On behalf of the Organising Committee and the Scientific Committee I would like to extend the very warmest welcome to you at our Society’s first Annual Scientific Meeting.

On the following pages I hope you will find all the information you need concerning venue, registration and scientific programme.
The programme format has been conceived to offer all of you who have worked to develop UK Bariatric Surgery the maximum opportunity to present and your results, hopes and ideas. I hope this in itself will also make the Meeting of interest to a wider range of colleagues who want to know more or who would like to join us in this fast-growing field.

We are grateful to have agreement from the Editor of SOARD to publish the abstracts selected for presentation. SOARD is the official journal of the American Society, an opportunity which I hope will encourage submissions. I hope you also find that the pre-conference Workshops and the closing Guest Speakers provide a stimulating framework.

Please join us and help to make it a lively and convivial occasion. I would also like to thank in advance not only all of you who contribute papers, but the Industry Exhibitors, who enthusiasm and confidence in us have made this Meeting possible.

Meeting President: Prof JN Baxter,
Organising Committee: Mr A Fiennes, Mr R Ackroyd, Ms A Fox-Hiley,
Scientific Committee: Mr S Dexter (Chairman), Mr Richard Welbourn, Ms Sally Norton, Ms Mary O'Kane