WELCOME TO
THE WEIGHT LOSS
SPECIALIST CLINIC
We have moved to a new location:
Southport Central - Tower 3
Suite 30711, Level 7
9 Lawson Street, SOUTHPORT, QLD 4215
(3 hours free parking available underneath, with alternative parking at the Southport Library car park)
Effective Weight Loss Surgery
Achieve Sustainable Weight Loss with Expert Surgical Solutions
At The Weight Loss Specialist Clinic, we provide evidence-based weight loss solutions tailored to your individual needs. Whether you're aiming to lose weight for health reasons, improve your lifestyle, or enhance your overall wellbeing, our expert team is here to guide you every step of the way.
Our Services Include:
✅Medical and surgical weight loss options tailored to your specific needs
✅ Personalised diet and exercise plans to support long-term success
✅ Psychological support and lifestyle coaching for a holistic approach
Take the first step towards a healthier you today. We are committed to helping you achieve your weight loss goals through a range of safe and effective options. Whether you're exploring non-invasive treatments or considering surgical intervention, our experienced specialists will guide you through the process with expert care and support.
Our team is dedicated to providing comprehensive weight loss surgery services on the Gold Coast, ensuring that your individual needs are carefully evaluated. We take a personalised approach, formulating a tailored diet and exercise plan to suit your body and lifestyle. Where appropriate, weight loss medications may be included to support you on your journey.
Start your weight loss transformation today – our expert team is here to support you every step of the way.
Why Choose a Weight Loss Surgeon on the Gold Coast?
Losing weight can be a life-changing journey, and for many, bariatric surgery is the most effective long-term solution.
The Gold Coast is home to top-rated weight loss surgeons who specialise in procedures such as the gastric sleeves and the gastric bypass.
The Gold Coast Private Hospital in Queensland is conveniently located, with options for people travelling for surgery, with full support from our weight loss team.
* BOOK YOUR FREE CONSULT TODAY
* BOOK YOUR FREE CONSULT TODAY
What is Bariatric Surgery?
Bariatric surgery refers to surgical weight loss procedures that help individuals reduce their food intake, improve metabolism, and achieve significant long-term weight loss.
The most common types of bariatric surgery include:
Gastric Sleeve Surgery (Laparoscopic Sleeve Gastrectomy)
Sleeve Gastrectomy (SG) is a laparoscopic or keyhole surgical procedure. It is one of the most effective bariatric procedures. By changing the stomach shape from a sac to a long narrow gastric tube, SG dramatically reduces the capacity of the stomach from approximately 2L to 100-150 ml.
In addition, the recent studies have shown, the part of the stomach that is removed during sleeve gastrectomy plays a major part in producing the hunger hormone (Grehlin). This further aids in the reduction of appetite and food craving.
The smaller stomach capacity restricts food intake by allowing only a small amount of food to be eaten at any meal. As a result, the patients feel early fullness and satiety while eating just 3 small meals per day. This facilitates weight loss. In addition, regular exercise and healthy food choices are also necessary to optimise the outcome.
Sleeve gastrectomy is becoming increasingly popular and has progressively been performed as a standalone procedure. With satisfactory results in the mid-term the extent of excess weight loss is about 60% (final results may vary on the individual). Risks of the surgical complications such as bleeding and leakage from the cut edge of the remaining stomach are low within 1-3%.
Sleeve gastrectomy (SG), and Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) are the most common and effective bariatric surgical procedures available, and the most popular in Australia.
Gastric Bypass Surgery
(Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass)
A gastric bypass (Roux-en-Y gastric bypass) is a common and popular bariatric procedure in Australia as well as overseas and has been considered the gold standard of bariatric surgery.
The procedure has been extensively studied over the last 50 years and can be performed using a laparoscopic (keyhole) approach. A standard gastric bypass is performed under general anaesthesia in less than 2 hours and typically involves a hospital stay of 1-2 days.
The operation involves the creation of a small stomach pouch and diversion of food away from a portion of the small intestine. The surgery allows for digestive fluids to still meet with ingested food and enable nutrient digestion and absorption.
