MBSA Director- Metabolic and Bariatric Surgeon
MD, FRACS General, Upper GI, and Bariatric Surgeon
Dr Mani Niazi is a Senior Bariatric and Upper Gastrointestinal (GI) Surgeon with nearly two decades of surgical experience across bariatric, upper gastrointestinal, and general surgery. He provides care using both open and minimally invasive techniques, including advanced laparoscopic and robotic-assisted surgery where appropriate.
He is widely recognised for his focused expertise in bariatric surgery and the long-term management of obesity. His approach is centred on safety, precision, and continuity of care, with a strong emphasis on structured follow-up and multidisciplinary support to help patients achieve sustainable, long-term health outcomes.
Alongside his subspecialty practice, Dr Niazi has extensive experience across a broad spectrum of general surgical procedures, allowing him to provide comprehensive and tailored surgical care for each individual patient.
Dr Niazi has trained and practised across both international and Australian healthcare systems, bringing a broad and refined clinical perspective to his practice. Following his relocation to Australia, he was assessed and recognised as a specialist by the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons (RACS), a distinction awarded following rigorous assessment of specialist competence.
Since 2017, he has held a Consultant appointment at Eastern Health in Melbourne and also sees patients in private practice across Melbourne’s eastern and south-eastern suburbs.
Dr Niazi provides specialist surgical care across a broad range of upper gastrointestinal, bariatric, and general surgical conditions. His practice is centred on advanced minimally invasive techniques, including laparoscopic and robotic-assisted surgery where appropriate, with a focus on safety, precision, and long-term outcomes.
His areas of expertise include, but are not limited to, the following:
Weight Loss (Bariatric) Surgery
Comprehensive surgical management of obesity, including both primary and revisional procedures:
Upper Gastrointestinal (GI) Surgery
Specialist care for reflux and upper digestive conditions:
General Surgery
Broad expertise in elective and emergency general surgical conditions:
Body Contouring Surgery (Excess Skin Removal Following Significant Weight Loss)
Procedures tailored to patients following significant weight loss:
Skin & Soft Tissue Surgery
Careful assessment and management of skin and soft tissue conditions:
Dr Mani Niazi has demonstrated a sustained interest in surgical innovation, with a particular focus on the early development and clinical introduction of Laparoscopic Gastric Plication during his training and early consultant career. His work reflects a long-standing commitment to advancing minimally invasive bariatric surgery and improving patient outcomes.
In 2010, during an observational visit to the Royal Brisbane Hospital, Dr Niazi introduced Gastric Plication to the bariatric surgical team and was involved in the supervision of its first procedure performed in Australia by a leading upper gastrointestinal surgeon. In recognition of his contribution, he was awarded a travelling fellowship by the Upper Gastrointestinal Surgery Unit at Royal Brisbane Hospital.
In 2011, he was invited to present at the first international summit on Gastric Plication in Barcelona, reflecting his early involvement in the global academic discussion and adoption of this procedure.
His early clinical experience and case series in Gastric Plication were subsequently cited in Schwartz’s Principles of Surgery (10th edition, 2014–2015), one of the world’s most authoritative surgical textbooks.
Dr Niazi has undertaken advanced surgical training across internationally recognised centres of excellence, building a broad and highly refined clinical foundation across general, upper gastrointestinal, and subspecialty surgical practice.
Academic Foundation
Trained at Tehran University of Medical Sciences, where he developed a strong grounding in core surgical principles and clinical practice.
Upper Gastrointestinal & Bariatric Surgery
Completed advanced fellowship training in Upper Gastrointestinal and Bariatric Surgery at St George Hospital, Sydney, a leading tertiary referral centre for complex and high-volume surgical care. This training provided extensive exposure to advanced bariatric and upper GI procedures within a specialist multidisciplinary environment.
Breast, Endocrine & Skin Cancer Surgery
Undertook further fellowship training across Breast, Endocrine, and Skin Cancer Surgery at Tweed Heads and John Flynn Hospitals, gaining comprehensive experience in specialist surgical oncology and broad general surgical practice.
Dr Niazi has a long-standing commitment to surgical education and the training of the next generation of surgeons. His approach to practice has consistently combined clinical excellence with active involvement in teaching, supervision, and mentorship across both hospital and academic settings.
