Meet the experienced MBSA team of bariatric surgeons and specialists providing personalised and evidence-based weight loss care.
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.
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.
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.
The entire team you’re about to meet is included in one structured program.
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
