3 providers · Listed against public registers

Best Bariatric Surgeons in Sydney (2026)

Bariatric surgery in Sydney is delivered through ANZMOSS-aligned (Australia + NZ Metabolic and Obesity Surgery Society) multidisciplinary teams. The first-line procedure for most patients is sleeve gastrectomy (60–70% excess weight loss at 5 years); Roux-en-Y bypass is preferred for patients with type 2 diabetes prioritising glycaemic resolution. Lap-band has declining use due to higher complication rates and lower long-term efficacy. All Sydney surgeons require a structured pre-op program (typically 3–6 months including dietitian + psychology assessment) before scheduling. Total out-of-pocket cost with hospital cover: $13,000–$25,000 for sleeve, $18,000–$30,000 for bypass.

The Health Desk · Editorial team, aged care + dental + plastic surgery + dermatology + weight-loss + psychology · Updated 14 May 2026 · How we rank · Editorial standards

★Key takeaways

  • ✓3 listed bariatric surgery providers in Sydney.
  • ✓3 of 3 are ANZMOSS-aligned (Australia + NZ Metabolic and Obesity Surgery Society).
  • ✓Longest-established: Circle of Care (25+ years operating).
  • ✓Independent ranking — no paid placements. Always consult your GP first; they write the referrals + Mental Health Care Plans + PBS Authority codes that unlock pathway-specific funding.
Best Bariatric Surgeons in Sydney (2026) — quick compare table · Click any header to sort
Provider ⇅ Provider (suburb) ⇅ Lead designation ⇅ Years ⇅ ANZMOSS ⇅ GLP-1 ⇅ Programs ⇅
Circle of Care Bella VistaMBBS, FRACS (Upper GI / Bariatric)25+ yrsYes—Sleeve gastrectomy, Gastric bypass
Dr Garett Smith - North Shore Upper GI & Bariatric St LeonardsBMed, MS, FRACS20+ yrsYes—Sleeve gastrectomy, Gastric bypass
Sydney Bariatric Clinic WestmeadMBBS, FRACS (General Surgery)15+ yrsYes—Sleeve gastrectomy, Gastric bypass

Top 3 ranked by years operating then ANZMOSS membership. Independent — no paid placements.

1

Circle of Care

Bariatric surgery ANZMOSS-aligned 25+ years Bella Vista

Circle of Care operates from Bella Vista, Sydney. 25+ years operating. Lead clinician Dr Roy Brancatisano (MBBS, FRACS (Upper GI / Bariatric)). Multidisciplinary team led by Upper GI surgeon Dr Brancatisano with in-house bariatric dietitian, psychologist and nurse care across Bella Vista and Westmead.

Lead clinician

Dr Roy Brancatisano

MBBS, FRACS (Upper GI / Bariatric)

Founded

2000

25+ years operating

Programs

6

Programs: Sleeve gastrectomy, Gastric bypass, Lap-band, Revision surgery, Bariatric dietitian support….

Hospital affiliations: Norwest Private Hospital, Westmead Private Hospital.

Best for: BMI 35+ patients seeking surgical weight loss in Sydney

Multidisciplinary team led by Upper GI surgeon Dr Brancatisano with in-house bariatric dietitian, psychologist and nurse care across Bella Vista and Westmead.

Provider website → (02) 8197 9595
2

Dr Garett Smith - North Shore Upper GI & Bariatric

Bariatric surgery ANZMOSS-aligned 20+ years St Leonards

Dr Garett Smith - North Shore Upper GI & Bariatric operates from St Leonards, Sydney. 20+ years operating. Lead clinician A/Prof Garett Smith (BMed, MS, FRACS). Clinical Associate Professor at University of Sydney and supervisor of the Royal North Shore Bariatric Fellowship - the academic gold-standard surgeon on Sydney's lower north shore.

