Australian Institute Of Weight Control NSW

Our Team

• Dr Roy Brancatisano
• Dr Brendan J Ryan
• Dr. Anthony Brancatisano
• Dr. George Moulos
• Mandy Turton
• Marianne Gabriel
• Kathryn Jansz
• Gretel Young
• Petra Maher
• Other members of our team

Dr. Roy Brancatisano MBBS FRACS

General & Bariatric Surgeon

Dr R Brancatisano trained in Sydney, Australia where he achieved his surgical qualifications and fellowship of the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons in 1993. He undertook further specialist training in upper gastrointestinal surgery as well as advanced laparoscopic surgery. He travelled to the United Kingdom where he was awarded the position of International Fellow at Kings College Hospital in London and then Hepatobiliary Fellow at the Hammersmith Hospital in London. Upon returning, he took up the position of Senior lecturer in surgery at Sydney University and currently is consultant surgeon at Westmead Hospital. He is committed to professional development, education and research. It is with this background and expertise that he became interested in obesity surgery, and has successfully performed over 1800 laparoscopic gastric banding operations. In caring for these patients and listening to their needs and experiences, he developed a support program to help patients achieve their goals of weight control and a healthier lifestyle. This has led to the development of the Institute of Weight Control in Sydney and the 'Circle of Care' program. Dr R Brancatisano is a member of the International Federation for the Surgery of Obesity (IFSO), the Obesity Surgery Society of Australia & New Zealand (OSSANZ) and a Founding member of Asia Pacific Bariatric Surgery Society (APBSS).

Dr. Brendan J Ryan MBBS, FRACS.

General & Bariatric Surgeon

Brendan is a General, Laparoscopic & Transplant Surgeon and a staff specialist surgeon, at Westmead Hospital. He has a special interest in Laparoscopic surgery and in particular, gastric banding. He believes key-hole surgery is a great advantage to the patient in terms of safe results and faster recovery. He has been trained first-hand in the specialist field of Laparoscopic Gastric Banding by Dr Roy Brancatisano, Director of the Sydney Circle of Care and surgeon of over 1800 gastric band operations. Dr Ryan now works as an independent Surgeon of the AIWC and is a strong supporter of the team approach to weight loss. He is involved in continual education and quality review of surgery in this field. He is committed to safe surgical practices in patient care.

Dr. Anthony Brancatisano B.Appl.Sc, MBBS, PhD

Director of Research

Tony is Director of Research and Education at the Sydney Circle of Care. He is a medical practitioner and assistant surgeon in laparoscopic surgery. He achieved his research qualifications from Sydney University in 1987 as a National Health and Medical Research Council of Australia Research Scholar and undertook his post doctorate studies abroad at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota USA. He has written and published many peer-reviewed journal articles and book chapters. Given his broad background in research and medicine he is committed to achieving best outcomes in improving and resolving many of the co morbid illnesses associated with obesity and patient's overall quality of life.

Dr. George Moulos MBBS FRACGP

Specialist General Practitioner

Dr George Moulos is a specialist general practitioner. He is a graduate of Sydney University (1992) and completed FRACGP in 2000. Dr Moulos is a strong advocate of preventative health with a special interest in obesity related illnesses. His interests include his family, swimming and cycling.

Amanda Turton, BSc. MNutr. Diet.

Director of Nutrition Services

Mandy trained at Sydney University, graduating with a Master of Nutrition and Dietetics degree in 1984. She is an Accredited Practicing Dietitian and a member of the Dietitians Association of Australia. Mandy has a special interest in the management and prevention of overweight and obesity in the community, and developed the 'Easy Steps to Weight Control' program. She enjoys helping people to make positive lifestyle changes by adopting healthier eating habits and managing their weight. She is also interested in the prevention of lifestyle related conditions such as diabetes and heart disease. Mandy believes that the most positive thing she can offer patients is her belief in their success.

Marianne Gabriel RN MA MAPS

Consultant Psychologist

Marianne has 25 years experience as a Registered Nurse and is a member of the Australian Psychological Society, Australian Society of Hypnosis, the Australian College of Clinical Psychologists and the International Transactional Analysis Association. With a particular interest in eating disorders Marianne brings much knowledge and experience to IWCS. Using a Positive Psychology approach Marianne recognises that each person has the ability to make the necessary lifestyle changes to reach their desired weight, to have more energy and vitality and live life to the fullest.

Kathryn Jansz MA(Hons), MAPS

Registered Psychologist

Kathryn has been a registered psychologist since 1991 and is a member of the Australian Psychological Society. She has completed a Bachelor of Arts from the University of NSW, a Master of Arts from the University of Sydney and Master of Arts (Hons) from Macquarie University. She trained as a Research Psychologist in Academic Psychiatry at Royal North Shore Hospital. Kathryn has a special interest in the psychological factors involved in obesity, helping our patients to become more aware of the influences affecting one’s eating patterns. This enables a better understanding of the triggers that influence when and why we eat.

Gretel Young BAppSc.Phy

Physiotherapist

Petra Maher

Patient Liaison

Petra is one of our many success stories. She has managed to lose her excess weight after gastric band surgery and has kept it off in excess of 4 years. She is on hand to provide the kind of support only a patient can provide from first hand experience and her passion is to help you to change your life and your health with weight loss surgery. She is an integral part of the support team and provides understanding from a patient's perspective, She is always endeavouring to inspire you to achieve your goals.

Other members of their Multi-Disciplinary Team include:

• Ruth Hutchison, RN, BA: Clinical Trials Co-ordinator
• Sara Wahlroos, BMedSc.: Research Assistant