About
Upper GI West was founded in 2008 by Mr Alan Thomas and Mr Krishna Epari, specialising in bariatric surgery and upper gastrointestinal surgery in Perth, WA. The practice includes multiple surgeons, a bariatric physician and dietitians, offering a multidisciplinary approach to obesity management and upper GI conditions.
Procedures Offered
Also offered
Surgeons at This Clinic
Mr Krishna Epari
Co-Founder
Mr Alan Thomas
Co-Founder
A/Prof Mo Ballal
Mr Sanjeeva Kariyawasam
Hospital Affiliations
St John of God Murdoch
Murdoch, WA - private
St John of God Subiaco
Subiaco, WA - private
The Mount Hospital
Perth, WA - private
Fiona Stanley Hospital
WA - public
Fremantle Hospital
WA - public
Our Surgeons
Mr Krishna Epari
Krishna is an Australian trained Surgeon.
- Growing up, my father was an anaesthetist and my mother a theatre nurse. I had a fascination with surgery from a young age.
- MBBS (Hons), BMedSci, FRACS. Graduated with Honours from the University of Tasmania. Relocated to Victoria to undertake a Fellowship in General Surgery.
Mr Alan Thomas
Having moved to Western Australia from Wales in 2004 to undertake a post as an Upper Gastrointestinal Specialist Surgeon at Fremantle Hospital, Alan co-founded Upper GI West with fellow Specialist Surgeon Mr Krishna Epari in 2008,.
- But things have to fall in place and it didn't quite work out for me. I was pretty good with my hands though and I was very interested in biology, so it lent itself to studying medicine and on to being a surgeon.
- MBChB, BSc(Hons), Dip MedLaw, FRCSI, FRACS. Moved to Western Australia from Wales in 2004 to undertake a post as an Upper Gastrointestinal Specialist Surgeon at Fremantle Hospital.
- Co-founded Upper GI West in 2008
Associate Professor Mo Ballal
Mo is a highly trained Upper Gastrointestinal and Bariatric surgeon, having completed his training under some of the world's leaders in both general and upper gastrointestinal Surgery.
- Being able to fix a problem that will have a significant positive impact on someone's life, that's what inspired me to become a doctor.
- MD, FRCSEd, FRACS, MPhil. Completed training under some of the world's leaders in both general and upper gastrointestinal Surgery.
Mr Sanjeeva Kariyawasam
Sanj grew up in Western Australia then moved to Brisbane to attend the University of Queensland's medical school.
- Communication is important to me, similar to clinical judgement and technical surgical skills. This is what makes a great surgeon.
- MBBS, FRACS. Attended the University of Queensland's medical school. Continued basic surgery training in Brisbane.
Procedure Information
Bariatric Surgery (General)50-70% excess weight loss▼
Bariatric, metabolic or weight loss surgery is the most effective way to lose excess weight and to help keep the weight off in the longer term for obese individuals. It has been proven to improve related health conditions including diabetes, heart disease, high blood pressure, high cholesterol and sleep apnoea.
Sleeve Gastrectomy▼
Listed as a primary bariatric procedure offered at Upper GI West. Has a direct metabolic effect on diabetic control.
Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass▼
Listed as a primary bariatric procedure offered at Upper GI West. Has a direct metabolic effect on diabetic control.
Single Anastomosis Gastric Bypass▼
Listed as a primary bariatric procedure offered at Upper GI West. Has a direct metabolic effect on diabetic control.
Gastric Banding▼
Listed as a bariatric procedure offered at Upper GI West, including gastric band removal for patients with problems.
SIPS SADI Duodenal Switch▼
A bariatric procedure offered at Upper GI West. Has a direct metabolic effect on diabetic control.
Gastric Balloon▼
The Orbera balloon is a silicone lined balloon filled with salt water solution, inserted deflated into the stomach through the mouth. Licensed for six month placement. The balloon works by reducing hunger and inducing early satiety. About 10% of patients experience severe nausea and vomiting early on and cannot tolerate the balloon.
Endoscopic Sleeve Gastroplasty (ESG)▼
A procedure performed through the mouth with no incisions in the abdomen using a special device called an overstitch which attaches onto an endoscope. The procedure is no safer than a sleeve gastrectomy nor are the results as good, nor will they be as long lasting. However, the stomach is not cut or removed.
Magenstrasse and Mill▼
Considered by many as being the precursor of the sleeve gastrectomy. This procedure can be performed by laparoscopic (keyhole) surgery. It has the potential advantage of not removing the stomach which could theoretically be used for reconstruction procedures in the future.
Gastric Transit Bipartition▼
A combination operation developed by Professor Sergio Santoro in Brazil. Essentially involves a standard sleeve gastrectomy procedure, then a loop of intestine 300cms from the end of the small bowel is pulled up and joined to the bottom end of the stomach. Has the advantage of the sleeve effect and the additional metabolic effect of bypassing a significant portion of the bowel.
Bilio Pancreatic Diversion with Duodenal Switch▼
Considered the most extensive and drastic bariatric procedure of the modern era. Effectively a widened sleeve procedure then a bypass of the majority of the small bowel. This procedure is the most likely procedure to resolve metabolic syndrome and facilitates the most weight loss on average. It requires the most dietary protein and vitamin replacement.
Aspire Device▼
Inserted in an identical way to a PEG tube. The principle is that an individual eats a healthy diet, then 30 minutes after eating flushes 500mls of tap water into the stomach via the tube, waits 2-3 minutes then empties the content. Probably the closest to reversible of all the invasive procedures.
Results
Studies show an average excess weight loss of 50-70% after bariatric surgery.
For the obese individuals (those with a BMI >30) it is the only effective long term significant weight loss modality when performed accurately and appropriately
It has been proven to improve related health conditions including diabetes, heart disease, high blood pressure, high cholesterol and sleep apnoea. It improves quality of life and decreases the risks of dying from heart disease and cancer.
Patients attending regular follow up achieve greater weight loss
Pricing
To have your bariatric surgery performed, there will be a surgeon and assistant fee, the anaesthetist fee and the hospital fee. Pathology and pharmacy fees may also occur. If you have a full hospital cover that includes bariatric surgery, most hospital and equipment charges are covered. We will selectively consult and offer surgery to self financed patents. Aspire Device out of pocket costs estimated at $5000-7000.
Accepts uninsured patients
Support Team
Dietitian
Bariatric Physician / GP
Other Weight Loss Surgeons in WA
Leigh Archer
Veritas Specialist Centre
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.”
Dr Stephen Watson
Dr Stephen Watson - Laparoscopic General & Bariatric Surgeon
“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.”
Dr Gordon Padovan
Emerge Surgical
“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.”
Adrian Teo
Evolve Bariatrics
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.”