Stormont Vail Health Bariatric and Medical Weight Management Program Achieves 500th Bariatric Surgery Milestone

The Stormont Vail Health Weight Management program proudly completed its 500th bariatric surgery since its launch in 2018. This achievement highlights the Stormont Vail Bariatric and Medical Weight Management Program as a leader in the medical weight loss field for its comprehensive approaches, including bariatric surgery, medication therapy, and lifestyle plans.

In addition, the program's success comes from its highly skilled team of weight management experts, including Dr. Partha Bhurtel and Dr. Wael Khreiss, ASMBS-verified surgeons specializing in minimally invasive laparoscopic bariatric surgery, including gastric sleeve, Roux-en-y gastric bypass, duodenal switch, and SADI-S.

“This milestone demonstrates our patients' confidence in us and our team's commitment to them," said Dr. Bhurtel. "Beyond numbers, each surgery represents a unique journey where patients enjoy better health and quality of life.”

The program received accreditation as a Comprehensive Center with Obesity Medicine Qualifications from the Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery Accreditation and Quality Improvement Program in 2021. Its 2024 reaccreditation makes it the only center in Kansas, west of Kansas City, to hold both surgical and medical weight loss accreditations.

To recognize its accomplishments, Stormont Vail will host an event on Monday, Sept. 30, 2024, from 3:30- 5:30 p.m. in the Pozez Education Center Centennial Rooms B/C at the Stormont Vail Hospital in Topeka. This event is open to community members and will offer education about obesity and related factors from Stormont Vail's Plastic Surgery, Behavioral Health, Endocrinology, and Orthopedics teams.

“We take immense pride in this milestone and our dedication to healthier communities,” Dr. Bhurtel said. “Looking ahead, we're enthusiastic about enhancing our services and supporting our patients along their path to a healthier future.”