Dr Harsha Chandraratna

Obesity Surgery WA

Perth, WA

FRACSANZMOSS MemberMBBSFRACS

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

Gastric Sleeve

Gastric Bypass (RYGB)

Mini Gastric Bypass

SADI-S / SIPS

Lap-Band

Lap-Band Removal

Gastric Balloon

Revisional Surgery

GLP-1 Medication Management

Also offered

EndoscopyColonoscopyGastroscopyERCPSmall bowel endoscopyHiatus hernia repairInguinal hernia surgeryCholecystectomy

Surgeons at This Clinic

A/Prof Harsha Chandraratna

Founder, Consultant Surgeon

FRACSMBBSFRACS

Bariatric SurgeryLiver and Kidney TransplantationHepatobiliary Surgery

Dr Leon Cohen

Consultant Surgeon

FRACSMBBSFRACS

Bariatric SurgerySleeve GastrectomyRevisional Bariatric SurgeryWeight regain after bariatric surgeryReflux after sleeve

Dr Stephen Watson

Bariatric Surgeon

Bariatric Surgery

Hospital Affiliations

SJOG Murdoch

Murdoch, WA - private

SJOG Subiaco

Subiaco, WA - private

Our Surgeons

Associate Professor Harsha Chandraratna

Harsha was born in Sri Lanka but moved to Tasmania in 1974.

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.
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.
Fellow of the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons
Supervisor and trainer for the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons
Senior lecturer for Notre Dame University
Founded Obesity Surgery WA and Perth Hernia Clinic
Founded Gastric Balloon WA in 2023
Personally had sleeve gastrectomy surgery

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.

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.
MBBS FRACS. Practised in bariatric surgery since 1999. One of the first surgeons to perform sleeve gastrectomy in Australia in 2004.
One of the most experienced bariatric surgeons in Australia
One of the first surgeons to perform sleeve gastrectomy in Australia in 2004
Trained many Australian surgeons in sleeve gastrectomy technique
Extensive experience in sleeve gastrectomy, revisional bariatric surgery, weight regain after bariatric surgery, reflux after sleeve, and SASI-S bypass
Experienced in abdominoplasty

Procedure Information

Gastric Sleeve

60-70% 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.

Hospital stay: 2 nightsRecovery: 2 weeks

Gastric Bypass

70-80% 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.

Recovery: 3 weeks

Gastric Band

30% excess weight loss▼

A bariatric surgery procedure offered by the practice.

Recovery: 2 weeks

Weight Loss Medication

10-15kg over six months▼

Non-surgical weight loss treatment option.

Patient Testimonials

“Geoff lost 32 kg in 4 months”

GeoffLost 32kg

“Rachel had weight loss surgery and lost 23kg in 5 months.”

RachelWeight loss surgeryLost 23kg

“Gareth had gastric sleeve surgery and now lives an active life”

GarethGastric Sleeve

“Cindy had gastric bypass surgery and lost 46kg in 12 months.”

CindyGastric BypassLost 46kg

Frequently Asked Questions

Does health insurance cover weight loss surgery?▼

Yes, but it does depend on the level of insurance cover you have with your health fund. In recent years, health insurance companies have pushed Bariatric (Weight Loss) Surgery into their top levels of cover only. To see if you are covered, call your insurance company and ask them for information about the relevant item numbers. The item numbers you need to mention are: 31575 Laparoscopic Sleeve Gastrectomy, 31572 Laparoscopic Roux-En-Y Gastric Bypass, 31572 Laparoscopic Single Anastomosis...

What if I have had a previous operation?▼

Previous operations will make surgery more difficult. The scarring from a prior surgery gets in the way and takes time to divide or remove. The scarred tissues may not support the staples as well as natural tissue. Definitely, the risk of a complication is increased. We know that prior bariatric operations will compromise your weight loss with any subsequent operations.

How much weight can I lose with bariatric surgery?▼

Results with weight loss surgery will vary from person to person. There are many factors that influence outcomes. On average, clients will lose around two-thirds of their excess weight. We find that 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.

How long will I be in hospital after gastric sleeve surgery?▼

Most patients are in hospital for two nights. If you are recovering well you may be permitted to go home the following day. If you are feeling a bit sore/sick, or just not ready, we may keep you in hospital for an extra day. The important thing is that you are well and feeling ready to leave hospital.

How soon before I can return to work?▼

We recommend two weeks off. Most people are back at work in their third week. If you have a very physical job, then a third or fourth week of rest may be advised. If your job is office-based, or if you work from home, then you may get back to work sooner. Remember that although you are feeling well, you are still recovering and you will not be performing at your best.

When can I drive?▼

I like people to wait for at least a week, or even 2 weeks, before driving. For driving, you should be in control of the vehicle, be able to see around the vehicle, stop suddenly in the case of an emergency, and not be under the influence of medication that may impair your reflexes. Start with short trips, like to the local shops or to visit your doctor. Don't consider driving to Melbourne!

Will I need an anaesthetic?▼

Yes, a general anaesthetic is required. This is where we put you to sleep completely. You will be asleep for approximately one hour. While you are under general anaesthetic, our expert anaesthetist will be monitoring you carefully, measuring your heart rate and breathing. The anaesthetist also ensures that you are in a deep sleep and not feeling any pain or discomfort. It is our policy that both the anaesthetist and surgeon will never leave the room whilst you are asleep.

What is dumping syndrome in weight loss surgery?▼

True dumping syndrome relates to what happens if sugar is allowed into the small intestine in large quantities. It happens in people that have had bypass operations, but may happen after sleeve gastrectomy as well. Dumping syndrome is said to occur in up to 50% of bypass patients. Consuming a large amount of sugar that gets into the small bowel unchecked results in phases including fall in blood pressure, dizziness, palpitations, sweating, then high blood sugar followed by a surge in insulin...

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

Leigh Archer

Veritas Specialist Centre

Byford, WA

Gastric SleeveGastric BypassLap-Band

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.”

View profile for Leigh Archer

Dr Stephen Watson

Dr Stephen Watson - Laparoscopic General & Bariatric Surgeon

South Perth, WA4.5 (60)

Gastric SleeveGastric BypassLap-BandGastric Balloon+1 more

“Dr Stephen Watson is a laparoscopic general and bariatric surgeon based in South Perth who has been specialising in weight loss surgery since 1999, working with a multidisciplinary team of dietitians, bariatric physicians and psychologists to deliver long-term results.”

View profile for Dr Stephen Watson

Dr Gordon Padovan

Emerge Surgical

Albany, WA

Gastric SleeveGastric BypassRevisional Surgery

“Emerge Surgical, formerly known as Perth Bariatric Centre, was founded by Dr Gordon Padovan in 2005 as a multi-disciplinary bariatric weight loss centre dedicated to achieving the best possible results, operating on hundreds of patients each year and managing the long-term care of thousands.”

View profile for Dr Gordon Padovan

Adrian Teo

Evolve Bariatrics

Kelmscott, WA5 (10)

FRACSANZMOSSIFSO

Gastric SleeveGastric BypassMini BypassLap-Band+1 more

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.”

View profile for Adrian Teo

View all Weight Loss Surgeons in Perth