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
Our Surgeons
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.
- Patient-focused approach with personalised and evidence-based weight loss surgery solutions
- MBBS, FRACS
- More than 30 years of surgical experience
- Over 4,000 successful weight loss procedures performed since 1998
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.
- Non-judgemental and personalised approach, ensuring patients feel heard and supported throughout their journey. Individualised approach to each patient providing understanding and empathy.
- 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.
- SCOPE Certification
- RACGP Senior Medical Educator
Linda Cassell
Linda Cassell is a psychologist with a Master of Counselling Degree and an Associate Member of the Counselling Psychologist Group.
- Works from a compassionate psychoanalytic perspective, integrating practical CBT strategies when appropriate, and always prioritizing the therapeutic relationship as the foundation of healing.
- BSocSc (Psych)(Hons), GradDip Psych, M.Couns. Tennis scholarship at the Australian Institute of Sport in Canberra.
- Associate Member of ANZMOSS – The Australian New Zealand Metabolic Obesity Surgery Society
- Associate Member of the Counselling Psychologist Group
Sally-Anne Livock
Sally has over 30 years' experience as a Dietitian and is a skilled expert in bariatric nutrition.
- Passionate about teaching and mentoring
- Over 30 years' experience as a Dietitian
- Over 20 years working with bariatric surgeons
- Written and co-authored bariatric clinical protocols
- Presented at ANZMOSS clinical meetings including the ANZMOSS Dietitians Roadshow
- Managed the Teaching Clinic at The University of the Sunshine Coast
Kishani Turner
Kishani is a highly experienced Accredited Practising Dietitian with over 30 years in the field.
- 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.
- Over 30 years in the field
- 15 years specialising in weight management, bariatric nutrition, and women's health
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.
- Combines education, empathy, and practical strategies tailored to each individual. Gentle, attentive style focused on truly listening and helping clients make meaningful, sustainable changes.
- Specialist skills in disordered eating and neurodiversity-affirming care
Gilli English
Gilli English is our Bari Navigator, here to guide you through every step of your weight loss journey.
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
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 Andrew Nathanson
Dr Andrew Nathanson - Upper GI Surgeon
Greenslopes Private Hospital, The Wesley Hospital
“Dr. Andrew Nathanson is a specialized upper gastro-intestinal, bariatric, and general surgeon based in Brisbane, offering medical services for all benign and malignant upper gastro-intestinal surgical issues, surgical weight loss solutions, and general surgical issues.”
Dr Chung Won
Bariatric Surgery Brisbane
Princess Alexandra Hospital, QE2 Jubilee Hospital
“Dr Chung Won is a Brisbane-based Bariatric, Upper GI and General Surgeon passionate about providing the highest level of surgery, allowing patients to transform their quality of life. He operates across multiple Brisbane public and private hospitals and believes in universal access to world-class healthcare.”
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.”