Obesity Surgery Perth
About Obesity Surgery WA in Perth
Bariatric surgeons, dietitians & physicians in Perth, Western Australia
Our surgeons
Associate Professor Harsha Chandraratna
- Consultant Surgeon
- MBBS FRAC
Harsha was born in Sri Lanka but moved to Tasmania in 1974. He settled in Perth in 1980 where he attended high school, and completed his MBBS as a graduate of the University of Western Australia (1993). He successfully completed his training as a specialist General Surgeon in Perth in 2001, and was then made a Fellow of the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons.
He undertook post-fellowship training initially in Perth at Sir Charles Gairdner Hospital, on the Liver and Kidney transplant unit. This was followed by a further 2 years at St James Hospital in Leeds (UK), specialising in Liver and Kidney Transplantation, Hepatobiliary and Bariatric Surgery. Harsha returned to Perth in 2003 and has been working in private practice in Perth since then.
Harsha is passionate about teaching the next generation of doctors.
Harsha established Obesity Surgery WA and Perth Hernia Clinic upon his return to Perth. Harsha has spent years building a highly-regarded multidisciplinary practice, whose core principle is providing the highest standard of patient care to all. He understands that there is more to surgery than just technical skills, and that will become apparent to you when you meet him. In 2023, Harsha founded Gastric Balloon WA, a dedicated non-surgical weight loss service for those who want a non-surgical approach to achieve their optimal weight.
Dr. Stephen Watson
- Consultant Surgeon
- MBBS FRACS
Dr Stephen Watson MB BS FRACS FRCS ( Ed ) is a laparoscopic and general surgeon working in Perth Western Australia. He graduated from the University of Western Australia in 1984 and initially worked in Perth before spending six years in London including clinical and research time at St Marks Hospital and St Bartholomews Hospital. He has a special interest in laparoscopic surgery for the treatment of morbid obesity and is a member of the Obesity Society of Australia and New Zealand.
Dr Leon Cohen
- Consultant Surgeon
- MBBS FRACS
Dr Leon Cohen has practised in bariatric surgery since 1999 and as such is one of the most experienced bariatric surgeons in Australia. He was one of the first surgeons to perform sleeve gastrectomy in Australia in 2004 and has trained many of the Australian surgeons, including Dr Chandraratna in this technique.
His alliance with Dr Chandratana commenced in 2007 when he supervised Harsha in his Bariatric fellowship and has continued over the years with a close collaboration in teaching and mentoring activities for other surgeons. They have frequently conferred over challenging cases and as a source for second opinions.
Dr Cohen has extensive experience in sleeve gastrectomy, revisional bariatric surgery, Weight regain after bariatric surgery, reflux after sleeve and the new technique of SASI-S bypass. He is also experienced in abdominoplasty which is something that is frequently needed after Bariatric surgery. His shared philosophy concerning the importance of a team approach, and follow-up makes him a perfect fit for the services offered by Obesity Surgery WA.
Our bariatric physicians
Dr Janet Barry
- MBBS
- Bariatrician
Janet is a graduate from the Faculty of Medicine at the University of Western Australia. Her background is in General Practice and she is a fellow of the Royal Australasian College of General Practitioners. She has been working in the field of Bariatric Surgery and as a surgical assistant in theatre for many years.
Janet's role in our practice is complex. As one of our Bariatric Physicians, she conducts pre-anaesthetic medical assessments and liaises with the anaesthetists. She assists in theatre and provides a wealth of experience in ensuring cases go smoothly.
Most importantly, Janet manages long term follow-ups, ongoing medical assessments, and band fills. Many of our patients require medication adjustments as their blood pressure and blood sugars normalise. Janet also provides an extra element of support to what is a major life changing decision.
Dr Lynda Ashton
- MBBS
- Bariatrician
I grew up in country New Zealand and after graduating from Otago University (New Zealand) in 1992, I moved to Perth 1996 to pursue General Practice in an exciting new country.
Soon after moving I met my husband Rob and later had two children.
After working in General Practice for over 25 years I then branched into my passion of weight management at Obesity WA. Over the past 10 years I have been rewarded seeing people's change and health parameters improve.
Our specialist physician
Dr Raj Metha
- Bariatric physician
- Stroke and General Medicine Physician
Dr Mehta graduated from The University of Western Australia and completed his early training at all three major teaching hospitals in Perth. As a result, he has a broad range of experience in Internal Medicine and Medical specialities.
Dr Mehta has extensive experience in consulting patients undergoing or planning to undergo bariatric surgery. Patients require an in-depth review of their overall health prior to any surgical planning and this is where a medical review is essential. Dr Mehta consults out of Booragoon specialist centre.
Our practice nurse
Both Paige and Jo will provide you with general information and take you through the different options to help you to consider whether bariatric surgery is really for you.
An initial appointment with the bariatric coordinator is available free of charge, but it is important that you understand that your discussion with the coordinator will not substitute for a medical review with one of our physicians.
