A/Prof Ruth Blackham
Aurora Bariatrics
About
Aurora Bariatrics is a Perth-based bariatric surgery clinic led by A/Prof Ruth Blackham, offering personalised weight loss surgery and medical weight loss solutions with comprehensive multidisciplinary aftercare. The clinic positions itself as a compassionate, female-led practice supporting patients through their entire weight loss journey.
Procedures Offered
Also offered
Hospital Affiliations
The Mount Hospital
Perth, WA - private
About the Surgeon
A/Professor Ruth Blackham
A/Professor Ruth Blackham is a highly trained Bariatric and General Surgeon and the Director of Aurora Bariatrics. With over 20 years of medical and surgical experience, she understands the deeply personal nature of each patient's journey. Known for her kind and thoughtful care, Dr Blackham combines exceptional medical expertise with genuine compassion....
“Known for her kind and thoughtful care, Dr Blackham combines exceptional medical expertise with genuine compassion. She is committed to delivering safe, personalised treatment that supports lasting health and confidence.”
Training
MBBS PhD MS MLegM DCH DRANZCOG DWH FRACS FACLM IFASMBS. She holds multiple advanced degrees, including a PhD in bariatric surgery.
Achievements & Roles
Procedure Information
Gastric Sleeve65% and 75% of excess weight within 12 to 18 months▼
Gastric Sleeve Surgery, also known as Sleeve Gastrectomy, is a minimally invasive (laparoscopic) procedure where approximately 70-80% of the stomach is removed, leaving a small, tube-like stomach or "sleeve." This significantly reduces the volume of food you can consume and influences hormones involved in appetite and metabolism—most notably reducing the hunger hormone, ghrelin.
Gastric Bypass - Roux-en-Y (RYGB)70–80% excess weight loss in 12–18 months▼
Roux-en-Y is the traditional and most studied form of gastric bypass surgery. A small pouch is created at the top of the stomach using staples (around 30–50mL), the small intestine is divided, one part is connected to the new stomach pouch (called the Roux limb), and the other part is reconnected further down the intestine, allowing enzymes and food to meet.
Gastric Bypass - One Anastomosis (OAGB / Mini Bypass)70–85% excess weight loss in 12–18 months▼
One Anastomosis Gastric Bypass (OAGB), also called Mini Bypass, is a newer alternative to RYGB that uses a simplified technique with only one surgical connection (anastomosis). A long, narrow stomach pouch is created, similar in shape to a gastric sleeve, and this pouch is attached to a loop of small intestine around 150–200cm from the stomach, bypassing the upper bowel.
Weight Loss Medication▼
For those not ready for surgery, Aurora offers weight loss medications backed by medical evidence and tailored to patient needs, supporting gradual and sustainable results.
Patient Testimonials
“Honestly one of the best decisions I ever made. The Aurora team were welcoming, kind, professional and super supportive. They answered all my questions, and not once did I feel ashamed of why I was there. Just caring support the whole way through.”
“When I decided that I'd rather have surgery than injections, my Doc did a referral to Dr Ruth, looking at the reviews before meeting her were all positive, so I went into the 1st meeting without any anxiety and am happy to say, she did not disappoint. I was kept well informed...”
“To Dr Ruth Blackham and all the staff.I would like to express my deepest thanks for all the support you have all given me so far on this journey of my new health and wellbeing. Thankyou.”
“There is SO much to say, I could talk endlessly about Aurora Bariatric Surgery. Excellence is the best word to explain my journey and excellence in every aspect of care, support and service. I am SO thankful and grateful to have my life back. To be enjoying life once more with...”
“I highly recommend Aurora. Great communication and even better care provided by this amazing team!”
+ 42 more testimonials on their website
Results
Our aim is to help patients lose between 65% and 85% of their excess weight by 12-18 months.
Gastric Sleeve: Most patients can expect to lose between 65% and 75% of their excess weight within 12 to 18 months following surgery. Weight loss typically occurs at a rate of 0.5 to 2 kilograms per week.
Gastric Bypass RYGB: 70–80% excess weight loss in 12–18 months
Gastric Bypass OAGB: 70–85% excess weight loss in 12–18 months
Gastric Bypass long-term outcomes: Average weight loss 70–85% of excess weight; significant improvement or remission of Type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, sleep apnoea, fertility and PCOS
Pricing
All medical post-operative appointments listed below are included as part of your Bariatric Management Fee. The Aurora Aftercare Program is included as part of your Bariatric Management Fee and covers: Pre-op consultation with Dr Blackham, Bariatric GP and Dietitian; Post-op consultation for 12 months post-op with Dr Blackham, Bariatric GP, Nurse Practitioner and access to SleevePlus; Hospital and surgical fees (including the Aurora Welcome Box); Telehealth or in-person follow-ups. Additional services (e.g., dietetics, psychology, and GP reviews) have their own fee structures.
Support Team
Dietitian
Psychologist
Bariatric Physician / GP
Nurse Specialist
Aftercare
12 months follow-up (included in fee)
Other Weight Loss Surgeons in WA
Parveen Kumar
WA Laparoscopic and Bariatric Surgery Centre
Joondalup Health Campus, East Joondalup Private Hospital
“WALBSC is a no-gap provider for all surgeries including bariatrics, specializing in minimally invasive laparoscopic and bariatric surgical services with a holistic, patient-centric approach to weight management and general surgery.”
Adrian Teo
Evolve Bariatrics
St John of God Subiaco Hospital
“Evolve Bariatrics is a weight-loss surgery medical practice based in Perth, Australia, founded by Dr Adrian Teo, committed to providing individuals with the weight-loss surgery they need to live their best lives.”
Leigh Archer
Veritas Specialist Centre
Peel Health Campus, Waikiki Private Hospital
“Veritas Specialist Centre is a Perth-based clinic offering integrated weight loss surgery and general surgical care, combining advanced surgical techniques with multidisciplinary support services including dietetics, exercise physiology, and psychology for personalised, sustainable health outcomes.”
Mr Jon Armstrong
Advance Surgical
St John of God Subiaco, Hollywood Private Hospital
“Advance Surgical is a Perth-based bariatric surgery clinic established in 2005, offering an integrated multidisciplinary team of bariatric surgeons, dietitians, and psychologists to assist patients throughout their weight loss journey.”