He completed his early surgical training at Sina Hospital in Tehran, one of the country’s leading general surgery teaching centres, where he was actively involved in teaching medical students and supporting junior surgical trainees within a structured academic environment.
Following his consultant appointment, Dr Niazi joined the Faculty of Medicine at Gorgan University, where he contributed to surgical education within a teaching hospital environment, supervising trainees and participating in the development of surgical training pathways.
Since relocating to Australia, he has continued his academic involvement as a clinical lecturer with Bond University, Griffith University, and the University of New South Wales (UNSW), contributing to undergraduate and postgraduate medical education.
He currently serves as a Consultant Surgeon at Eastern Health, where he is actively involved in the supervision and training of surgical trainees through the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons (RACS) training pathway. He also contributes to medical student teaching through Monash University.
In addition to his formal academic roles, Dr Niazi is known for his hands-on approach to mentorship, regularly supporting junior surgeons and colleagues within both public and private practice settings, sharing his experience and providing guidance in complex surgical decision-making.
MD, FRACS, PGDipSurgAnat Bariatric, Upper GI, and General Surgeon
Dr Ramin Mehdipour is a highly skilled surgeon with a primary focus on life-changing Bariatric and Upper Gastrointestinal (GI) care. He is dedicated to providing patient-centred care, combining surgical precision with a compassionate approach to help patients achieve their long-term health goals.
Following extensive surgical training across Australia, Dr Mehdipour completed a prestigious Fellowship in Oesophagogastric and Bariatric Surgery at St Vincent’s Hospital Melbourne—one of Victoria’s premier centres for complex Upper GI surgery. He remains active in the public health system, holding consultant appointments at Eastern Health.
Dr Mehdipour focuses on advanced laparoscopic (keyhole) techniques, which are designed to support a smoother recovery and reduce discomfort for his patients. His key areas of expertise include:
Gallbladder & Hernia Care: Advanced keyhole surgery for gallbladder removal and all types of abdominal hernias (including inguinal, umbilical, and incisional).
While his primary focus is on metabolic and weight loss surgery, Dr Mehdipour is a versatile General Surgeon with broad expertise across several disciplines:
Minor Specialist Procedures: Including carpal tunnel release, ingrown toenail surgery, and anorectal care.
Operating across Knox and Holmesglen Private Hospitals, Dr Mehdipour is committed to providing high-quality surgical care. Whether he is performing a complex bariatric procedure or a routine general operation, his focus remains firmly on surgical precision, patient safety, and supporting your journey toward better health.
Tara Zavabeti
Senior Dietitian BSc, MSc, GDipHumNutr, MNutrDiet, APD, AN
Tara Zavabeti is a highly qualified Accredited Practising Dietitian (APD) and Accredited Nutritionist (AN) who has spent over 15 years specialising in obesity management and medical nutrition therapy. She is a core member of our multidisciplinary team, dedicated to helping patients navigate the nutritional complexities of bariatric surgery.
Tara’s extensive education provides her with a deep, scientific understanding of human nutrition. Her academic journey includes:
With more than a decade of experience in research and clinical practice, Tara has a deep understanding of the diverse factors that contribute to obesity. She is an active member of the Dietitians Australia and the Obesity Surgery Society of Australia and New Zealand (OSSANZ), ensuring her advice is always aligned with the latest evidence-based practice and international guidelines.
Tara provides comprehensive support at every stage of your bariatric journey. She is passionate about delivering personalised, practical advice that fits your lifestyle, including:
Tara’s goal is to empower you with the knowledge and confidence you need to maintain your health and vitality long after your procedure.
Extended Care Team
Clinical Psychologist B.Psych (Hons), M.Psych (Clin)
Mary is a highly experienced Clinical Psychologist with over 10 years of expertise in providing psychological intervention. As a vital part of our multidisciplinary team, she works closely with our surgeons and dietitians to provide a holistic approach to weight management.
Mary believes that for bariatric surgery to be most effective, it must be viewed as a collaborative tool. While the surgery assists the body, the mind plays a crucial role in navigating the significant lifestyle and behavioural changes that follow. Mary’s expertise helps patients bridge the gap between their physical transformation and their mental wellbeing.
