The History of the American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery

Abstract

The history of the American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery (ASMBS) parallels the development of metabolic and bariatric surgery (MBS) closely. In studying this history, three distinct periods emerge. The first, the Era of Inquiry (1967–1988), established the initial scientific foundation of MBS. The second is the Era of Rapid Growth (1989–2004) during which the society supervised rapid growth in the number of surgeons and programs and the growth of integrated multidisciplinary teams. The number of cases grew rapidly spurred on by laparoscopic access and with increasing diversity in procedures performed and use of devices. The third period, the Era of Quality and Engagement (2004 to present), established the society’s focus on safety and increasing engagement with other stakeholders including patient-driven advocates, medical colleagues, international surgeons, and the American College of Surgeons.