An expert team, with you every step of the way

Melbourne Weight Loss Solutions offers an unparalleled level of support to patients. Our team are on-hand to answer your questions every step of the way. Our difference is the inclusion of long-term follow-up appointments with our surgeons, dietitians and nurses as part of your surgical care to help you keep weight off for life.

Melbourne’s top bariatric surgeons all under one clinic, supported by a comprehensive team:

Our Surgeons

Our 3 surgeons are highly trained and experienced in all surgical weight loss techniques. Our surgeons are up-to-date with the most modern techniques and are involved in medical research and teaching.

Please click here for a detailed list of consulting and operating addresses for our surgeons.

A/Prof. Michael Hii

FRACS MBBS BMedSci PGDipSurgAnat
Oesophago-Gastric and Bariatric Surgeon

  • Mr. Michael Hii is an Oesophago-Gastric and Bariatric (weight loss) surgeon. He works as a consultant at St Vincent’s Hospital Melbourne, St Vincent’s Private Hospital and Epworth Healthcare. He is the deputy director of the Hepatobiliary and Upper GI unit at St Vincent’s Hospital and the Pre-SET supervisor. He is a senior lecturer at the University of Melbourne. He is the chairperson of the St Vincent’s Upper GI and Hepatobiliary research group and has published widely in Upper GI and bariatric literature.

    Michael completed medical school at the University of Melbourne and then surgical training at St Vincent’s Hospital and Eastern Health. He was awarded his surgical fellowship in 2009 and underwent subspecialty training in Melbourne and Brisbane.

    Michael enjoys a busy clinical workload in addition to his interest in research and education. He is one of the highest volume surgeons in Victoria and Australia. Mr. Hii's clinical areas of interest include the treatment of oesophageal and gastric cancer, hiatus hernia repair, anti-reflux surgery, surgery for achalasia and obesity surgery (including gastric bypass, sleeve gastrectomy and revision procedures). Research areas of interest include enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS) programs, the role of exercise in cancer treatment and understanding the mechanisms behind weight loss surgery.

    Michael is a founding member and current chairperson of The HOPE Fund, a charity established in 2018 to support better care and better outcomes for hepatobiliary and upper gastrointestinal patients. He is a clinical senior fellow at the University of Melbourne and

    Outside of work Michael is passionate about his family time; he adores his three daughters. He also keeps fit with HIIT exercise, loves collecting old guitars, gets active in the garden, enjoys a glass of wine and hitting golf balls out of the rough.

  • • Oesophago-Gastric surgery fellow, Princess Alexandra Hospital, Brisbane, 2011-2012

    • Obesity surgery fellow, Royal Brisbane and Womens’ Hospital, Brisbane, 2011

    • Upper GI and HPB fellow, St Vincent’s Hospital, Melbourne, 2010

    • Fellowship of the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons (RACS), General Surgery, 2009

    • Post Graduate Diploma of Surgical Anatomy, Melbourne University Private, 2005

    • Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery, Melbourne University, 2000

    • Bachelor of Medical Science, Melbourne University, 2000

  • Click here to see a list of publications, presentations and current research interests.

    Michael Hii and the team at Melbourne Gastro Oesophageal Surgery team are extensively involved in research, ensuring patients receive the most up-to-date and effective treatments.

  • Consulting locations:

    • East Melbourne (main rooms), including Telehealth

    Operating locations:

    • St Vincent's Private Fitzroy

    • Epworth Freemasons East Melbourne

    • St Vincent's Hospital Melbourne ­ Public

Dr Salena Ward

MBBS, FRACS, MS, PGDipSurgAnatAdjunct Lecturer, Monash University, Oesophago-Gastric, Bariatric and General Surgeon

  • Dr Salena Ward is a General Surgeon who specialises in surgery of the oesophagus and stomach, including weight loss surgery.

    Dr Ward finished Medical School at The University of Melbourne in 2000. Her junior work and surgical training have been at Royal Melbourne Hospital and The Alfred Hospital, then qualified as a surgeon in 2009. She has specialist oesophageal and gastric surgical training at Box Hill Hospital. In the United Kingdom at Oxford University Hospital, and returned to Australia in 2012 to start consultant work in public and private practice.

    She prides herself on excellence in surgical procedures and clinical and patient care. She is committed to education and training, is involved in the Eastern Health Clinical School and Research Group and the St Vincent’s Hospital Melbourne Surgical Research Group, and is training medical students and junior doctors in her public and private hospitals. She completed a Master's in Surgery in 2013 through Monash University and is now a supervisor of current students for their Masters in Surgery.

