An MBS Focused Practice Designation (MBS FPD) recognizes a board-certified general surgeon who has demonstrated significant experience, knowledge, and an ongoing commitment to metabolic and bariatric surgery. For patients choosing a bariatric surgeon, this designation provides an additional indication that their surgeon has dedicated a substantial part of their practice to comprehensive obesity and metabolic disease care.
At Malladi Bariatrics & Advanced Surgery, Dr. Preeti Malladi is proud to be an MBS FPD Diplomate and to lead one of the first practices in the nation to obtain this focused designation in bariatric surgery. This distinction reflects Dr. Malladi’s longstanding commitment to providing advanced, comprehensive bariatric care. For patients considering weight loss surgery, credentials like the MBS FPD can provide valuable insight into a surgeon’s experience and continued dedication to the field. Dr. Malladi combines this specialized expertise with a highly personalized approach, helping patients understand their options and choose a treatment based on their individual health, medical history, and long-term weight loss goals.
Why the Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery Focused Practice Designation Matters
The Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery Focused Practice Designation was established to formally recognize general surgeons who focus a significant portion of their practice on bariatric surgery and the comprehensive care of patients with obesity and metabolic disease.
The American Board of Surgery (ABS), working with the American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery (ASMBS), established standards involving surgical experience, ongoing clinical practice, professional participation, and knowledge of metabolic and bariatric surgery.
For patients, this means the MBS FPD is more than another set of letters after a surgeon’s name. It represents a focused commitment to the field of bariatric surgery.
What Is an MBS Focused Practice Designation?
The MBS FPD is a designation offered by the American Board of Surgery to qualified general surgeons whose practices have a significant focus on metabolic and bariatric surgery.
Metabolic and bariatric surgery is considered a focused area within general surgery rather than a separate surgical subspecialty. The MBS FPD provides a way to recognize surgeons who have demonstrated additional experience and expertise in this specific area of surgical care.
The designation encompasses comprehensive bariatric care, including:
- Primary bariatric surgery
- Revisional bariatric surgery
- Management of bariatric surgery complications
- Bariatric endoscopy
- Care for patients with obesity and metabolic diseases
For someone researching a bariatric surgeon, the designation can therefore be a helpful credential to look for when evaluating a surgeon’s background and focus.
What Does a Surgeon Have to Do to Earn the MBS FPD?
Surgeons must meet specific certification, experience, case-volume, and examination requirements to earn the MBS Focused Practice Designation.
According to the American Board of Surgery, applicants must be certified in general surgery and participate in the ABS Continuous Certification Program. They must also demonstrate clinical experience and current activity in metabolic and bariatric surgery.
Current ABS requirements include significant bariatric surgical experience, including:
- At least 100 lifetime bariatric stapling cases
- At least 50 cases involving an anastomosis
- An average of at least 25 MBSAQIP-approved stapling cases annually during the previous three years
- Full bariatric surgical privileges at an MBSAQIP-accredited center
- Active participation in the MBSAQIP registry
Qualified surgeons must also pass the MBS FPD examination, which evaluates knowledge of metabolic and bariatric surgery principles and applied science.
In other words, the MBS FPD is not a designation earned simply by completing a course. It reflects established standards involving a surgeon’s experience, current practice, professional standing, and demonstrated knowledge.
Does an MBS FPD Diplomate Have to Maintain the Designation?
Yes. Earning the MBS Focused Practice Designation is not the end of the process. Diplomates must continue meeting requirements to maintain it.
The American Board of Surgery requires MBS FPD Diplomates to maintain their general surgery certification and participate in continuous certification. Current requirements also include bariatric-focused continuing medical education and maintaining an appropriate volume of bariatric surgical cases.
These ongoing standards are especially meaningful in a field that continues to evolve. Advances in surgical techniques, patient selection, obesity medicine, nutrition, and long-term weight management all contribute to the way bariatric patients are treated.
