Dr Ian Baxter
Sunshine Coast Medical Weight Loss Centre
About
A multidisciplinary Sunshine Coast clinic offering weight loss surgery, medical weight loss medications, and nutrition/lifestyle support all under one roof, led by experienced bariatric surgeon Dr Ian Baxter.
Procedures Offered
Also offered
Hospital Affiliations
Sunshine Coast University Private Hospital
QLD - private
Buderim Private Hospital
Buderim, QLD - private
About the Surgeon
Dr Ian Baxter
Dr Ian Baxter is one of the most experienced bariatric surgeons on the Sunshine Coast, with more than 30 years of surgical experience and over 4,000 successful weight loss procedures performed since 1998. As a specialist in bariatric, upper gastrointestinal, and hernia surgery, Dr Baxter is known for his patient-focused approach and exceptional clinical outcomes. He leads the surgical team at the Sunshine Coast Medical Weight Loss Centre, offering personalised and evidence-based weight loss surgery solutions, including gastric sleeve, mini gastric bypass, and revisional bariatric surgery.
“Patient-focused approach with personalised and evidence-based weight loss surgery solutions”
Training
MBBS, FRACS
Achievements & Roles
Dr Jessica McEwan
Dr Jessica McEwan is a GP with a special interest in obesity and weight loss medicine, providing compassionate, evidence-based care to help patients take control of their health. Since 2015, Dr McEwan has worked as a GP in Northern New South Wales and South-East Queensland, attaining her Fellowship from the Royal Australian College of General Practitioners in 2017. Alongside clinical medicine, she works as an RACGP Senior Medical Educator, training the next generation of GPs....
“Non-judgemental and personalised approach, ensuring patients feel heard and supported throughout their journey. Individualised approach to each patient providing understanding and empathy.”
Training
MBBS, BSc, FRACGP. Fellowship from the Royal Australian College of General Practitioners in 2017. SCOPE Certification (the only internationally recognised qualification in obesity management). RACGP Senior Medical Educator.
Achievements & Roles
Linda Cassell
Linda Cassell is a psychologist with a Master of Counselling Degree and an Associate Member of the Counselling Psychologist Group. She is also an Associate Member of ANZMOSS – The Australian New Zealand Metabolic Obesity Surgery Society. She is deeply interested in the life journeys of her clients, bringing both professional expertise and personal experience to her work....
“Works from a compassionate psychoanalytic perspective, integrating practical CBT strategies when appropriate, and always prioritizing the therapeutic relationship as the foundation of healing.”
Training
BSocSc (Psych)(Hons), GradDip Psych, M.Couns. Tennis scholarship at the Australian Institute of Sport in Canberra.
Achievements & Roles
Sally-Anne Livock
Sally has over 30 years' experience as a Dietitian and is a skilled expert in bariatric nutrition. She has extensive clinical dietetic experience and leads a dedicated team consulting at Sunshine Coast University Private Hospital, Buderim Private Hospital, nursing homes, and private practice locations across the Sunshine Coast. Sally has worked closely with bariatric surgeons for over 20 years and is a senior Dietitian at the Sunshine Coast Medical Weight Loss Centre....
“Passionate about teaching and mentoring”
Achievements & Roles
Kishani Turner
Kishani is a highly experienced Accredited Practising Dietitian with over 30 years in the field. For the last 15 years, she has specialised in weight management, bariatric nutrition, and women's health, providing compassionate, evidence-based support. At Sunshine Coast Weight Loss Centre, Kishani works alongside surgeons and allied health professionals to design personalised nutrition plans that complement each client's treatment path....
“Client-centred approach: listens carefully to each person's story, helps them navigate obstacles, and celebrates their successes. Passionate about translating scientific information into practical "how-to" guidance.”
Achievements & Roles
Storm Law
Storm is an Accredited Practising Dietitian with over five years' experience in private practice, supporting clients with a wide range of nutritional needs. She has developed specialist skills in disordered eating, neurodiversity-affirming care, weight management, and bariatric nutrition. Her approach combines education, empathy, and practical strategies tailored to each individual....
“Combines education, empathy, and practical strategies tailored to each individual. Gentle, attentive style focused on truly listening and helping clients make meaningful, sustainable changes.”
