Ashok Gunawardene
Northern Surgical Care
About
Northern Surgical Care provides general surgery and endoscopy services in Melbourne's North and West, led by Dr Ashok Gunawardene, a specialist general surgeon with expertise in upper gastrointestinal conditions, weight loss surgery, and endoscopy.
Procedures Offered
Also offered
Hospital Affiliations
Northern Private Hospital
Epping, VIC - private
St Vincent's Private Hospital Werribee
Werribee, VIC - private
About the Surgeon
Dr Ashok Gunawardene
Dr Ashok Gunawardene is a registered specialist general surgeon with expertise in upper gastrointestinal conditions and endoscopy, gaining clinical experience within the United Kingdom, New Zealand, and Australia. He provides patient-centered surgical care, informed by current clinical guidelines and evidence-based practices, with a focus on clear communication with his patients. His areas of expertise include laparoscopic weight loss surgery, treatment of gallstones, and minimally invasive hernia repair....
“He is dedicated to delivering safe, high-quality surgical care, guided by current evidence, and aims to provide a supportive and approachable experience for his patients.”
Training
BSc – Bachelor of Science, First Class in Anatomy, University of Leeds; MBChB(Hons) – Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery, Awarded degree with Honours by University of Birmingham; MRCS – Member of Royal College of Surgeons of England; PhD – Doctor of Philosophy, University of Otago; FRACS – Fellowship of the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons in General Surgery. Clinical experience gained within the United Kingdom, New Zealand, and Australia.
Achievements & Roles
Procedure Information
Spatz 3 Adjustable Balloon (Gastric Balloon)▼
A non-surgical procedure that involves a temporary balloon being placed into the stomach to reduce its capacity. It is hoped this will reduce appetite and portion sizes, and is typically removed after 12 months.
Gastric Sleeve Surgery (Sleeve Gastrectomy)50-70% of excess body weight within 1-2 years▼
One of the most frequently performed weight loss procedures in Australia, this surgery reduces the stomach to a smaller, tubular shape (up to 90% may be removed). Approximately 70-80% of the stomach is removed, leaving a smaller, tube-shaped stomach (sleeve) that restricts food intake and reduces hunger by altering hormone production. Typically takes 1-2 hours.
Gastric Bypass Surgery (Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass, or RYGB)▼
This procedure reduces stomach size by creating a small stomach pouch and reroutes part of the small intestine in a "Y" shape to limit food intake and calorie absorption (both through physical changes and altered hormones).
One Anastomosis Gastric Bypass (OAGB or Mini Gastric Bypass Surgery)60-80% excess weight loss within 1-2 years▼
Similar to a traditional bypass, this simplified procedure creates a long, narrow stomach pouch that is connected to the middle of the small intestine. It offers a shorter operating time and potentially fewer complications. Involves creating a small, tubular stomach pouch (approximately 30-50 mL) by dividing the stomach, with the small intestine connected in a single anastomosis. Typically takes 1-2 hours.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the risks of weight loss surgery?▼
How much weight will I lose?▼
What is the recovery time after surgery?▼
What areas do you service?▼
Is gastric sleeve surgery permanent?▼
How much weight can I expect to lose? (Gastric Sleeve)▼
Will I need to follow a special diet after surgery? Or take vitamins?▼
Support Team
Dietitian
Psychologist
Nurse Specialist
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
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.”
Harry Frydenberg
Epworth Centre for Bariatric Surgery
Epworth Hospital Richmond, Epworth Eastern
“Established in 1998, the Epworth Centre for Bariatric Surgery contributed significantly to the development of weight loss surgery in Australia, providing safe, reliable and effective surgical management for obesity patients for over 20 years. They are also one of the most experienced groups offering revision surgeries.”
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.”
Michael Hii
Melbourne Weight Loss Solutions
St Vincent's Private Hospital, Epworth Freemasons
“Melbourne Weight Loss Solutions offers comprehensive bariatric surgical care with three experienced surgeons supported by a multidisciplinary team including dietitians, nurses, psychologists and physicians. Their difference is the inclusion of long-term follow-up appointments with surgeons, dietitians and nurses as part of surgical care.”