Founded in 1983,  foremost American surgeons have formed the society's leadership and have established an excellent organization with educational and support programs for surgeons and allied health professionals.

The purpose of the society is to advance the art and science of bariatric surgery by continued encouragement of its members to:

   •  Pursue investigations in both the clinic and the laboratory.
   •  Interchange ideas, information and experience pertaining to
       bariatric surgery.
   •  Promote guidelines for ethical patient selection and care.
   •  Develop educational programs for physicians, paramedical
       persons, and lay people.
   •  Promote outcome studies and quality assurance.