Lead clinician

A/Prof Garett Smith

BMed, MS, FRACS

Founded

2005

20+ years operating

Programs

4

Programs: Sleeve gastrectomy, Gastric bypass, Revision surgery, Bariatric dietitian support.

Hospital affiliations: North Shore Private Hospital, Royal North Shore Hospital.

Best for: BMI 35+ patients seeking surgical weight loss in Sydney

Clinical Associate Professor at University of Sydney and supervisor of the Royal North Shore Bariatric Fellowship - the academic gold-standard surgeon on Sydney's lower north shore.

Provider website → (02) 9460 8711
3

Sydney Bariatric Clinic

Bariatric surgery ANZMOSS-aligned 15+ years Westmead

Sydney Bariatric Clinic operates from Westmead, Sydney. 15+ years operating. Lead clinician Dr Brendan Ryan (MBBS, FRACS (General Surgery)). Lead surgeon Dr Brendan Ryan has personally performed over 5,000 weight-loss operations, making this one of the highest-volume bariatric practices in NSW.

Lead clinician

Dr Brendan Ryan

MBBS, FRACS (General Surgery)

Founded

2010

15+ years operating

Programs

6

Programs: Sleeve gastrectomy, Gastric bypass, Lap-band, Revision surgery, Bariatric dietitian support….

Hospital affiliations: Westmead Private Hospital, Lakeview Private Hospital, Campbelltown Private Hospital.

Best for: BMI 35+ patients seeking surgical weight loss in Sydney

Lead surgeon Dr Brendan Ryan has personally performed over 5,000 weight-loss operations, making this one of the highest-volume bariatric practices in NSW.

Provider website → (02) 9687 7019

Common questions

What's the difference between sleeve gastrectomy and gastric bypass?

Sleeve gastrectomy removes ~80% of the stomach, leaving a vertical tube (the "sleeve"). Procedure time ~1 hour; one operation; no rerouting of the bowel. Roux-en-Y gastric bypass creates a small pouch and reroutes the small bowel — better for type 2 diabetes resolution and severe reflux but more complex with higher long-term nutrient-deficiency risk. ANZMOSS surgeons typically recommend sleeve as first-line; bypass for diabetes-priority patients.

How much does bariatric surgery cost out-of-pocket?

With hospital cover (12+ months no exclusions): sleeve $13,000–$25,000, bypass $18,000–$30,000. Without cover: $25,000–$40,000. Includes surgeon fee, anaesthetist, hospital stay, follow-up. Medicare item numbers 31572 (sleeve) and 31575 (bypass) provide rebate. Pre-op multidisciplinary work-up adds $2,000–$5,000.

How do I know if I qualify for bariatric surgery?

ANZMOSS criteria: BMI ≥40, OR BMI ≥35 with type 2 diabetes / sleep apnoea / hypertension / fatty liver, OR BMI ≥30 with poorly-controlled type 2 diabetes after failed medical management. You'll also need to demonstrate failure of medical/dietary weight-loss attempts (typically 12 months). All surgeons require a structured pre-op pathway including dietitian + psychology assessment.

Should I try GLP-1 (Ozempic / Wegovy / Mounjaro) first?

Yes, for many patients — RACGP 2024 recommends GLP-1 first-line for BMI 30–34.9 (or 27+ with comorbidities). For BMI 40+ or 35+ with type 2 diabetes, surgery has stronger long-term outcomes (60–70% excess weight loss at 5 years vs ~15% body-weight loss with GLP-1). GLP-1 weight regain is common after stopping; surgery is durable but irreversible.

What's the recovery time?

Sleeve: 1–2 nights in hospital, 1–2 weeks off light desk work, 4–6 weeks before normal exercise. Bypass: 2–3 nights, 2–4 weeks light work, 6–8 weeks normal exercise. Liquid diet first 2 weeks; then puréed; then soft foods; normal foods at 6–8 weeks. Follow-up appointments at 1, 3, 6, 12 months then annually.