôpital du Sacré Coeur 
CIUSSS du Nord de l’île de Montréal, Québec, Canada

Dr. Studer graduated in Aix-Marseille University, France, in 2015. She completed a Master in Biological Anthropology in 2013 in the Applied Biomechanical Laboratory of Marseille. She then practiced for 2 years in Aix-En-Provence Public Hospital as a general and digestive surgeon, performing minimale invasive surgery, one-day surgery and acute care. 

Dr. Studer completed a fellowship of traumatology and bariatric surgery at Hospital Sacré Cœur in Montréal. Interest fields of research are mainly bariatric surgery and minimal invasive procedures,  general surgery, traumatology and anatomy.

Dr. Ali Aboalsaud 
Center for Bariatric Surgery
Division of General Surgery
Department of Surgery, McGill University
Montreal, Quebec

Dr. Aboalsaud graduated medical school in Saudi Arabia before coming to Canada and joining McGill for his general surgery residency. Upon completion of his general surgery training, he joined the Bariatrics team at McGill to pursue further training in Minimally Invasive Bariatric Surgery.

His research interest includes patients outcome after bariatric procedure which not only
includes the weight and metabolic aspect, but on the patient as a whole including the
psychological aspect.

In this project, he’s comparing four operations in order to determine which operation works
best as a revisional surgery

Dimitry Terterov, MD, FRCS(C) 
Minimally Invasive GI & Bariatric Surgery 
Clinical Fellow - McMaster University
Hamilton, Ontario 

Dr. Terterov is currently an MIS and Bariatric Fellow at McMaster University. Originally from the republic of Georgia, he started his undergraduate education at the University of California, Berkeley and then transferred to University of Toronto to major in Cell and Molecular biology. He then went on to pursue Doctor on Medicine at the University of Toronto followed by General Surgery residency at the Memorial University of Newfoundland. He made his way back to Ontario for fellowship and now lives in Oakville with his wife. Up until now Dr. Terterov has been involved in research and publications ranging in topics from molecular biology to neurochemistry to topics in General Surgery with particular interest in minimally invasive approaches and bariatrics.

M. Ali K. Motamedi, MSc., MD 
Department of Surgery at St. Paul's Hospital
University of British Columbia

Dr. Motamedi studied medicine at Beheshti University in Tehran, Iran, and came to Canada in 2017 to continue his training in surgery. A surgery enthusiast from early on, he is affiliated with the University of British Columbia and St. Paul’s Hospital where he assists in teaching in the Faculty of Medicine and conducts research at multiple research centers of the Department of Surgery. 

Dr. Motamedi is currently leading a Cochrane systematic review and meta-analysis project comparing various surgical treatments of early rectal cancer. His initial engagement with bariatric surgery dates back to 2014 when he took lead of a bariatric surgery cohort study, first-of-its-kind in the Middle East, which he is still collaborating with remotely on multiple projects. The Tehran Obesity Treatment Study (TOTS) prospectively follows more than 4000 patients as of today who have successfully undergone laparoscopic bariatric surgery procedures including roux-en-y gastric bypass, one-anastomosis/mini-gastric bypass, and sleeve gastrectomy. Multiple reports of TOTS have been published including its baseline data, short-term comparative safety of bariatric surgery, resolution of metabolic syndrome after surgery, and liver function trends up to two years after surgery. In time with the recent attention towards OAGB-MGB and concerns regarding its postoperative complications, we are focusing on this procedure to shed light on its safety and effectiveness.

Biagina-Carla Farnesi, MSc. 
Centre intégré universitaire de santé et de services sociaux du Nord-de-l'Île-de-Montréal; 
Concordia University
Montreal, Quebec

Ms. Fanesi is a doctoral candidate in the Individualized program at Concordia University. Her thesis examines the potential role of bariatric surgery for youth living with severe obesity. Ms. Fanesi is a qualitative health researcher who incorporates art-based approaches in her work. She is also the research coordinator for the Centre of Excellence in Adolescent Severe Obesity at the Montreal Children's Hospital.

