Modern laparoscopic theatres
For selected patients living with obesity, bariatric surgery may be considered when weight is affecting health or when other weight management approaches have not provided sufficient support.
Bariatric surgery is usually planned as part of a broader care pathway, which may include medical assessment, dietitian support, psychological support where appropriate, lifestyle changes and structured follow-up.
At OptiWeight, specialist general surgeon Dr Ashok Gunawardene will guide you through your options and assess whether surgery may be appropriate for your health, goals and circumstances.
Bariatric procedures work by altering the size of the stomach, the digestive pathway, or both. This may change how much food a person can comfortably eat and may also influence appetite-related signals. Suitability depends on an individual assessment, including your health history, weight management history, risks, goals and clinical needs.
Bariatric surgery is usually considered as part of a broader weight management plan that may include nutritional support, psychological support where appropriate, lifestyle changes and structured clinical follow-up.
The right procedure depends on your health, weight history, treatment goals and your surgeon’s clinical assessment. OptiWeight offers several bariatric surgery options, and Dr Ashok will discuss which may be appropriate for you during your consultation.
Gastric sleeve surgery is usually performed using keyhole, or laparoscopic techniques. The procedure removes part of the stomach, leaving a narrower, sleeve-shaped stomach. This may reduce the amount of food a person can comfortably eat and may also influence appetite-related signals.
Gastric bypass, also known as Roux-en-Y gastric bypass, is a laparoscopic procedure that creates a smaller stomach pouch and connects it to a lower section of the small intestine. It may be considered for some patients, including those with certain weight-related health concerns such as type 2 diabetes or reflux, depending on their individual assessment.
Mini gastric bypass, also known as one-anastomosis gastric bypass, is a laparoscopic procedure that creates a smaller stomach pouch and connects it to the small intestine using a surgical connection. It may be considered for selected patients after a thorough assessment of their health, weight management history, risks and treatment goals.
Revisional bariatric surgery may be considered for individuals who have previously undergone weight-loss surgery and require further assessment. This may include reviewing a previous sleeve, bypass or gastric band procedure. Revisional surgery is generally more complex than a first bariatric procedure.
Gastric band removal involves surgically removing an existing gastric band. This may be performed as a standalone procedure or, in some cases, as part of a staged approach before considering another bariatric procedure.
OptiWeight also offers non-surgical weight management options, including gastric balloon treatment and medically supervised weight management support.
The cost of bariatric surgery in Melbourne can vary depending on the procedure recommended, your individual circumstances, hospital fees, anaesthetist fees, assistant fees and your level of private health insurance. Medicare and private health fund rebates may also apply, subject to eligibility criteria.
During your consultation, the OptiWeight team will provide an itemised estimate of fees and expected out-of-pocket costs before any treatment is arranged. Self-funded patients will also receive information about relevant cost considerations, including hospital and theatre fees.
You are encouraged to contact the clinic if you have questions about consultation fees, procedure costs, rebates or funding options.
Dr Ashok will assess your health, weight history, previous weight management approaches and any weight-related health concerns. He will discuss whether bariatric surgery may be appropriate for your circumstance, including the potential benefits, risks, limitations and recovery considerations.
Before surgery, some patients may need further assessment or preparation to help plan their care safely. This may include investigations such as a gastroscopy, sleep study, echocardiogram or manometry, depending on your symptoms, medical history and risk profile. Patients preparing for bariatric surgery will also be supported by a bariatric dietitian who is a part of OptiWeight’s multidisciplinary team. They will provide guidance on eating behaviours, nutritional safety and the two-week liver-reducing diet before surgery.
If you proceed with bariatric surgery, your procedure will be performed by Dr Ashok at either Northern Private Hospital in Epping or St Vincent’s Private Hospital in Werribee. Bariatric procedures are performed under general anaesthesia and commonly use keyhole, or laparoscopic techniques. The details of your procedure will be explained before surgery.
Ongoing nutritional and clinical support forms an important part of care after bariatric surgery. You will receive personalised guidance on recovery, eating progression, activity levels and follow-up care. Dr Ashok will usually review surgical patients at 2 weeks, 6 weeks, 12 weeks, 6 months and 12 months after surgery, with longer-term follow-up available at 6–12 monthly intervals.
Potential risks of bariatric surgery may include:
Dr Ashok will discuss these risks in further detail during your consultation.
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 whether bariatric surgery is right for you is a significant step, and you don’t have to navigate it alone. The first step is a private consultation with Dr Ashok Gunawardene to understand your options and build a plan tailored to your health and goals.
Weight-loss surgery, also known as bariatric surgery, works by altering the stomach and, in some procedures, the digestive tract. This may reduce how much food a person can comfortably eat, influence appetite-related signals or affect nutrient absorption. The way each procedure works differs, and Dr Ashok will explain which option may be appropriate for your circumstance.
All surgery carries risks, and bariatric surgery is no exception. The risks vary depending on the procedure, your health history and your individual risk profile. During your consultation, Dr Ashok will discuss the potential benefits, risks, limitations and alternatives.
The duration of bariatric surgery depends on the procedure performed and your individual circumstances. As a general guide, many bariatric procedures take around 1 to 3 hours, although more complex or revisional procedures may take longer. Your surgeon will explain the expected duration and details of your procedure during the consultation.
It depends on the procedure. Some procedures, such as gastric band removal, may be reversible or revisable, while others, such as gastric sleeve surgery, involve permanent changes to the stomach. Dr Ashok can explain this in further detail during your consultation.
Weight loss after bariatric surgery varies from person to person. How much weight you lose depends on factors such as the procedure performed, your starting weight, health history, recovery, and ongoing lifestyle changes.
Yes, after bariatric surgery, you will need to follow dietary guidance, including a staged eating plan during recovery. You will also receive support from bariatric dietitians who are part of OptiWeight’s multidisciplinary team, with psychological support also available where appropriate.
You do not need a GP referral to contact OptiWeight. However, a valid GP referral is generally required to access Medicare rebates for a specialist consultation. The OptiWeight team can guide you through the referral and booking process.
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.