    She is also active in the surgical community and at the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons. She is a Member of the Victoria Regional Committee and assists with the Victorian Annual Surgeon’s Meeting in organisation and supporting research submissions. She is an active member of the relevant Australian obesity and oesophagogastric specialist surgical societies.

    Salena believes in thorough patient consultation, aims to provide timely, comfortable and efficient service to patients in operative and non-operative care, and keeps her patients and their doctors fully informed at all stages of care.

  • • Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery, The University of Melbourne, 2000

    • Postgraduate Diploma of Surgical Anatomy, Melbourne University Private, 2003

    • Fellowship of the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons (RACS), General Surgery, 2009

    • Specialist Fellowship in Upper Gastrointestinal Surgery, Box Hill Hospital, Melbourne, 2009-2011

    • Specialist Fellowship in Oesophago-Gastric Surgery, Oxford University Hospitals NHS Trust, Oxford, United Kingdom, 2011-2012

  • Click here to see a list of publications, presentations and current research interests.

  • Consulting locations:

    • East Melbourne (main rooms), including Teleheath

    • Box Hill North

    • Bundoora

    Operating locations:

    • St Vincent’s Hospital Melbourne – Public

    • St Vincent's Private Fitzroy

    • Box Hill Hospital ­ Public

    • Epworth Eastern Box Hill

    • Northpark Private Bundoora

Dr Nicole Winter

FRACS, MBBS (Hons), BMedSci, AANZGOSA, Oesophago-Gastric and Bariatric Surgeon, GChPOM, Clinical Honorary Lecturer University of Melbourne

  • Hi, I’m Dr. Nicole Winter. I am an Oesophago-Gastric and Bariatric Surgeon. I work at the Royal Melbourne Hospital, St Vincent's Hospital Melbourne and Epworth Healthcare. I am also a Clinical Lecturer at Melbourne University, a board member of the Australian & Aotearoa New Zealand Gastro-Oesophageal Surgery Association (AANZGOSA) and the Pre-SET surgical supervisor at St Vincent’s Hospital Melbourne.

    I graduated my medical degree with Honours through the University of Melbourne in 2007. I was awarded my RACS surgical fellowship in 2016. I then completed subspecialty training in upper gastrointestinal surgery through AANZGOSA and further bariatric fellowship in Brisbane.

    As a specialist surgeon, my passion is and always has been a patient-centred approach to treating conditions affecting the oesophagus and stomach. This includes oesophageal and gastric cancer, hiatus hernia repair, anti-reflux surgery, and bariatric (weight loss) surgery.

    In my private practice, I lead a team of dedicated and trained professionals passionate about helping and supporting people through their weight loss journey. I offer surgical and non-surgical approaches to the management of obesity. I strongly believe in getting to know each of my patients and tailoring treatment for the best long term result.

    I also pride myself on being a modern surgeon, balancing my love for surgery and my love for my family. As a mum and a surgeon, I am truly in a privileged position doing what I am most passionate about.

  • Bariatric Surgery Fellow, Royal Brisbane and Women's Hospital, Brisbane 2020

    Oesophago-gastric surgery fellow, Princess Alexandra Hospital, Brisbane 2019

    Oesophago-gastric surgery fellow, Box Hill Hospital Eastern Health, Melbourne 2018

    Trauma and Emergency General Surgery fellow, Royal Melbourne Hospital, Melbourne 2017

    Fellowship of the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons (RACS), General Surgery, 2016

    Bachelor of Medical and Bachelor of Surgery, Melbourne University, 2007

    Bachelor of Medical Science, Melbourne University, 2007

  • Coming soon…

  • Consulting locations:

    • East Melbourne (main rooms), including Teleheath

    Operating locations:

    • St Vincent’s Hospital Melbourne – Public

    • Royal Melbourne Hospital, Parkville

    • Epworth Freemasons, East Melbourne

    • Masada Private Hospital, St Kilda East

Our bariatric nurses have extensive experience caring for upper-gastrointestinal surgery patients during the pre and post-op period. Alongside your surgeon, they will see you at regular intervals and liase with medical and allied health teams to ensure a high level of care.

Bariatric Nurses

Jessie Leahy

Lead of Nursing Department | Registered Nurse (Division 1) | Practice Nurse

  • Jessie has a wealth of knowledge from specialising in post-surgery care for patients who have had upper gastrointestinal surgery in public and private hospitals, including ICU. Jessie has a pivotal role in leading our team's development and growth.