Vanessa Boudreau, MD, FRCS(C) 

Dr. Vanessa Boudreau graduated from University of Montreal, Québec in 2001. She then completed her residency in General Surgery at University of Sherbrooke, Québec, in 2016. She completed a Fellowship in Minimally Invasive and Bariatric Surgery in Hamilton, Ontario, in 2017.

Vanessa is currently pursuing a Master in Clinical Epidemiology with the Health Research Methodology Program at McMaster University, while being a Clinical Scholar at McMaster University. Her research interests focus mainly on metabolic surgery and include diabetes remission, revisional surgery and implantation of new surgical techniques (Duodenal Switch).

Yung Lee, BHSc. 
Michael G. DeGroote School of Medicine
Division of General Surgery
Department of Surgery, McMaster University, 
Hamilton, Ontario

Yung Lee is a medical student at McMaster University. He is a Wilson Scholar and former Queen Elizabeth Scholar in Strengthening Health Systems. With his interest in general surgery, clinical epidemiology, and health services research, he is involved in conducting various meta-analysis and population-based studies in the field of MIS/Bariatric Surgery.

Adam Di Palma, MD, FRCS(C) 
Clinical Fellow in Minimally Invasive Surgery
Division of General Surgery
University of Toronto
Toronto, Ontario

Adam Di Palma completed his medical degree as well as a general surgery residency at the Université de Montréal in 2018. He is currently a clinical fellow in Minimally Invasive and Bariatric Surgery at the University Health Network in Toronto, Ontario, while also completing a Master’s degree in Quality Improvement and Patient Safety at the Institute of Health Policy, Management and Evaluation at the University of Toronto. His academic interests include surgical quality improvement and peri-operative optimization in bariatric and general surgery.

Aristithes G. Doumouras, MD, MPH, FRCSA 
Clinical Fellow
Bariatric and Minimally Invasive Surgery 
St. Joseph's Healthcare
McMaster University
Hamilton, Ontario

Dr. Doumouras graduated from Queen's University in 2012 and completed his surgical training at McMaster University in 2018. In 2016 he received his Master of Public Health Degree from Harvard University. He is currently in his fellowship in Bariatric and MIS Surgery at St. Joseph Hospital in Hamilton. His research interests include long term outcomes of bariatrics, surgeon level outcomes, economics of bariatric surgery and access to bariatric and minimally invasive surgery.

Samantha Albacete, BHSc.
Michael G. DeGroote School of Medicine
McMaster University
Hamilton, Ontario 

Samantha Albacete completed an undergraduate degree in biology and neuroscience at Dalhousie University. She is currently attending medical school at McMaster University, Michael G. DeGroote School of Medicine on the Niagara Regional Campus.  

Adam Di Palma, MD, FRCS(C) 
Clinical Fellow in Minimally Invasive Surgery
Division of General Surgery
University of Toronto
Toronto, Ontario

Adam Di Palma completed his medical degree as well as a general surgery residency at the Université de Montréal in 2018. He is currently a clinical fellow in Minimally Invasive and Bariatric Surgery at the University Health Network in Toronto, Ontario, while also completing a Master’s degree in Quality Improvement and Patient Safety at the Institute of Health Policy, Management and Evaluation at the University of Toronto. His academic interests include surgical quality improvement and peri-operative optimization in bariatric and general surgery.

Philippe Bouchard, MD 
Center for Bariatric Surgery
Division of General Surgery
Department of Surgery
McGill University
Montreal, Quebec 

Dr. Philippe Bouchard completed his medical school at McGill University in 2015. He is presently a PGY-3 in General Surgery at McGill University where he is pursuing a Masters in Epidemiology. His research interests are in healthcare delivery and surgical innovation. 

Michele Podetta, MD 
Department of Minimally Invasive and Bariatric Surgery
Sacré-Cœur Hospital
CIUSSS du Nord de l’île de Montréal, Québec

Dr. Podetta graduated from University of Pavia (Italy) School of Medicine in 2004. He practiced general and minimally invasive surgery in Geneva University Hospital. Dr. Podetta is currently working as a Fellow in University of Montreal’s, Bariatric Surgery Unit from 2017. 