Maintaining the MBS FPD reflects continued involvement in metabolic and bariatric surgery rather than an accomplishment achieved at only one point in a surgeon’s career.
Why Does Dr. Malladi’s MBS FPD Matter for Patients?
Dr. Malladi’s MBS Focused Practice Designation gives patients another objective credential to consider when choosing a bariatric surgeon.
Malladi Bariatrics & Advanced Surgery was one of the first practices in the nation to obtain this focused designation in bariatric surgery. For Dr. Malladi, the designation reflects a commitment to the field that extends beyond performing weight loss procedures. It includes understanding obesity as a complex, chronic disease and providing comprehensive care before, during, and after surgery.
Dr. Malladi is a board-certified, fellowship-trained minimally invasive general and bariatric surgeon. Her bariatric practice includes procedures such as:
- Sleeve gastrectomy (gastric sleeve)
- Roux-en-Y gastric bypass
- Bariatric revision surgery
- Bariatric conversion surgery
- Care for patients experiencing concerns or complications following previous weight loss surgery
These services align with the practice’s focus on bariatric surgery, gastric sleeve, gastric bypass, revision and conversion surgery, and minimally invasive surgical care.
Just as importantly, treatment at Malladi Bariatrics & Advanced Surgery is personalized. The goal is not simply to recommend surgery, but to help each patient understand which treatment option may be appropriate based on their health, previous treatments, weight loss goals, and individual circumstances.
Is the MBS FPD the Only Credential to Consider When Choosing a Bariatric Surgeon?
No. The MBS FPD is a meaningful distinction, but it should be considered alongside a surgeon’s overall qualifications, experience, and approach to patient care.
When choosing a bariatric surgeon, patients may also want to consider:
- Board certification and fellowship training
- Experience performing different types of bariatric procedures
- Experience with bariatric revision and conversion procedures
- Hospital and surgical facility affiliations
- Availability of long-term follow-up care
- The surgeon’s approach to individualized treatment
- How comfortable the patient feels asking questions and communicating with the care team
Bariatric surgery is not simply a procedure followed by a number on the scale. Successful treatment involves careful preparation, appropriate procedure selection, postoperative care, nutrition, lifestyle changes, and ongoing support.
At Malladi Bariatrics & Advanced Surgery, patients receive individualized guidance throughout this process so they can make informed decisions about their health and long-term weight management.
Frequently Asked Questions About the MBS Focused Practice Designation
What does MBS FPD stand for?
MBS FPD stands for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery Focused Practice Designation. It recognizes qualified general surgeons who have demonstrated a significant focus on metabolic and bariatric surgery.
Is an MBS FPD the same as being board certified?
No. The MBS FPD is a focused practice designation within general surgery. Surgeons seeking the designation must meet American Board of Surgery certification requirements as well as additional requirements related specifically to metabolic and bariatric surgery.
Does Dr. Preeti Malladi have the MBS Focused Practice Designation?
Yes. Dr. Preeti Malladi is an MBS FPD Diplomate, and Malladi Bariatrics & Advanced Surgery was one of the first practices in the nation to obtain this focused designation in bariatric surgery.
Does the MBS FPD include revisional bariatric surgery?
Yes. The scope of the MBS Focused Practice Designation includes comprehensive bariatric care, including primary and revisional bariatric surgery, management of complications, and bariatric endoscopy.
Choose a Bariatric Surgeon Committed to Specialized Care
Choosing a bariatric surgeon is an important decision, and understanding a surgeon’s credentials can help you make a more informed choice. Dr. Preeti Malladi’s MBS Focused Practice Designation reflects her extensive commitment to metabolic and bariatric surgery, while her approach at Malladi Bariatrics & Advanced Surgery remains centered on personalized, compassionate, and comprehensive patient care.
Ready to learn more about your weight loss surgery options? Contact Malladi Bariatrics & Advanced Surgery to schedule a consultation with Dr. Malladi.