Obesity surgeryJul 24, 2024

International Expert Agreement on Criteria for Metabolic and Weight-Loss Surgeons

GLP-1 Therapies Weekly Brief ↗PubMed ↗DOI ↗

Updated Apr 4, 2026

Abstract

Consensus was reached on 29 out of 30 statements regarding the criteria for metabolic and bariatric surgeons.

Surgeons must hold a general surgery degree and complete a dedicated fellowship training program to perform metabolic and bariatric surgery.
Learning curves vary by procedure: approximately 25-50 operations for sleeve gastrectomy (LSG), 50-75 for one-anastomosis gastric bypass (OAGB), and 75-100 for Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB).
93.1% of experts agreed that surgeons should diligently record patients' data in a National or Global database.
MBS surgeons should demonstrate proficiency in managing postoperative complications and collaborate within a multidisciplinary team.
There is a commitment to a minimum 2-year patient follow-up and active engagement in national and international MBS societies.

Simplified

PURPOSE: With the global epidemic of obesity, the importance of metabolic and bariatric surgery (MBS) is greater than ever before. Performing these surgeries requires academic training and the completion of a dedicated fellowship training program. This study aimed to develop guidelines based on expert consensus using a modified Delphi method to create the criteria for metabolic and bariatric surgeons that must be mastered before obtaining privileges to perform MBS.

METHODS: Eighty-nine recognized MBS surgeons from 42 countries participated in the Modified Delphi consensus to vote on 30 statements in two rounds. An agreement/disagreement among ≥ 70.0% of the experts was regarded to indicate a consensus.

RESULTS: Consensus was reached on 29 out of 30 statements. Most experts agreed that before getting privileges to perform MBS, surgeons must hold a general surgery degree and complete or have completed a dedicated fellowship training program. The experts agreed that the learning curves for the various operative procedures are approximately 25-50 operations for the LSG, 50-75 for the OAGB, and 75-100 for the RYGB. 93.1% of experts agreed that MBS surgeons should diligently record patients' data in their National or Global database.

CONCLUSION: MBS surgeons should have a degree in general surgery and have been enrolled in a dedicated fellowship training program with a structured curriculum. The learning curve of MBS procedures is procedure dependent. MBS surgeons must demonstrate proficiency in managing postoperative complications, collaborate within a multidisciplinary team, commit to a minimum 2-year patient follow-up, and actively engage in national and international MBS societies.

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International Expert Agreement on Criteria for Metabolic and Weight-Loss Surgeons

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