Ms Jo Climo
- Registered Nurse
Jo is one of our registered practice nurses. She has a Bachelor of Nursing and a post-graduate diploma in perioperative clinical nursing. Jo has a long background in surgical nursing and patient support, and is a specialist in her field.
Our dietitians
The role of our dietitians in the team is to help patients prepare for surgery and to provide dietary advice for the post-operative period. They will explain the before surgery Very Low Calorie Diet (VLCD), and the after surgery progression back to normal food textures. All of our dietitians are available to see bariatric surgery patients at any time during their journey.
You can contact them if you are seeking additional help or advice with food and nutritional intake once you are past the initial postoperative recovery period. Clients are also able to consult with their GP to get a Chronic disease management plan form completed. This makes you eligible to claim a medicare rebate for up to 5 visits.
Clare Renn
- BSc (Nutrition)
- Accredited Practicing Dietician
Clare graduated from Curtin University with a degree in Dietetics in 2005.
Initially, she worked in the field of research at the UWA Medical Research Foundation located at RPH.
She moved into private practice in Bariatrics in 2007 joining OSWA initially in 2008.
She is an Accredited Practicing Dietitian and a member of the Dietitians Association Australia.
Rhiannon Dick
- BSc (Nutrition)
- Accredited Practicing Dietician
Rhiannon is an Accredited Practising Dietitian, and has worked in a range of settings including hospital, aged care, community and even in public health program development. She also runs her own practice specialising in Coeliac Disease and Gut Health, whereby Rhiannon lives with Coeliac Disease herself.
Rhiannon grew up in the Adelaide Hills in South Australia, but now calls Perth home. When not at work, Rhiannon's world revolves around her love for being active; from playing AFL for her local club in Booragoon, scenic runs along the river or the beach, to lifting in the gym; all of which is balanced out with enjoying some hearty food and a glass of wine (preferably from the Adelaide Hills!) with friends.
Jo-Anne Dembo
- BSc (Nutrition)
- Accredited Practicing Dietician
Jo-Anne is an Accredited Practising Dietitian with a special interest in bariatric nutrition. She provides pre-and post-surgery consultations as well as ongoing review consultations to assist patients with achieving outstanding weight loss results and health outcomes. Jo-Anne will guide you through your weight loss journey providing information on food and drink choices, portion sizes and eating habits. She will also monitor blood test results and provide recommendations for nutrition supplements.
Jo-Anne’s interest in weight management particularly emphasises the importance of both weight reduction as well as weight maintenance long-term. Her objective is to assist people to understand the fundamental elements of nutrition and she applies an innovative and professional approach in assisting her patients achieve the weight loss results they deserve.
Outside of work, Jo-Anne loves cheering on her boys from the sidelines, whether it’s tennis for her eldest or golf for her youngest. Some of her most cherished moments have been watching her eldest compete at Wimbledon and the Australian Open. When she’s not supporting her boys’ sporting dreams, she enjoys the simple joys of family life, going for long walks, good coffee and travelling.
Megan Parker
- BSc (HumBiol/ESprtsSc)
- MNutn&Dtcs
- Accredited Practising Dietitian
Megan is an Accredited Practising Dietitian and has worked in the field of nutrition and dietetics for over a decade, across a range of areas in both private practice and the community setting.
Her main aim is to help her clients foster a positive relationship with food, body, and overall health by providing realistic and evidence-based nutrition recommendations.
Megan is a proud mum of 2 and understands the importance of time management whilst juggling a busy lifestyle! On the weekends she enjoys being active, going to the beach and finding Perth’s best coffee
Sabrina Piccini
- BSc (Nutrition)
Sabrina is an Accredited Practising Dietitian with over 10 years experience. For the past 7 years she has specialised in bariatric nutrition. Previously she has enjoyed working in community nutrition, aged care and private practice.
Sabrina strives to provide judgement free support and believes in providing realistic dietary advice that assists patients in lifestyle dietary changes.
Exercise Therapist
Sam Prost
- Personal Fitness Coach
- BA Human Movement Science
- Functional Movement Screening Level 1
- Advanced Sports Massage
Sammy Prost is an engaging, passionate, and caring professional with extensive experience in health, fitness, and rehabilitation.
Originally from South Africa, she moved to Perth in 2014 to play hockey. Sammy has worked within a range of different sectors for the past decade in: Professional sports, Physiotherapy, Parliament of WA, Obesity Surgery WA and runs her own business in Health and Wellness.
As being a professional athlete, these experiences have driven her passion for assisting individuals of all ages in reaching their fitness objectives, ultimately promoting a healthy and happy lifestyle. She is a kind, engaging, and passionate professional who genuinely loves helping people. Sammy builds mutual respect with each patient, ensuring they feel listened to and valued. Her ability to design individualised programs tailored to specific needs highlights her commitment to achieving the best outcomes for her clients.
Anaesthesia
Dr. David Kingsbury
- MBChB FANZCA
- Anaesthetist
Business Manager
Dr Wendy-Anne Smith
- BSc Hons (UWA) PhD (UWA)