A significant advantage of the procedure is that no portion of the stomach is removed and essentially the procedure can be reversed if necessary.
The gastric bypass procedure helps obese people to lose weight by:
Restricting the amount of food that can be eaten due to the small stomach pouch
Metabolic and hormonal changes due to bypass of the food directly into the small bowel resulting in a reduced appetite and an increased feeling of fullness.
The gastric bypass procedure produces excellent outcomes in long term studies and results in an increased longevity and quality of life.
On average a patient is expected to lose around one third of their total body weight after undergoing the gastric bypass procedure in the first two years.
Most patients will maintain a weight loss of around 25% beyond 10 years. Additionally, there is significant reduction/improvement in obesity related diseases including:
Diabetes (More than half of patients with type 2 diabetes will have normalisation of blood glucose and may be able to discontinue or reduce the amount of medication required)
Sleep apnoea
Hypertension
Elevated cholesterol
Fatty liver
Infertility
Risk of cancer
SADI-S /SADI
(Single Anastomosis Duodenal-Ileal Bypass with Sleeve Gastrectomy)
A SADI is designed to aid in weight loss and address metabolic disorders. This technique combines a sleeve gastrectomy with a simplified intestinal bypass, resulting in effective weight loss and improvement of obesity-related conditions.
Compared to traditional duodenal switch surgeries, SADI-S involves a single surgical connection, which may reduce operative time and potential complications.
Other types of procedures :
Lap Band Surgery (Adjustable Gastric Banding)
Uses a band to control stomach size and food intake (not performed by many surgeons nowadays) our more advanced procedures have replaced this within our clinic.
Supportive Weight Loss Surgeons on the Gold Coast
Cost of Weight Loss Surgery:
Cost of Weight Loss Surgery in Gold Coast
The cost of bariatric surgery varies depending on the procedure and the surgeon’s experience.
Does Medicare Cover Bariatric Surgery?
Yes, Medicare and private health insurance may cover part of the cost if you meet certain eligibility criteria. Some patients are able to access money in superannuation for weight loss surgical procedures (conditions apply). Speak to your surgeon to discuss your options.
Who is a Good Candidate
for Bariatric Surgery?
Weight loss surgery is recommended for individuals who:
✔ Have a BMI of 30+ with weight-related health conditions (e.g., diabetes, hypertension)
✔ Have tried and failed to lose weight through diet and exercise
✔ Are committed to making long-term lifestyle changes
✔ Do not have medical conditions that may cause complications
Before & After: What to Expect
Pre-Surgery Preparation: Consultation, medical tests, and diet plans
Surgery: sleeve or bypass procedures with a 1-2 day hospital stay
Recovery Time: 1 week with 2-6 weeks of dietary adjustments
Weight Loss Results: Many patients lose 50-80% of excess weight within a year.
What are our patients saying…
"This is an amazing team of people who provide a high level of care and support both pre and post op. I feel more confident that I can reach my goals with their support and guidance. Keep doing what you're doing. It works for me”
(Wendy, 2025)
"If you are looking for a team that really understands the dynamic of being overweight - this is the team. Prof. Philip Townend is brilliant. He is a rare breed of specialist surgeon who listens and understands his patients.
He communicates in a very clear consistent and gentle manner. Dr Catherine Quirk, another stellar physician gives more information and provides a clear step by step process, so there are no unmet expectations.
Rounding this team is dietician Carly Barlow, who provides practical information and answers all your questions about what to eat, when etc. The Team at the Weight Loss Specialist Clinic is the most supportive group of professionals you will come across in this field and they are the best in Australia. Highly recommend this team.”(Kathleen, 2025)
What is BMI?
BMI, or Body Mass Index, is a simple calculation used to assess whether a person is within a healthy weight range based on their height and weight. It’s widely used by healthcare professionals as a quick screening tool to identify potential weight-related health risks.
While BMI is not a perfect measure, it provides a general guide to body composition and can help individuals understand where they stand in terms of their weight category.