Gold Coast Weight Loss Surgery
Living with obesity or weight-related health conditions and exploring your options?
Specialist bariatric surgery on the Gold Coast with full multidisciplinary support and your first consultation is bulk-billed and available via telehealth
Bulk billed consult - Dr Catherine Quirk, Bariatric Physician
Full support team - dietitian, psychologist, endocrinologist and more
Flexible funding - including superannuation access
Achieve Long Term Weight Loss With Expert Surgical & Medical Treatment
For many people living with obesity or weight-related health conditions, weight loss surgery can be an effective part of a structured medical plan.
Our clinic offers evidence-based surgical options including gastric sleeve surgery, gastric bypass surgery and revision weight loss procedures, all performed in accredited hospitals on the Gold Coast.
250+ Patients Supported
Patients are supported not only through the surgical process, but also with ongoing care from an endocrinologist, dietitian, psychologist and exercise physiologist, helping them understand their options and the support available.
Alternative Funding Pathways
During your consultation we can discuss alternative funding pathways, including superannuation access options and structured payment pathways that may be available.
What Our Patients Say
Gastric sleeve, gastric bypass and revision surgery - Gold Coast
Why choose a Weight Loss Surgeon in the Gold Coast
At The Weight Loss Specialist Clinic, patients are supported by an experienced multidisciplinary team led by Dr Philip Townend (Bariatric, General & Upper GI Surgeon) and Dr Catherine Quirk (Bariatric Physician).
Together, the team provides structured care before, during and after surgery helping patients understand their options and supporting them throughout their weight loss journey.
Bariatric Surgical Care
Our clinic focuses exclusively on bariatric procedures, including gastric sleeve surgery, gastric bypass surgery and revision weight loss procedures performed in accredited hospitals.
Multidisciplinary Support Team
Patients are supported by a coordinated team including an endocrinologist, dietitian, psychologist and exercise physiologist to guide their weight loss journey.
Funding & Superannuation Pathways
We offers alternative funding pathways, including potential superannuation access and structured payment options for eligible patients.
Weight loss surgery procedures we perform
All procedures are carried out in accredited Gold Coast hospitals by Dr Phil Townend, Bariatric and Upper GI Surgeon.
Sleeve Gastrectomy
A procedure that reduces the size of the stomach, helping patients feel full sooner and eat smaller portions. It is one of the most commonly performed weight loss surgeries.
Gastric Bypass
A procedure that changes how the stomach and small intestine handle food, helping reduce food intake and calorie absorption. It can be an effective option for long-term weight loss and metabolic health.
Revision Weight Loss Surgery
Revision surgery may be considered for patients who have previously had weight loss surgery but require further treatment. It can help address complications or improve long-term outcomes.
Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass (RYGB)
A well-established bariatric procedure that reduces stomach size and reroutes part of the digestive system. This approach can support significant weight loss and improvements in certain metabolic conditions.
Loop Duodenal Switch (SADI-S or SIPS)
An advanced bariatric procedure that combines stomach reduction with changes to how food is absorbed in the digestive system. It may be considered for patients with higher BMI or complex weight-related conditions.
Hernia Surgery
Surgical treatment for abdominal hernias, where weakened tissue allows internal organs to push through the abdominal wall. Repairing the hernia helps relieve symptoms and prevent further complications.
Research shows bariatric surgery may significantly reduce mortality risk
in patients with type 2 diabetes.
Comfortably reduce the amount of food you can eat
to still feel full.
The most effective treatment for obesity
in suitable patients
Our Multidisciplinary Team
Meet the Team
Dr Phil Townend
Bariatric, General & Upper GI Surgeon
Dr Catherine Quirk
Bariatric Physician | Surgical Assistant
Dr Jessica Triay
Endocrinologist and General Physician
Rachel Williams
Registered Psychologist
Jen Hoult
Principal Dietitian
Megan Campbell
Senior Exercise Physiologist
Gold Coast Weight Loss Surgery
Start with a bulk-billed telehealth consultation
Your consultation with Dr Catherine Quirk (Bariatric Physician) is designed to help you better understand your options and whether weight loss surgery may be an appropriate next step for you.
During this appointment, you will have the opportunity to ask questions, discuss your health history, and explore potential treatment pathways in a supportive and confidential setting.
Frequently Asked Questions
About Weight Loss Surgery
What happens at the first consultation?
You'll have a one-on-one telehealth appointment with Dr Catherine Quirk, our Bariatric Physician.
She'll review your health history, discuss your goals, explain which surgical options may be suitable, and walk you through funding pathways and next steps.
It's a private, no-pressure conversation you can have from the comfort of your own home.
Do I need a GP referral to book?
No. You can book your bulk-billed telehealth consultation directly no referral required.
Can I use my superannuation to pay for surgery?
Eligible patients may be able to access their superannuation early to fund weight loss surgery. This is something we can discuss and help guide you through at your consultation.
Do I need private health insurance?
Private health insurance can significantly reduce out-of-pocket costs for the surgical procedure and hospital stay. However, it's not always required, and there are funding pathways available for patients without cover. We'll walk you through what applies to your situation during your initial appointment.
Where is the clinic located?
The Weight Loss Specialist Clinic is based in Southport on the Gold Coast - Suite 307, Level 7, 9 Lawson Street, Southport QLD 4215. Surgery is performed in accredited Gold Coast hospitals, with the full support team based locally.
Do I need to be on the Gold Coast to become a patient?
No. We see patients from across Queensland, New South Wales, the Northern Territory, and beyond.
Your initial consultation with Dr Catherine Quirk is conducted via telehealth, so you can attend from anywhere in Australia without travelling.
If surgery is the right pathway for you, we'll work with you to plan your visit to the Gold Coast and make the process as straightforward as possible.
How does it work if I'm travelling from interstate?
Many of our patients fly in for their surgical procedure and pre-operative appointments.
We're well set up for this - Southport is a short drive from Gold Coast Airport, and the team will walk you through exactly what's involved, how long you'll need to be in the area, and what follow-up care can be managed remotely or with a local provider back home.
Your telehealth consultation is the first step, and from there we'll map out a clear timeline with you.
Am I eligible for weight loss surgery?
Weight loss surgery may be considered for people with a BMI over 35, or BMI over 30 with weight-related health conditions such as type 2 diabetes, sleep apnoea or metabolic disease.
Your consultation with Dr Catherine Quirk will help determine whether surgery may be appropriate for your individual situation.
How much do you have to weigh to get weight loss surgery?
Eligibility for weight loss surgery is usually based on Body Mass Index (BMI) rather than weight alone.
During your consultation, we assess your BMI, medical history and overall health to determine the most appropriate treatment pathway.
What happens after my first consultation?
After your initial consultation, we guide you through the next steps which may include further assessments with our multidisciplinary team, such as a dietitian, psychologist or endocrinologist, before confirming your surgical pathway.
What support is provided after surgery?
Weight loss surgery is supported by an integrated care program, including ongoing follow-up and support from the multidisciplinary team to help patients manage nutrition, lifestyle and long-term health.