Achievements & Roles
Gilli English
Gilli English is our Bari Navigator, here to guide you through every step of your weight loss journey. Whether you're considering surgery or medical options such as injectables, Gilli is your first point of contact to answer all your questions. She provides clear advice on surgery types, nutrition, and the practical side of treatment—including navigating finance options and accessing superannuation to fund surgery....
Procedure Information
Gastric Sleeve▼
Also known as laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy, this procedure removes roughly three-quarters of the stomach using keyhole techniques. The remaining stomach becomes a narrow "sleeve" with a capacity of about 100–200 ml, helping you feel full after small meals and naturally eat less. It's one of the most common and successful bariatric procedures.
Gastric Bypass▼
This procedure involves creating a small stomach pouch and connecting it to a section of the small intestine further downstream. The pouch restricts food intake, while bypassing the first part of the intestine reduces calorie absorption — both working together to promote significant weight loss.
Revisional Surgery▼
Revisional bariatric surgery options are available. A free consultation with the Bariatric Navigator is offered to explore needs and discuss revisional options.
Frequently Asked Questions
Am I a candidate for weight-loss surgery?▼
What types of weight-loss procedures do you offer?▼
Do you offer weight-loss medications or injectables?▼
What can I expect at the initial consultation?▼
How much does surgery cost and what are the payment options?▼
Will my private health insurance or Medicare cover weight-loss surgery?▼
How long is the recovery and when can I go back to work?▼
Will weight-loss surgery help with other medical conditions?▼
Results
over 4,000 successful weight loss procedures performed since 1998
approximately 80% of conditions like type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and sleep apnoea improve or resolve within one year of successful surgery
Pricing
From $5,000
Our team-based support and surgical consultation typically range from $5,000 to $7,000, depending on your individual plan and the procedure recommended. Hospital fees are separate — at Buderim Private and Sunshine Coast University Private Hospitals, these currently average around $14,000. Dr Ian Baxter (Surgeon) Initial appointment: $250. With referral: Claim $86.15 back from Medicare. Out-of-pocket cost: $163.85. Dr Jess McEwan (Medical Weight-Loss Physician) Initial appointment: $380. Includes: 1-hour consult, body scan, injectable demonstration (if chosen). With referral: Claim $202.65 back from Medicare. Out-of-pocket cost: $177.35.
Super early release info
Accepts uninsured patients
Support Team
Dietitian
Psychologist
Bariatric Physician / GP
Aftercare
18 months follow-up
Opening Hours
Saturday: Closed
Sunday: Closed
Monday: 8:30 am–4:30 pm
Tuesday: 8:30 am–4:30 pm
Wednesday: 8:30 am–4:30 pm
Thursday: 8:30 am–4:30 pm
Friday: 8:30 am–3 pm
Other Weight Loss Surgeons in QLD
Esh Jeyarajan
Cairns Surgical Collaborative
Cairns Hospital, Cairns Private Hospital
“Cairns Surgical Collaborative is a team of passionate surgeons providing holistic, collaborative and comprehensive surgical care for patients of Far North Queensland, working both publicly and privately across a range of surgical specialties including bariatric, upper gastrointestinal, endocrine, colorectal, hepatobiliary and general surgery.”
Mikhail Mastakov
Dr Mastakov Surgery
ST STEPHEN'S Private Hospital, Sunnybank Private Hospital
“Dr Mikhail Mastakov is a general surgeon specialising in sleeve gastrectomy, hernia repair, and other general surgical procedures, with clinics across Brisbane, Gold Coast, and Hervey Bay.”
Dr Ben Dodd
Brisbane Upper GI Surgery
The Wesley Hospital, North West Private Hospital
“Brisbane Upper GI Surgery is the practice of Dr Ben Dodd, a Brisbane-born laparoscopic upper GI and bariatric surgeon with over 15 years of experience, providing non-judgemental, evidence-based surgical management of weight excess, reflux, gallbladder and hernia diseases.”
Dr Suzanne Ma
Gold Coast Private Hospital Bariatric Surgery
Gold Coast Private Hospital
“Gold Coast Private Hospital offers a holistic approach to bariatric surgery that goes beyond the surgical procedure to embrace long-term care, with a team of world-class surgeons, dieticians, psychologists and nurses providing high-quality care from diagnosis to treatment and aftercare.”