Specialist Weight loss care, close to home
Southern Weight Loss provides medical and surgical weight loss treatment for people across Otago, Southland and South Canterbury, with clinics in Dunedin, Wānaka, Invercargill and Oamaru.
The practice is led by Mr Mark Grant, FRACS, a specialist bariatric and Upper Gastrointestinal surgeon.
Most people who come to us have already tried more than once to lose weight. Many have experienced persistent hunger, weight regain or limited results from diet and medication. That is not a lack of effort. Obesity is a complex, chronic condition influenced by appetite, hormones, metabolism, genetics and environment.
Our surgeon, dietitian and clinical psychologist work as one team, so you get:
- One consistent plan, not conflicting advice
- Treatment matched to you: medication, surgery, or both
- Support before treatment and structured follow-up after, including two years of follow-up for surgical patients
No GP referral is needed. Book directly and we’ll take it from there.
Our Goal Is to improve the understanding and acceptance of the role that bariatric surgery plays in the management of obesity. While at the same time helping our patients achieve their goal of a healthier and fuller life.
Our Team
Mr Grant is fellowship-trained in primary and revisional bariatric surgery. He brings more than 10 years of specialist Upper Gastrointestinal experience, including work in high volume units in UK, Otago and Southland.
Helen is a NZ Registered Dietitian who has worked in bariatric and weight management care since 1998, including eight years as a community obesity specialist dietitian in the UK. She helped establish Counterweight, the landmark GP-based weight management programme linked to the DiRECT type 2 diabetes remission trial. Helen guides patients through every stage, preparing for surgery, post-operative nutrition, and medical weight loss pathways.
Natalie is a Registered Clinical Psychologist with more than ten years’ experience across community, hospital and private settings. She works collaboratively with patients to prepare for the emotional and behavioural changes that can accompany weight loss surgery. Her approach is practical, supportive and tailored to each person.
Our Services
We offer the full complement of weight loss procedures.
Request an Appointment
FAQs
Who is a good candidate for weight loss surgery?
Weight loss surgery, also called bariatric surgery, is typically considered for people with severe obesity. Generally, this means having a body mass index (BMI) of 35 or more, or a BMI of 30 or more with serious weight-related health conditions like diabetes or sleep apnea. However, qualifications can vary, so consulting a doctor is crucial.
How does weight loss surgery work?
There are different types of weight loss surgery, but they generally work by restricting the amount of food you can eat or bypassing some of your intestines, reducing nutrient absorption.
How much weight can I expect to lose?
With proper diet and exercise, weight loss surgery can help you lose a significant amount of weight. However, the exact amount varies depending on the individual and the type of surgery.
Is weight loss surgery safe?
Some risks come with weight loss surgery, like getting an illness, bleeding, or leaks. But improvements in laparoscopic methods have made the treatment safer in the last few years. It’s important to talk about the risks and benefits with a skilled surgeon.
What are the long-term considerations after surgery?
After weight loss surgery, it’s important to stick to healthy food and regular exercise for the rest of your life. It may also be necessary to take extra vitamins and minerals over time to make sure the body absorbs the nutrients properly. Follow-up visits with your doctor are very important for keeping an eye on your progress and any problems that might come up.