Alex Craven
Dr Alex Craven - Bariatric, Upper Gastrointestinal and General Surgeon
About
Dr Alex Craven is a consultant general surgeon specialising in obesity, upper gastrointestinal and general surgery in Melbourne. He provides comprehensive, multidisciplinary obesity care through Advanced Surgical and Darebin Weight Loss Surgery, as well as serving at Austin Hospital.
Procedures Offered
Also offered
Hospital Affiliations
Austin Hospital
VIC - public
Heidelberg Repatriation Hospital
VIC - public
Northern Private Hospital
VIC - private
Warringal Private Hospital
VIC - private
About Dr Alex Craven
Dr Alex Craven is a highly skilled general surgeon with a specialisation in obesity and upper gastrointestinal surgery.
- As a dedicated surgeon specialising in general surgery, upper gastrointestinal (GI) surgery, and metabolic surgery, my philosophy of care is rooted in a patient-centred, holistic approach that prioritises compassion, collaboration, and the integration of lived experiences. My commitment is to provide exceptional surgical care while fostering trust, empowering patients, and optimising outcomes through a multidisciplinary framework.
- Medical degree from the University of Queensland. General surgery training at Austin and Northern Hospitals under the Royal Australian College of Surgeons (RACS). Post-fellowship training in obesity and upper gastrointestinal surgery, including a dedicated fellowship year devoted to bariatric surgery.
- Fellow of the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons (FRACS)
- Board Member, Australian and New Zealand Metabolic and Obesity Surgery Society (ANZMOSS)
- Committee Member representing surgery, National Association of Clinical Obesity Services (NACOS)
- Advisory Board Member, Impact Obesity
- Advisory Board Member, Every. Body. Equity
- Member of Communications Committee, International Federation for the Surgery of Obesity and Metabolic Disorders (IFSO)
- Chair of Communications Committee, IFSO Asia-Pacific Chapter (IFSO APC)
- Leading Contributor to the Bariatric Surgery Registry (BSR)
- Medical Lead – Project Support Unit at Austin Hospital
- Medical Lead, Elective Surgery Reform at Austin Health
- Consultant General, Upper Gastrointestinal & Bariatric Surgeon and Endoscopist at Austin Hospital
Procedure Information
Gastric Bypass Surgery (Roux-en-Y)Most patients lose between 20 and 40% of their weight within 18-24 months post-surgery.▼
Gastric bypass, or Roux-en-Y surgery, is a procedure designed for individuals dealing with obesity and related health conditions. By altering the digestive system, it changes the way a patient's body responds to food and maintains its weight and energy stores. This procedure involves creating a small pouch from the stomach and connecting it directly to the small intestine, bypassing most of the stomach and a portion of the small intestine.
Adjustable Gastric Banding▼
Adjustable gastric banding is rarely performed now, as a number of other procedures have shown improved results with fewer side-effects. However, it may be a suitable option in rare cases. This is a minimally invasive weight-loss surgery that involves placing a silicone band around the upper part of the stomach to create a small pouch. This pouch restricts food intake, helping patients feel full sooner and eat less. This method is reversible, customisable, and can be adjusted to fit individual needs.
Advanced Bariatric Endoscopy▼
Bariatric endoscopy relies on specialised endoscopic tools to access the stomach and digestive system through the mouth, which may reduce the risk of some complications. While endoscopic procedures are shown to be less effective than surgery for obesity, it may provide an effective weight-loss option for people who are seeking non-surgical interventions or require revision procedures after previous bariatric surgery.
Combined Medical and Surgical Obesity Treatment▼
For individuals with obesity, particularly severe or chronic cases, a combined approach of medical and surgical treatment is often the most effective. This integrated method addresses obesity from multiple angles: it combines lifestyle and dietary changes with advanced medical therapies and, when necessary, minimally invasive bariatric surgery. Combined treatment is highly personalised, recognising that each patient has unique health needs, lifestyles, and challenges.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is your approach to patient care?▼
What are your areas of clinical interest?▼
What can I expect at my first consultation?▼
Do you perform surgery through both public and private hospitals?▼
What is your experience with bariatric surgery?▼
How do you support patients after surgery?▼
Are there non-surgical options for weight loss that you can assist with?▼
What made you choose a career in surgery?▼
Results
Most patients lose between 20 and 40% of their weight within 18-24 months post-surgery (gastric bypass).
Support Team
Dietitian
Psychologist
Bariatric Physician / GP
Aftercare
long-term follow-up
BSR Contributor (Leading Contributor)
Opening Hours
Saturday: Closed
Sunday: Closed
Monday: 9 am–5 pm
Tuesday: 9 am–5 pm
Wednesday: 9 am–5 pm
Thursday: 9 am–5 pm
Friday: 9 am–5 pm
Other Weight Loss Surgeons in VIC
Dr Andrew Huo
Melbourne Weight Loss Centre
“Melbourne Weight Loss Centre provides a specialised surgical weight loss treatment service for people who are morbidly obese and especially for those with obesity-related illnesses. They also specialise in the treatment of reflux disease and minimally-invasive general surgery as well as providing an endoscopy service.”
Zeev Duieb
Greater Eastern Obesity Surgery
“Greater Eastern Obesity Surgery is a team of health care specialists led by Bariatric Surgeon Dr Zeev Duieb, committed to working with patients to help them achieve their health and lifestyle goals. Conveniently located across multiple sites in Melbourne, they provide services to patients from all over Victoria.”
Mr Anthony Clough
Melbourne Centre for Bariatric Surgery
Epworth Eastern Hospital, St John of God Bendigo
“Melbourne Centre for Bariatric Surgery is led by Mr Anthony Clough, a General, Upper GI & Bariatric specialist with an interest in minimally invasive and robotic surgery. The clinic was the first in Melbourne to offer robotic technology for gastric bypass surgery and the first to offer SADI/SIPS duodenal switch surgery to Melbourne patients.”
Chek Tog
Specialist Surgical Group
“Specialist Surgical Group is a Melbourne-based multi-disciplinary specialist medical centre offering weight loss, plastic, skin cancer, upper GI, endocrine, breast, hand, and general surgery across locations in Essendon and Bundoora.”