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 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 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.
- 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.
- Examiner for the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons (RACS)
- Teaches surgical skills to junior surgeons through RACS courses
- PhD in surgical research on the relationship between systemic inflammation and colorectal cancer outcomes
- GESA-accredited practitioner in upper and lower gastrointestinal endoscopy
- Extensive publication record in peer-reviewed journals
- Member of AANZGOSA, ANZMOSS, GSA, GESA, IFSO
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
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.”