Behzad Jodeiri, MD 
Obesity Treatment Center
Faculty of Medicine 
Shahed University
Tehran, Iran 

Dr. Behzad Jodeiri graduated from Tehran Medical University. He was an assistant professor of medicine at Shahed Medical University. Currently, he is a member of the research committee of TOTC (Tehran Obesity Treatment Center) and is the director of research in the field of medicine at obesity treatment. His main focus and area of research is on the impact of bariatric surgery on the quality of life.

Kenya Costa-Dookhan, BSc.
Bariatric Surgery Program, Toronto Western Hospital
University of Toronto Institute of Medical Science, Faculty of Medicine, 
Centre for Addiction and Mental Health
Toronto, Ontario

Kenya Costa-Dookhan completed her undergraduate degree at Queen's University in June 2018. She graduated with distinction in the Bachelor of Science (Honours) program, majoring in Life Sciences. During her undergraduate degree, she also studied at the University of Edinburgh when she was selected for an international academic exchange.

In the summer of 2018, Kenya was awarded a studentship with the Toronto Western Hospital Bariatric Surgery Program under the supervision of Dr. Sanjeev Sockalingam. Through her project, she investigated predictors of response to telephone-based cognitive behavioural therapy for bariatric surgery patients.

Kenya is currently a first year MSc candidate under the supervision of Dr. Margaret Hahn at the University of Toronto's Institute of Medical Science and a research trainee in the schizophrenia department at the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH). She holds the Cleghorn Fellowship in Schizophrenia research. While Kenya's current research and thesis project investigates the role of the gut microbiome in metabolic and cognitive dysfunction in antipsychotic naive patients with DSM-5 diagnosis of mood or psychosis disorders, her research interests still include the field of bariatric surgery and psychosocial care. Ultimately, Kenya would like to combine her previous research in bariatric surgery with that of the current research in severe mental illness and the gut microbiome.

Dayna Lee-Baggley, PhD
Registered Clinical Psychologist
Assistant Professor
Department of Family Medicine
Dalhousie University
Halifax, Nova Scotia

Dr. Dayna Lee-Baggley is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Family Medicine with cross appointments in the Departments of Surgery and Psychology at Dalhousie University. She is a Clinical Health Psychologist at the Nova Scotia Health Authority. She leads the Centre for Behaviour Change Research, which conducts research and training in chronic disease management. She is an internationally recognized trainer in Acceptance and Commitment Therapy. She was the recipient of the 2017 Women of Excellence Award. She is the author of "Healthy Habits Suck: How to get off the couch & live a healthy life....even if you don't want to."

† Denotes real or potential conflict of interest. Speaker/Presenter requested to declare in his/her presentation slide deck.

Olivia Lovrics, MSc. 
St Joseph’s Healthcare
Hamilton, Ontario 

Olivia Lovrics graduated from the University of Guelph in 2013, and earned a Master’s of Science in Human Nutrition from McGill University in 2018. She is currently completing a medical degree at McMaster University. Research interests include: bariatric surgery, nutrition and culinary education, type 2 diabetes, vitamin D, and the etiology of obesity. 

Samantha Leung, BSc. (Hons), MSc.
Research Analyst
Bariatric Surgery Program
Centre for Mental Health
Toronto Western Hospital
Toronto, Ontario

Samantha Leung graduated from Queen's University in Kingston with an Honours Bachelor of Science Degree in Biology and Psychology and further graduated from York University with a Master of Science Degree in Biology. She is presently the research coordinator and analyst for the Toronto Western Hospital's Bariatric Surgery Program. Research interests include bariatric surgery, mental health, eating disorders, and technology-based therapies and interventions.

Arash Pakseresht, MD, MBA
Senior Medical Advisor
Obesity, Outcomes & Adjacent Areas
Clinical Development, Medical & Regulatory Affairs
Novo Nordisk Canada Inc.
Mississauga, Ontario

Dr. Arash Pakseresht is a MD, MBA. He is presently working in medical affairs department of Novo Nordisk Canada Inc. as Senior Medical Advisor. He has extensively worked in medical education activities for HCPs and allied health care professionals in the field of obesity. He is one of the authors of ACTION study, Awareness, Care, and Treatment In Obesity maNagement, the nationwide Canada study to investigate barriers to obesity treatment from multiple perspectives.

