Dear Colleagues,

It is an honour and great privilege to address you as President of the Obesity Surgery Society of India (OSSI). The OSSI was formed in March 2002 and has been carefully nurtured to its present position. OSSI is still in its infancy and needs careful attention and direction to ensure systematic growth and expansion. You will appreciate that this is a task of massive proportions that will necessarily require the expertise and dedication of all concerned.

Obesity today is an increasing problem that is rapidly assuming global pandemic proportions. Fortunately, we are in a position today in the country where we can face up to and confront the unique challenges that are thrown up. We are all aware of the association of 3D's with obesity viz disease, disability and death. The scope and ambit of Bariatric Surgery far exceeds the cosmetic aspect of obesity surgery as has been the popular perception even amongst the medical fraternity. Bariatric Surgery in essence is life saving surgery. Bariatric Surgery is expanding commensurate with need and today constitutes one of the newest and rapidly advancing frontiers of surgery.

Obesity Surgery Society of India (OSSI) is fully geared up to address the unique and varied issues associated with obesity and especially the surgical aspects. It needs to be emphasized that the approach to morbid obesity has to be a multidisciplinary institutional approach wherein the patient may be provided requisite specialized services under one roof. Surgery for morbid obesity especially by minimal access approach entails extensive training and subsequent supervision, which will ultimately provide the best result.

With warm regards

Dr. Pradeep Chowbey
President - OSSI