Sometimes the first right step isn't surgery.
It's a conversation about food.
Our dietitians work alongside Dr Siva Gounder from the very first appointment, whether that appointment leads to surgery, medication, or a nutrition-led plan on its own.
Start a ConversationYou Can Start Here, With Nutrition
Weight loss surgery isn’t the first step for everyone who comes to see us, and it doesn’t need to be. For many people, the right place to start is a conversation with a dietitian: understanding how your body works, what’s been getting in the way, and what a realistic, sustainable plan actually looks like.
As dietitian Terri Quinlan explains, weight management isn’t simply about eating less or exercising more; it’s about helping your body function more efficiently. And as our dietitian Emily Davidson puts it:
“Weight is not a reflection of failure. It’s something we need to understand, not judge.”
That’s the approach behind every plan our dietitians build: no strict rules, no one-size-fits-all diet sheet. A pathway built around what actually works for your body and your life.
Meet Your Dietitian Team
Emily is an Accredited Practising Dietitian with over 20 years of experience across various specialty areas. Her positive attitude and tireless energy motivate others to work hard and succeed. She is driven by her passion for helping individuals achieve their goals and is committed to providing her best support during your weight loss journey. As a busy mum, you can trust her practical, realistic, and adaptable approach to nutrition that suits your lifestyle.
Terri is an experienced Dietitian, with an extensive career of over 30 years. She has worked in both private practice and hospital settings across WA. Her interest in bariatric nutrition began in 2009, and since then, Terri has dedicated herself to providing specialised and practical advice to clients before and after surgery. Her main objective is to ensure clients are well-prepared for the surgery, make healthier long-term meal choices, maintain the right balance of nutrients throughout their journey, and confidently overcome any obstacles with her guidance and support.
What Ongoing Dietitian Support Looks Like
A first appointment with one of our dietitians isn't a lecture on what to cut out.
It's a conversation about:
Your current eating patterns, routines, and what's realistic for your lifestyle
The role nutrition plays in metabolic health, energy, and how your body uses food
A plan that's built with you, not handed to you, because what works is different for everyone
Regular check-ins to adjust the plan as your circumstances and goals change
Support if you're also preparing or recovering from surgery, or taking weight-loss medication
And if it's been a while since your last check-in, or you've never had one, there's no judgement. Our dietitians are just as happy to see someone taking their very first step as someone reviewing years of progress.
Start a Conversation
Working Alongside Dr. Siva Gounder
Nutrition support at our clinic isn’t a stand-alone service bolted onto surgical care; it’s part of the same multidisciplinary team. Dr Gounder, Emily and Terri work together on each patient’s plan, so if your circumstances change, whether that means exploring medication, considering surgery, or simply needing extra support to stay on track, the right person is already part of your care team.
If you’re here because you’re wondering what’s right for you, that’s exactly the right reason to reach out. A conversation with one of our dietitians doesn’t commit you to a specific pathway. For some patients, nutrition and medical weight management is the whole plan. For others, it’s the first step before, or alongside, other options.
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