M. Ali K. Motamedi, MSc., MD 
Department of Surgery at St. Paul's Hospital
University of British Columbia

Dr. Motamedi studied medicine at Beheshti University in Tehran, Iran, and came to Canada in 2017 to continue his training in surgery. A surgery enthusiast from early on, he is affiliated with the University of British Columbia and St. Paul’s Hospital where he assists in teaching in the Faculty of Medicine and conducts research at multiple research centers of the Department of Surgery. 

Dr. Motamedi is currently leading a Cochrane systematic review and meta-analysis project comparing various surgical treatments of early rectal cancer. His initial engagement with bariatric surgery dates back to 2014 when he took lead of a bariatric surgery cohort study, first-of-its-kind in the Middle East, which he is still collaborating with remotely on multiple projects. The Tehran Obesity Treatment Study (TOTS) prospectively follows more than 4000 patients as of today who have successfully undergone laparoscopic bariatric surgery procedures including roux-en-y gastric bypass, one-anastomosis/mini-gastric bypass, and sleeve gastrectomy. Multiple reports of TOTS have been published including its baseline data, short-term comparative safety of bariatric surgery, resolution of metabolic syndrome after surgery, and liver function trends up to two years after surgery. In time with the recent attention towards OAGB-MGB and concerns regarding its postoperative complications, we are focusing on this procedure to shed light on its safety and effectiveness.

Sabreena Chohan, PhD, C.Psych
Psychologist
Bariatric Surgery Program
St. Joseph's Healthcare Hamilton
Assistant Professor (PT)
Department of Psychiatry & Behavioural Neurosciences
McMaster University
Hamilton, Ontario

Dr. Chohan is a clinical and health psychologist who works with children, adolescents, and adults. She received her doctoral degree (PhD) in 2011 from Lakehead University. Dr. Chohan is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Psychiatry and Behavioural Neurosciences at McMaster University. Dr. Chohan works as a Staff Psychologist in the Bariatric Surgery program at St. Joseph’s Healthcare Hamilton in addition to providing assessment and treatment services to children, adolescents, and adults in her private practice.

Dr. Chohan’s clinical interests include the assessment and treatment of learning and developmental disabilities, autism spectrum disorder, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, anxiety and mood disorders, along with self-esteem issues, interpersonal difficulties, and infertility. Additional interests include disordered eating with a specific focus on Binge Eating Disorder, body image issues, and treatment for obesity and weight-related difficulties. 

Presentation Overview

The concept of post addiction transfer after surgery has been discussed with regard to bariatric patients.  One topic of interest has been the increased use of alcohol post operatively. As a result, a focus of pre-operative assessment has been to consider substance use and the risk of use after surgery. This presentation will explore post addiction transfer specific to alcohol use, contributing factors, as well as the impact on post-opertaive well-being from a psychological and psychosocial perspective. 

Learning Objectives

At the end of this presentation, participants should be able to: 

• Be informed of what we know so far regarding alcohol use among surgical patients during the post-operative period.
• Understand psychological and psychosical factors associated with alcohol use post-surgery.
• Explore the concept of post addiction transfer to alcohol use post-surgery.

Shawna McCusker, RSW, MSW
Registered Social Worker
Bariatric Centre of Excellence
The Ottawa Hospital - Civic Campus
Ottawa, Ontario

Shawna McCusker graduated from Carleton University with a Master of Social Work in 2008. She has been a Registered Social Worker with The Ottawa Hospital Bariatric Centre of Excellence for the past 10 years where she provides pre- and post-operative counselling to individuals undergoing gastric bypass surgery. Prior to her position at TOH, Shawna worked for the Perth and Smiths Falls District Hospital as a Sexual Assault and Domestic Violence counsellor in Lanark County. She completed the Clinical Traumatologist Certification through the Traumatology Institute of Canada in 2009, and the Intensive Sex Therapy Training program through Guelph University in 2012. Shawna regularly applies her training in her role within the clinic where she often sees patients for intimacy and sexuality related concerns. 

