Independence Health System Westmoreland Hospital Performs Successful Bariatric Procedures, Renovates Bariatric Center

GREENSBURG, Pa, September 11, 2025 … Independence Health System’s Westmoreland Hospital today announced that its general and bariatric surgery team successfully performed its first three Single Anastomosis Duodenal Switches (SADI) for weight loss and improvement of outcomes for bariatric patients.BenFauzi El-Attrache, DO, CAQ-MBS led the procedures at Westmoreland Hospital, which is a Bariatric Center of Excellence and is Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery Accreditation and Quality Improvement Program (MBSAQIP) certified. The successful procedures precede the official reopening of the newly renovated Weight Management Center, which will be celebrated with a public open house September 17. 

The SADI procedure is a hybrid solution between a gastric sleeve and the more well-known gastric bypass that offers a more sustainable weight loss solution. It also assists in the reduction or resolution of coexisting conditions for patients with higher body mass indexes (BMI) and provides a better treatment option for weight gain by preventing post-procedural malnutrition. 

“Performing this procedure is groundbreaking for Independence Health System and for a community hospital system performing bariatric surgery. Though very few hospital systems perform it due to its complex nature, Independence Health System is committed to offering our patients safe, effective procedures through the most advanced technology,” said Dr. El-Attrache. “It greatly improves the health and quality of life for bariatric patients, and we’re proud to provide the region with solutions and a newly renovated facility that represent the highest level of expert care not just here in the community but anywhere.”    

According to a study in the Obesity Research & Clinical Practice journal, only two percent of bariatric surgeons in the United States perform SADI. The procedure recently obtained insurance authorization/coverage by most insurance plans accepted at Independence Health System. 

The renovated Weight Management Center in Greensburg will be open to the public at the Medical Commons One Open House September 17, 4-6 p.m.

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Nationally recognized for quality care, Independence Health System comprises Butler Memorial, Clarion, Frick, Latrobe and Westmoreland Hospitals with a combined bed count of 925. With more than 1,000 physicians and advanced practice providers and nearly 7,000 employees, the System is the third largest in western Pennsylvania serving a population base of 750,000 in a footprint spanning more than 10 counties. 

The System includes tertiary programs rated among America’s best for cardiac care and surgery, earning accolades from a number of prestigious outlets and organizations. Locally owned and locally controlled, Independence Health System offers its patients low-cost, high-quality care across the care spectrum in such specialties as cardiology, cardiovascular and thoracic surgery, orthopedics and sports medicine, minimally invasive and robotic surgery, women’s health and obstetrics, emergency medicine, behavioral health and primary care. Its network of outpatient centers sees more than 1.2 million visits annually. The homecare division further supports patients at all stages of life with home health and hospice services. Learn more at www.independence.health