Bariatric Surgical Team - Darebin Weight Loss Surgery

The Darebin Weight Loss Team

We are a fully integrated team of surgeons, physicians, dietitians, specialist nurse and psychologist for you and your weight loss journey. The surgeons are experienced, specialist weight loss surgeons, fully accredited with OSSANZ* and IFSO*

Meet Your Bariatric Team

Mr Ahmad Aly – Bariatric Surgeon

Mr Ahmad Aly, MB. BS, FRACS, MS, is a General Surgeon and Specialist Upper Gastrointestinal Surgeon. Ahmad is the Head of Upper GI Surgery at the Austin Hospital, a senior lecturer and researcher with Melbourne University and conducts private practice at Warringal and Mitcham Hospitals.

Ahmad is the Head of Upper Gastrointestinal Surgery at The Austin Hospital, a Clinical Associate Professor and researcher with Melbourne University. He is also a board member of OSSANZ and ANZGOSA. He is a highly experienced surgeon in the area of weight loss and personally developed a dedicated and passionate multidisciplinary team at Darebin Weight Loss Surgery. He has performed over 1,000 weight loss operations.

Book a Consultation with Mr Ahmad Aly

Ahmad Aly at Darebin Weight Loss Surgery

Mr Kiat Lim – Bariatric Surgeon

Mr Kiat Lim, MBBS, FRACS, M.Surg, is a General Surgeon with subspecialized training in Upper Gastrointestinal and Bariatric Surgery. Mr Kiat Lim was one of the few pioneering trainees accredited by Australia and New Zealand Gastro Oesophageal Surgery Association (ANZGOSA).

Kiat is a specialist at The Austin with an active research and academic role. He is also a member of OSSANZ and ANZGOSA. One of his strengths is to engage with patients and to ensure that the patient understands the disease process, treatment options and realistic outcomes. With Ahmad Aly, Kiat has a similar philosophy and approach to weight loss surgery. He enjoys utilizing the latest techniques in minimally invasive surgery and quick recovery programs for the best outcomes.

Book a Consultation with Mr Kiat Lim

Dr Alex Craven

Dr Alex Craven is general surgeon specialising in Obesity and Upper Gastrointestinal surgery. He provides consultation and surgery through Advanced Surgical and Darebin Weight Loss Surgery and also works as an Obesity and Upper Gastrointestinal surgeon at the Austin Hospital. Alex studied medicine at University of Queensland and trained in general surgery at the Austin and Northern Hospitals through the Royal Australian College of Surgeons (RACS), before completing post-fellowship training in obesity surgery and upper gastrointestinal surgery.

Alex is passionate about working with patients to control their weight, obesity and related diseases in order to live longer and healthier lives. He also has a special interest in medical and surgical education, and in particular challenging stigma and misinformation around obesity and its treatments.

Alex makes sure his patients have a full and realistic understanding of obesity surgery and what it can and cannot do – so that they can make their own decision, in their own time. We then work with patients to be as well prepared as possible for their operation, recover as quickly as possible and maximise the long-term benefits.

Book a Consultation with Dr Alex Craven

You will have “On-Call” Support

Shelley and Kelly are always available and are eager to assist and co-ordinate all facets of your care.

Bariatric Medical Practitioner

Dr Chunxiao (Don) Zhang

MBBS, FRACGP

Dr. Zhang is a bariatric medical practitioner and a member of the team at Darebin Weight Loss Surgery, dedicated to providing comprehensive care for your weight loss journey. Dr. Zhang graduated from Monash University in 2009 and is a Fellow of the Royal Australian College of General Practitioners (FRACGP). He has undertaken extensive studies in weight loss medicine, including obtaining certification from the World Obesity Federation (SCOPE). Additionally, he is an associate member of the Australian and New Zealand Metabolic and Obesity Surgery Society (ANZMOSS) and the International Federation of Surgery for Obesity and Metabolic Disorders (IFSO). Dr. Zhang consistently assists all three surgeons in various types of bariatric surgery.

Following your surgery, Dr. Zhang will regularly follow up with you to ensure early detection of any complications and provide ongoing nutritional assessments. He also utilizes medications as a potential alternative to surgery or as a solution for weight regain

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Consultant Physician and Endocrinologist

MBBS, FRACP

Dr Gowri Somarajah is a consultant Endocrinologist and Specialist Physician.