Presentation Overview

The increased risk for medical and psychosocial comorbidities affecting the quality of life of individuals living with obesity is well established within the literature. Sexuality and intimacy, however, is a frequently overlooked aspect of quality of life in both research studies and clinical care. This presentation will focus on the Sexual Quality of Life and functioning of individuals with obesity, the unique changes in these domains subsequent to bariatric surgery, and the role health care practitioners can play in providing patients with the support they need (and may be too afraid to ask for). 

Learning Objectives

At the end of this presentation, participants should be able to: 

• Understand the importance of sexuality and intimacy for overall quality of life
• Understand the ways sexuality and intimacy can be impacted by obesity and bariatric surgery
• Understand the role that healthcare practitioners can/should play in addressing patient concerns related to Sexual Quality of Life

Andrea Millard, MSW, RSW
Bariatric Clinic
St. Joseph's Healthcare Hamilton
Hamilton, Ontario

Andrea Millard graduated with her MSW from the University of Windsor in 2013. Prior to joining bariatrics she worked for many years with the Children’s Aid Society providing assessment, consultation and support to children and families with special needs. Currently, Ms. Millard works in the Bariatric Clinic at St. Joseph’s Healthcare Hamilton. In her role at the clinic she completes pre-operative psychosocial assessments, post-operative counselling, and facilitates the peer support group as well as the post-operative CBT group. Ms. Millard’s clinical interests include body image, addiction transference, weight regain, and weight acceptance. 

Presentation Overview

Peer support groups have been known to be beneficial across many healthcare treatment programs. The post-operative period for bariatric patients can be challenging given the long term lifestyle changes required. Although follow up is provided by healthcare professionals patients benefit from peer support specifically due to the share experience of surgery. This presentation will explore the advantages of having peer support, topics that are discussed in peer support and tricky issues to navigate when facilitating peer support groups.  

Learning Objectives

• To explore the advantages of having peer support.
• Have an awareness of topics and themes of interest to post-operative bariatric patients.
• To understand the tricky issues to navigate when facilitating peer support groups specific to bariatric surgery

Tanya Costantini, MSW, RSW, CDE 
Social Worker and Certified Diabetes Educator 
Guelph General Hospital, Bariatrics
Guelph, Ontario

Tanya Costantini  is a registered Social Worker in the Surgical Bariatric Clinic at Guelph 
General Hospital.  As a Certified Diabetes Educator, she has a passion for working with 
individuals with chronic diseases, showcased by her work with her patients in the 
bariatric program. In the last year, Tanya has co-facilitated a pilot Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy group specifically for bariatric patients. The MBCT group helped patients increase their awareness of both emotional and physiological cues, as well as develop healthy coping skills and improve self-acceptance. In the community, she has also facilitated the program Craving Change™, which embraces a cognitive behavioural approach to help patients change their relationship with food. She is also an active member within her community and hopes to continue to use her CDE designation to increase the awareness of the overwhelming psychosocial impact of diabetes.

Presentation Overview

Every patient comes into a bariatric surgery program with a different expectation they are hoping to achieve post-surgery. Often times, with obese patients, these expectations are extrinsically motivated and unrealistic. This presentation will explore how unrealistic weight loss expectations can affect patients’ sense of self and our role as clinicians in helping patients set realistic expectations. To help patients develop realistic weight expectations, weight acceptance is key. Weight acceptance leads to both physiological and psychological benefits. This presentation will discuss how we can help bariatric surgery patients develop weight acceptance by shifting how they relate to themselves and helping them tune in to their bodies. 

Learning Objectives

At the end of this presentation, participants should be able to:

• Define weight expectations and weight acceptance 
• Explain how unrealistic weight expectations affect patient success
• Identify the benefits of weight acceptance
• Demonstrate how to support patients in developing weight acceptance