    Jessie loves to travel; her favourite destinations are Iceland, Morocco, The Galapagos Islands and Cambodia. These days she is more likely to be found in a playground chasing after her two little boys!

Isabella Matthews

Registered Nurse (BN)

  • COMING SOON

Bariatric Consultants

Our physicians provide tailored advice for high-risk patients and can advise on medical concerns such as diabetes, heart conditions & weight loss medication use.

Dr Amy Obsorne

Consultant Physician

  • Dr Amy Osborne is a Consultant Physician with training in the areas of general internal medicine, perioperative medicine and cardiology.

    Amy holds public appointments at St. Vincent’s Hospital and The Alfred - working in General Internal Medicine and the Perioperative Medicine Unit, as well as being involved in the long-term follow-up of Heart Transplant recipients. Amy is actively involved in teaching and is an examiner for the Royal Australian College of Physicians.

    Most of Amy’s work is in perioperative medicine. This includes pre-operative risk assessment, optimisation of medical co-morbidities as well as investigation and management of any undiagnosed symptoms. Amy will liase with other medical specialists involved in the long-term care of her perioperative patients. Amy will help plan peri- operative care for high risk patients in conjunction with the surgeon, anaesthetist and other specialists as appropriate. If required, Amy can continue to follow up patients after their surgery if there are ongoing medical issues.

  • • General Internal Medicine

    • Perioperative Medicine (Gastrointestinal & Bariatric Surgery)

    • Cardiology

  • Fellowship of the Royal Australasian College of Physicians (RACP), 2008

    Bachelor of Medicine Monash University

    Bachelor of Medical Science (Honours), Monash University, 2000

  • Consulting locations:

    • East Melbourne (main rooms), including Teleheath

Dr Anna Galligan

Consultant Physician

  • Dr Anna Galligan is an Endocrinologist and General Physician. She underwent dual specialist training through St Vincent’s Hospital, the Royal Hobart Hospital and the Royal Melbourne Hospital. Anna consults in all areas of endocrinology and perioperative medicine. Her interests include diabetes, weight management and bone health.

    Anna holds public appointments in Endocrinology and General Medicine at St Vincent’s Hospital Melbourne. She is the lead endocrinologist for the St Vincent’s Hospital High Risk Foot Service. Her research thesis, undertaken through the University of Melbourne and St Vincent’s Institute, studied the effects of cancer immunotherapy on the endocrine system.

    Anna is a member of the Royal Australasian College of Physicians, Australian Diabetes Society, Endocrine Society of Australia and the Endocrine Society (USA).

  • • Perioperative Medicine (Gastrointestinal & Bariatric Surgery)

    • Endocrinology

  • Master of Medicine, Melbourne University 2021

    Periop Short Course 2021

    Fellow, Australiasian College of Physicians 2017

    Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery, Monash University 2010

  • Consulting locations:

    • East Melbourne (main rooms), including Teleheath

Dr Geetha Theverkalam

Consultant Physician

  • Dr Geetha Theverkalam has undertaken Physician training at the Monash Medical Centre and Endocrinology training at Eastern Health, Austin and St Vincent’s Hospital. She is currently a Consultant Endocrinologist at St Vincent’s Hospital and Eastern Health.

    Dr Geetha is also working towards completing her PhD on Diabetes-related complications at the University of Melbourne. She is involved in teaching medical students and endocrinology trainees at St Vincent’s Hospital and is a lecturer at the University of Melbourne.

  • • Perioperative Medicine (Gastrointestinal & Bariatric Surgery)

    • Endocrinology

  • Lecturer (Endocrinology), University of Melbourne

    PhD Candidate, University of Melbourne

    Bachelor of Medicine/Bachelor of Surgery, University of Calicut

  • Consulting locations:

    • East Melbourne (main rooms), including Teleheath

Dr Ashwini Supperamohan

Bariatric Consultant

  • Coming soon.

  • • Pre and Post Surgery Medicine (Bariatric Surgery)

  • Coming soon.

  • Consulting locations:

    • East Melbourne (main rooms), including Teleheath

Allied Health

Bariatric Dietitians

Our bariatric dietitians support you in optimising your nutrition and weight management before and after weight loss surgery. They place high importance on educating their patients and strive to cater for each person’s unique tastes and needs.

Our dietitian's approach is judgement-free, tailored and focuses on encouraging a positive relationship between food and the body.

