The meeting was IFSO which brought more than 500 internationally acclaimed surgeons, researchers and pioneers from 18 countries across the world.

The location was Goa but nothing was further in the audience minds than beach and the sands due to high quality clinical interactions between surgical leaders such as Dr Kelvin Higa from US who is the worlwide president of IFSO (International Federation for the Surgery of Obesity and Metabolic Disorders) and medical leaders such as Dr Lee Kaplan from US who is a world renowned physician in metabolic disorders. Dr. Kelvin Higa is also Dr Agrawal’s mentor who inspired him to take up Gastric bypass surgery.

At the Conference Dr Agrawal was invited as Faculty to share his experience in resolving microvascular complications arising from diabetes, through Bariatric surgery in his morbidly obese patients.

Diabetes leads to microvascular complications which include damage to eyes (retinopathy) leading to blindness, to kidneys (nephropathy) leading to renal failure and to nerves (neuropathy) leading to impotence and diabetic foot disorders which may progress to amputation in severe cases.

In his presentation Dr Agrawal shared how bariatric and metabolic surgeries have resolved progression of microvascular complications in his patients and have also led to long-term weight loss.

The theme of the conference was “Diabesity”- a term coined by WHO (World Health Organisation) to bring under focus the close association between Obesity and Diabetes.

Obesity is no longer considered a cosmetic issue caused by overeating and a lack of self-control. The WHO, as well as other national and international medical and scientific societies have defined obesity as a chronic progressive disease that results from multiple environmental and genetic factors and must be tackled with special attention and treatment.

Bariatric surgery is now considered the most reliable and evidence-based solution for obese patients to attain long-term weight loss and resolve related complications in morbidly obese patients.

The presentation was very well received by the visiting experts. And, for Dr Abhay it was a matter of great honour to have the opportunity to share his experience with the top surgeons of Asia Pacific and the world.

Dr Agrawal with Dr Higa (centre) and Dr Frydenberg

Dr Abhay Agrawal with Dr Lee Kaplan world renowned physician in metabolic disorders

Scenic Goa beach captured by Dr Agrawal’s camara

It was a walk down the memory lane for Dr Abhay who performed Chhattisgarh’s first Bariatric surgery in 2008, when he addressed last week a strong gathering of 100 esteemed physicians and surgeons at the Raipur IMA (Indian Medical Association) meet.

Dr Abhay shared how Bariatric and metabolic surgeries have evolved as well-established and long-term solutions for morbid obesity and associated co-morbidities such as Diabetes.

Obesity is no longer considered a cosmetic issue caused by overeating and a lack of self-control. The World Health Organization (W.H.O.), along with National and International medical and scientific societies, now recognize obesity as a chronic progressive disease resulting from multiple environmental and genetic factors that needs special attention and treatment.

The fact that reputed physician bodies such as ADA (American Diabetes Association) and AAFP (American Association of Family Physicians) now acknowledge the benefits of Bariatric Surgery has helped raise awareness and  acceptance of Bariatric surgery significantly more than what it was in 2008.

Dr Abhay in his lecture covered many key points such as minimal invasiveness of this surgery that makes the post-surgery period painless and allows discharge in one or two days,  overall cost effectiveness, preventing weight regain even after 7-10 years after surgery etc.

The session was well received by IMA and Dr Abhay felt honored and privileged for getting an opportunity to interact with such an informed audience.