Gowri completed dual training in Endocrinology and General Medicine at Austin Health and a Diabetes Fellowship at Monash Health. Gowri continues to consult in hospitals, as well as privately as a weight loss specialist and consultant endocrinologist. Having worked extensively across hospital weight management units as well as with bariatric surgeons, she is able to provide patients with holistic care that is tailored to best suit their individual needs.

Psychologist

Sofia Sakellaropoulos is a registered Psychologist since 2007, she specializes in treating anxiety, depression, disordered eating and eating disorders this including weight related issues. Sofia is committed to setting up a safe and comfortable space for each client. Sofia’s clients would describe her as upfront and honest, warm and empathetic. She is passionate about assisting people live the best life they can and believes optimal health is achieved psychologically and physically (this including a positive and realistic mindset, regular exercise and good nutrition). Sofia works with each client collaboratively providing a clear direction of what to expect in their initial pre operative appointment and what goals they are hoping to achieve pre and post surgery.

This process includes a level of analysis of a client’s background, insight into the client’s behaviours that are not serving them well and exploring the client’s values. Tailored strategies are then recommended to reduce behaviours and symptoms that are inhibiting the client live their best life. Sofia endeavours to help clients develop skills to prepare for surgery and to deal with set-backs post surgery in a way that is in line with the clients goals and values.

Clinical Psychologist

Kerrie Salsbury

Kerrie Salsbury B.Psych (Hons 1st class), M.Clin.Psych, MAPS is a Clinical Psychologist that has extensive experience in psychological assessment, treatment, and counselling in the field of bariatrics. Pre surgery, Kerrie will help you develop lifestyle habits that promote “readiness for surgery” and maximise the likelihood of sustained weight loss, whilst ensuring quality of life. Kerrie is passionate about exploring what drives the unhelpful beliefs, that keep you locked into disordered eating behaviours, addictive patterns, and/or body dissatisfaction. She understands that anxiety, depression, stress, pain and/or trauma often drive disordered eating (i.e., non-hungry eating, binge eating, and food cravings) and has considerable experience supporting you with tools to manage your weight loss journey and mental wellbeing.

Kerrie is committed to making therapy a collaborative process, working with you to achieve goals unique to you, throughout what is probably one of the most significant journeys of your life. Taking a holistic approach, Kerrie draws upon scientifically supported frameworks such as Cognitive Behaviour Therapy Enhanced (CBT-E), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Solution-Focused Therapy, Dialectical Behavioural Therapy (DBT) and mindfulness.

Executive & Finance Admin

Kelly Sanguinetti is our finance guru and executive administrator. She has background experience with managing a large GP practice and has a wealth of management skills. She is the cheery face behind reception and will help care for you.

RND1 Critical care Nurse Co-Ordinator

Shelley Lisle RN Division 1, Critical Care Cert. Shelley is our practice Clinical Nurse Care Co-Ordinator with a wealth of knowledge and experience. Her nursing roles at Warringal Private including associate unit manager of Intensive care, nursing coordinator, General Practice liaison and general surgical case manager.

Dietitians at Darebin Weight Loss Surgery

Senior Medical Receptionist

Viv Giannoccaro is a senior medical receptionist. She has worked with us for the past 5 years and is an amazing asset to the team. She is the cheery face behind reception and will help with your care. She also assists Kelly with the finances & looks after our BSR.

Dietitian

Our dietitians are an integral part of the team and provide services that focus on you as a whole person and driven by your goals and individual needs. Our dietitians provide pre and post-operative nutritional and metabolic care following complex gastrointestinal surgery, either for cancer or for obesity.

Accredited Practicing Dietician

Fiona Sammut has over 20 years experience as an Accredited Practicing Dietitian and has been part of the Darebin Weight Loss Surgery team for over 16 years. During this time, Fiona has supported thousands of clients over their weight management journeys and has developed a vast experience of all aspects of metabolic and bariatric surgery and gastrointestinal nutrition management.

Accredited Practicing Dietician

Andrea Jasper is an Accredited Practicing Dietitian with special interests in diabetes and obesity management. She has over 20years experience working as a clinical dietitian and holds additional qualifications in diabetes education and public health.