About
Obesity Surgery WA is a trusted Perth-based obesity clinic founded by Dr Harsha Chandraratna, offering an inclusive multidisciplinary bariatric surgery service with surgeons, dietitians, and physicians catering to all members of the Perth community.
Procedures Offered
Also offered
Surgeons at This Clinic
A/Prof Harsha Chandraratna
Founder, Consultant Surgeon
Dr Leon Cohen
Consultant Surgeon
Dr Stephen Watson
Bariatric Surgeon
Hospital Affiliations
SJOG Murdoch
Murdoch, WA - private
SJOG Subiaco
Subiaco, WA - private
About the Surgeon
Associate Professor Harsha Chandraratna
Harsha was born in Sri Lanka but moved to Tasmania in 1974. He settled in Perth in 1980 where he attended high school, and completed his MBBS as a graduate of the University of Western Australia (1993). He successfully completed his training as a specialist General Surgeon in Perth in 2001, and was then made a Fellow of the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons....
“He understands that there is more to surgery than just technical skills, and that will become apparent to you when you meet him. His core principle is providing the highest standard of patient care to all.”
Training
MBBS graduate of the University of Western Australia (1993). Fellow of the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons (2001). Post-fellowship training at Sir Charles Gairdner Hospital in Perth on the Liver and Kidney transplant unit. Further 2 years at St James Hospital in Leeds (UK), specialising in Liver and Kidney Transplantation, Hepatobiliary and Bariatric Surgery.
Achievements & Roles
Dr Leon Cohen
Dr Leon Cohen has practised in bariatric surgery since 1999 and as such is one of the most experienced bariatric surgeons in Australia. He was one of the first surgeons to perform sleeve gastrectomy in Australia in 2004 and has trained many of the Australian surgeons, including Dr Chandraratna in this technique. His alliance with Dr Chandratana commenced in 2007 when he supervised Harsha in his Bariatric fellowship and has continued over the years with a close collaboration in teaching and mentoring activities for other surgeons....
“His shared philosophy concerning the importance of a team approach, and follow-up makes him a perfect fit for the services offered by Obesity Surgery WA.”
Training
MBBS FRACS. Practised in bariatric surgery since 1999. One of the first surgeons to perform sleeve gastrectomy in Australia in 2004.
Achievements & Roles
Procedure Information
Gastric Sleeve60-70% excess weight loss▼
Laparoscopic Sleeve Gastrectomy is the most common bariatric operation performed in Australia to achieve weight loss. A surgical procedure that reduces the size of the stomach to about 150mls. The outer margin of the stomach is removed after a 'sleeve' of stomach is created, using a surgical stapler and a tubular sizing device known as a 'bougie'. It restricts only the amount of food you can consume, and NOT the types of foods you can eat, and does NOT cause any malabsorption.
Gastric Bypass70-80% excess weight loss▼
Of all bariatric surgeries available, gastric bypass is probably the most well known. A Laparoscopic Gastric Bypass combines several elements to achieve weight loss. The newer version of the surgery is even more effective, and both bypasses are especially good as a revision surgery after a previous weight loss surgery. The two main types are Roux-En-Y Gastric Bypass and Omega Loop/Mini Gastric Bypass.
Gastric Band30% excess weight loss▼
A bariatric surgery procedure offered by the practice.
Weight Loss Medication10-15kg over six months▼
Non-surgical weight loss treatment option.
Patient Testimonials
“Geoff lost 32 kg in 4 months”
“Rachel had weight loss surgery and lost 23kg in 5 months.”
“Gareth had gastric sleeve surgery and now lives an active life”
“Cindy had gastric bypass surgery and lost 46kg in 12 months.”
Frequently Asked Questions
Does health insurance cover weight loss surgery?▼
What if I have had a previous operation?▼
How much weight can I lose with bariatric surgery?▼
How long will I be in hospital after gastric sleeve surgery?▼
How soon before I can return to work?▼
When can I drive?▼
Will I need an anaesthetic?▼
What is dumping syndrome in weight loss surgery?▼
Results
On average, clients will lose around two-thirds of their excess weight. With the minimizer ring we can push that figure up by another ten per cent, and with a tighter sleeve, maybe a bit further still.
If the diagnosis of diabetes was made less than two years prior to surgery, there is an 80% chance of getting off all diabetes medication.
Gastric Sleeve: 60-70% excess weight loss
Gastric Bypass: 70-80% excess weight loss
Gastric Band: 30% excess weight loss
Weight loss medication: 10-15kg over six months
Geoff lost 32kg in 4 months
Rachel lost 23kg in 5 months
Cindy lost 46kg in 12 months
Pricing
The out of pocket cost to the patient for an endoscopy is $150-$300. Medicare will pay approximately $675 for a sleeve gastrectomy. Medicare will make a contribution of approximately $784 towards the cost of gastric bypass surgery. The cost of the actual MiniMiser ring to purchase is $2500. This is paid for in full by your health fund if you are privately insured.
Super early release info
Accepts uninsured patients
Support Team
Dietitian
Exercise Physiologist
Bariatric Physician / GP
Nurse Specialist
Aftercare
Support groups available
Other Weight Loss Surgeons in WA
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Adrian Teo
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Leigh Archer
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“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.”