In our bariatric programme, Mary’s role is to provide a safe and supportive space to help you navigate the emotional and psychological aspects of your journey. Her approach focuses on:
Mary is passionate about helping patients manage the “head work” that comes with surgery, ensuring you feel confident, balanced, and empowered every step of the way.
Senior Specialist Anaesthetist MBBS (Hons), FANZCA, MPH
Dr Moser is a highly experienced Senior Specialist Anaesthetist with a deep interest in bariatric and Upper GI surgery. Her role is vital in ensuring your safety, comfort, and wellbeing throughout your surgical procedure.
Dr Moser graduated with Honours from the University of Tasmania in 2002. Before specialising in anaesthesia, she spent several years gaining critical experience in Emergency and Intensive Care. This background in high-pressure medical environments provides her with a robust foundation for managing patient care with precision and calm.
After completing her specialist anaesthesia training in Tasmania and at St Vincent’s Hospital, Melbourne, Dr Moser undertook a prestigious Fellowship at Monash Medical Centre. It was during this time that she developed a dedicated interest in Upper GI surgery. She has now been working within bariatric surgery for many years, bringing a wealth of knowledge to every procedure.
To further her expertise in patient outcomes, Dr Moser also completed a Master of Public Health during her Fellowship, reflecting her commitment to broad-scale healthcare quality.
Dr Moser is deeply integrated into the Victorian healthcare community. She currently holds a public appointment at Eastern Health and maintains a busy private practice across various hospitals in Eastern Melbourne and the Mornington Peninsula.
When she isn’t in the operating theatre, Dr Moser enjoys life on the Mornington Peninsula, spending quality time with her husband and two boys.
Dr Moser only sees our patients from an external clinic.
Senior Specialist Gastroenterologist MD, FRACP
Dr Soleiman Kashkooli is a highly regarded Gastroenterologist and Hepatologist with extensive experience in both diagnostic and therapeutic care. As a key member of our multidisciplinary team, he ensures that our patients’ digestive health is meticulously managed before and after their weight loss procedures.
Dr Kashkooli completed his internal medicine training at Eastern Health in Melbourne before specialising in Gastroenterology and Hepatology at Concord Hospital in Sydney. He further honed his expertise during a prestigious international fellowship in Toronto, Canada, where he focused on advanced endoscopy and inflammatory bowel disease.
His commitment to clinical excellence is reflected in his numerous publications and his active role in training the next generation of doctors and medical students at leading tertiary hospitals.
Dr Kashkooli provides a broad range of expert services, with a particular focus on:
In addition to his work with bariatric patients, Dr Kashkooli is available to consult on a wide spectrum of gastroenterological conditions, including:
Dr Kashkooli is available for urgent reviews and referrals. Whether you require an immediate consultation or a direct referral for a Gastroscopy or Colonoscopy, his priority is providing prompt, high-quality care to ensure your peace of mind.
Registered Nurse & Personal Trainer B.Nurs, GDipPerioperativeNurs, Cert III & IV (Fitness)
Daniela (Danni) Bonaddio offers a unique and powerful combination of clinical expertise and fitness leadership. With over a decade of experience as a Registered Nurse, Danni specialises in bridging the gap between medical recovery and physical vitality, ensuring our patients move safely and confidently toward their goals.
Danni’s background as a Perioperative Nurse means she has an intimate understanding of the surgical process. This medical perspective allows her to design exercise programmes that are not only effective but also strictly aligned with the safety requirements of a post-bariatric body.
She works closely with our surgeons to ensure that your physical activity is perfectly timed and tailored to your stage of recovery.
Danni understands that the journey toward better health involves both physical and emotional transformations. Her approach is grounded in encouragement and evidence-based practice, focusing on:
Flexible Support: Danni offers the convenience of both face-to-face sessions at the fitness studio and online video consultations, ensuring you have expert guidance regardless of your location.
Danni is passionate about helping you rewire your relationship with exercise, transforming it from a chore into a tool for long-term health and empowerment.
Key priorities in your care, explained by Dr. Niazi
