Support Weight Management
Not everyone living with obesity needs, wants, or is ready for surgery. For some people, a non-surgical approach may be an appropriate first step, a bridge towards surgery, or a longer-term way to manage weight under medical supervision.
At OptiWeight, non-surgical weight loss is considered as part of a broader, multidisciplinary approach to obesity care. Specialist general surgeon Dr Ashok Gunawardene assesses your medical history, overall health and treatment goals to determine which options may be appropriate for your circumstances. As he also performs bariatric surgery, he can explain how non-surgical approaches compare with surgical options and help you make an informed decision without pressure.
Non-surgical weight loss refers to medically supervised approaches to weight management that do not involve surgery to permanently alter the digestive system. Different methods work in different ways. Some help regulate appetite and food intake, while others temporarily reduce how much food the stomach can hold. Approaches are typically supported by changes to eating habits, physical activity and behaviour.
At OptiWeight, non-surgical weight management is delivered as a structured program rather than one treatment. Depending on your individual needs and clinical suitability, this may include a medical assessment, dietitian-led nutritional support, behavioural strategies and medical management or a temporary device.
Non-surgical weight management still requires ongoing commitment. Sustainable results depend on maintaining healthy eating and activity habits, following your treatment plan and attending recommended follow-up appointments, with results varying from person to person.
The most suitable approach depends on your health, your weight-related conditions and your goals. Options that may be considered include the following.
For some patients, a medically supervised program may include clinically appropriate medical treatment alongside dietary and lifestyle changes. Any treatment is considered following an individual assessment and monitored over time.
This program can also form part of a bridging pathway towards surgery. Dr Ashok will discuss whether a medication-supported approach is appropriate for you, along with the potential benefits, risks and limitations.
An intragastric (gastric) balloon is a temporary, non-surgical device placed in the stomach to reduce the amount of food it can comfortably hold, which may help with portion control and appetite. It is generally left in place for a set period before being removed and is used alongside a medically supervised diet and lifestyle program.
A balloon may be considered for people who are not suitable for, or do not wish to undergo, surgery, or as a step before other treatment. Suitability is determined through individual clinical assessment.
Non-surgical weight loss is not suitable for everyone, and suitability is determined through individual clinical assessment. As a general guide, a non-surgical approach may be considered for adults who:
Factors such as your medical history, weight-related health conditions, medications and overall health are all considered when assessing which option, if any, may be appropriate. A consultation with Dr Ashok will help determine the right pathway for your individual circumstances.
When clinically appropriate and combined with ongoing lifestyle changes and follow-up care, non-surgical weight loss may offer benefits for some people. Depending on the option chosen and your individual health, these may include:
Outcomes vary between individuals and depend on factors such as your starting weight, overall health and long-term adherence to your program. During your consultation, Dr Ashok will discuss the potential benefits, risks and limitations of each option based on your circumstances.
The cost of non-surgical weight loss varies depending on the approach you choose and your individual circumstances. Medically supervised weight management programs and intragastric balloon procedures have different fee structures, and some services may be eligible for Medicare or private health insurance rebates, depending on your circumstances and level of cover.
As a general guide, intragastric balloon procedures typically start from approximately $7,000, which may include the balloon, placement and associated care. Medically supervised weight management programs are generally priced differently.
Following your consultation, the OptiWeight team will provide a personalised estimate outlining the expected costs of your chosen pathway. If you have any questions about consultation fees, program or procedure costs, rebates or payment options, our team will be happy to discuss these with you.
Your care begins with a comprehensive consultation with Dr Ashok. He will assess your medical history, weight management history, overall health and any weight-related conditions to determine which options may be appropriate for you. This consultation also covers how non-surgical approaches compare with surgical options, so you can make an informed decision.
Depending on your history, further investigations may be recommended to help guide your care and confirm which approach is suitable. You will also meet with an OptiWeight bariatric dietitian, who will provide guidance on nutrition, eating behaviours and realistic goals for your program.
If a non-surgical option is appropriate and you decide to proceed, your program is tailored to the approach chosen, whether that is a medically supervised program, an intragastric balloon, or a combination, with dietitian support throughout. Any procedure, such as balloon placement, is carried out in an appropriate clinical setting with information provided beforehand.
Ongoing follow-up is central to non-surgical weight management. Regular reviews allow your progress to be monitored, your program to be adjusted, and any concerns to be addressed. Dr Ashok and the OptiWeight team provide long-term support to help you work towards and maintain your results.
While non-surgical approaches avoid the risks of major surgery, they are not risk-free and are not suitable for everyone. Considerations vary by option and may include:
This is not a complete list. Dr Ashok will discuss the risks, expected benefits and alternatives relevant to your individual circumstances before any treatment begins.
FRACS
MBChB Hons
GESA
PhD
ANZMOSS
Dr Ashok Gunawardene is a registered specialist general surgeon with subspecialist training in upper gastrointestinal and weight loss surgery. With over 15 years of clinical experience across the United Kingdom, New Zealand and Australia, he brings a considered, evidence-informed approach to weight management care.
As Director of OptiWeight, Dr Ashok supports patients through both surgical and non-surgical treatment pathways, helping them understand their options and make informed decisions about their health. His approach focuses on ensuring patients feel supported, informed and respected throughout their care.
“My approach is simple: I want every patient to feel safe, supported, and never rushed. Surgery is a tool – your long-term health is the goal.”
Deciding how to approach weight loss is a personal decision. A private consultation with Dr Ashok Gunawardene allows you to ask questions, discuss your health history and understand which options, surgical or non-surgical, may be appropriate for your circumstances. Dr Ashok will explain the potential benefits, risks, alternatives and follow-up requirements before any pathway is planned.
Non-surgical weight loss approaches work in different ways. Some approaches support appetite regulation and food intake, while others involve a temporary device, such as an intragastric balloon, to reduce the amount of food the stomach can hold. All approaches work alongside sustained changes to nutrition, physical activity and behaviour. Dr Ashok will explain how each option works and whether it may be suitable for you.
Suitability is determined through an individual clinical assessment. Non-surgical options may be considered if you have not achieved lasting weight loss through diet and exercise, would prefer to explore non-surgical approaches before considering surgery, or are not suitable for or do not wish to undergo an operation. Your medical history, current health and any weight-related conditions will also be taken into account.
Non-surgical approaches avoid the risks associated with major surgery, but they are not without potential risks and are not suitable for everyone. Medical treatments can have side effects, while devices such as intragastric balloons have their own risks and considerations. Each option is assessed and monitored on an individual basis, with Dr Ashok discussing the potential risks and benefits relevant to you.
Weight loss varies considerably between individuals and depends on factors such as the approach chosen, starting weight, overall health and how consistently you maintain recommended dietary and lifestyle changes. Results cannot be guaranteed. Dr Ashok can discuss what may be a realistic outcome for you during your consultation.
The timeframe varies depending on the approach and individual circumstances. Some people may notice changes within the first few weeks, while more significant and sustained results generally develop over several months as new habits become established. Regular follow-up allows your progress to be monitored and your treatment plan adjusted where appropriate.
In some cases, non-surgical approaches can be combined. This may include dietitian-led nutritional support alongside a medically supervised program, or non-surgical treatment as part of a pathway towards surgery where appropriate. Any combination of treatments will be considered following an individual assessment by Dr Ashok.
This page is general information only and is not a substitute for personalised medical advice. Weight loss surgery is a significant decision with benefits and risks that differ for each person. Outcomes vary and cannot be guaranteed. Please consult Dr Ashok Gunawardene or your GP to discuss whether a procedure is appropriate for your individual circumstances.