Jennifer Tsoutsoulis

Lead of Dietetics Department | Accredited Practising Dietitian (BHumNut MDiet) | Business Development Manager

  • Jennifer is passionate about working with her clients to improve their nutritional knowledge and skills, providing a variety of tailored strategies to assist them in making sustainable lifestyle changes. 

    Jennifer enjoys spending her free time with family and friends. She enjoys going out for coffee, trying food from different cuisines and is a nail art fan!

  • • Bariatric surgery

    • Non-surgical weight loss

    • Oncology

    • Pregnancy post-bariatric surgery

Julia Bazan

Accredited Practising Dietitian (BNutDiet(Hons))

  • Julia is passionate about working with individuals tired of a one-size-fits-all approach to eating well. If you have struggled with chronic dieting, emotional eating and your relationship with food, Julia wants to help you start listening to your body.

    In her spare time, you'll find her salsa dancing and finding the best new foodie spots around Melbourne.

  • • Eating Disorders & Disordered Eating Behaviours

    • Bariatric Surgery

    • ADHD/ASDBariatric surgery

Megan Hickey

Accredited Practising Dietitian (BNutDiet MDiet)

  • Megan is passionate about working with clients to provide personalised nutrition support. She believes in implementing sustainable lifestyle changes and focuses on improving food knowledge and practical skills to achieve your health goals.

    In her spare time, you’ll find her down at the beach with a coffee for a morning walk or out with friends enjoying a delicious meal. 

  • • Bariatric Surgery

    • Medical Weight Loss

    • Upper GI Oncology

Psychology & Counselling

Our psychology & Counselling team is here to support you in addressing various aspects such as food cravings, emotional eating, body image and adapting to social changes after surgery. They will help you identify the reasons behind your choices and provide guidance on managing automatic behaviours.

Lisa O’Loughlin

Counsellor (BSocSc(Counselling), GDipHumNutr)

  • Using an evidence-based approach, Lisa specialises in supporting people pre and/or post-weight loss surgery.

    Through counselling, she can support you with the emotional effects often accompanying weight loss.

    Using clinically proven psychological approaches, Lisa provides a safe space to explore your relationship with food.

    She aims to empower you to identify your eating challenges and set manageable goals. In building self-esteem, breaking down barriers to change and fighting social stigma, her clients can achieve a life of increased health and happiness.

Dr Melanie Strang

Registered Psychologist (BSc MBBS, GDipPsych, GDipPsych(Adv))

  • Dr Melanie Strang uses a combination of therapy modalities including:

    • Internal family systems

    • Eye movement desensitisation and reprocessing (EMDR)

    • Emotion-focused therapy

    • Compassion-focused therapy

    • Supportive and person-centred psychotherapy

    • Cognitive behavioural therapy and

    • Acceptance and commitment therapy

    • Neuro-divergent affirmative practice

    • Trauma informed practice

    She sees adults with a range of concerns including but not limited to: depression, anxiety, stress, OCD, low self esteem, grief, parenting, perinatal depression and anxiety, relationship concerns, transition issues, autism spectrum, post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), complex PTSD, developmental and attachment trauma.

Support Team

Personal Assistants & Admin

Our receptionists are there to be your first point of call at the clinic, helping with your appointments and enquiries. Our personal assistants will assist you with your operation journey to ensure everything runs smoothly.

Cathryn Hertaeg

PA to Dr Michael Hii

Cathryn has a passion for all things board games. When she’s not playing with her family, she provides our patients with the best pathway towards surgery. Cath has over 20 years of experience in the medical industry.

Lauren Drummond

PA to Dr Salena Ward

Before arriving at MWLS, Lauren lived abroad in Germany for 2 years. Lauren supports our team with her wealth of knowledge from working in the hospital system.

Kylie Green

PA to Dr Nicole Winter & Nurses

Kylie hails from England and is a key part of making our patients feel at ease planning their weight loss journey.

Joseph Gallagher

Administrator & PA to Physicians

Joe has a passion for the arts. When he’s not booking appointments for our physicians, you’ll find him behind the lens of a video camera.

Isabella Hill

PA to Allied Health Teams

Issy has a passion for learning and is currently completing her Degree in Psychology while supporting our allied health team.

Grace Adeniyi

Reception

Grace is passionate and driven, she enjoys a good challenge and has left her state of Western Australia to pursue a Media and Communications degree.

Ksenia

Reception

Russian-born, Korea-raised, Australia-living, Ksenia has made Melbourne her third home and brings over ten years of medical administration experience to the team.

Are you ready to take control of your own story?

Book your consult now with our team.