Comprehensive bariatric surgery services for Pakenham and Cardinia residents. St John of God Berwick Hospital (20 min) with 3 FRACS-certified surgeons. Population: 54,118 • Median Age: 34 years • Rapid Growth Community.
St John of God Berwick Hospital (20 km) offers top-tier bariatric services with 4.1/5 rating and 340+ reviews.
→ 20-25 minute drive from Pakenham
Pakenham grew from 20,000 (2006) to 54,118 (2021)—supporting young families with modern health services.
→ Median age: 34 years
Dr Niruben Rajasagaram (FRACS 2011), Dr Garry McDonald (20+ yrs), Dr Jason Winnett (15+ yrs).
→ Highly experienced team
Premier bariatric surgery center serving Pakenham and southeast Melbourne with comprehensive care (Google Rating: 4.1/5, 340+ reviews).
Phone
Call for details
Distance from Pakenham
~20 km (20-25 minute drive depending on traffic)
Google Rating
4.1/5 (340+ reviews)
🏥 St John of God Quality Care
Comprehensive bariatric program with multidisciplinary team support and patient-centered care excellence.
Medical School: Royal College of Surgeons Ireland (2001)
FRACS: 2011
Experience: 14+ years bariatric surgery
Training: 4-year fellowship in bariatric/upper GI surgery at Melbourne hospitals
Reviews: 142 verified patient reviews
Practice: Director, Victorian Specialist Surgery & Weight Loss Centre
Website: nirubenrajasagaram.au
Locations: Knox Private, Frankston, Berwick
Experience: 20+ years bariatric surgery
Specialization: Laparoscopic weight loss surgery
Procedures: Gastric sleeve, gastric bypass
Experience: 15+ years
Specialization: Bariatric, Upper GI, General Surgery
Techniques: Minimally invasive approaches
✓ Combined expertise: 49+ years
Three major pharmacies in Pakenham for bariatric vitamins, protein supplements, and post-surgical supplies.
Address: Shop 4, 1 Livingstone Blvd (Heritage Springs SC)
Phone: Call for details
Hours: Mon-Fri 8:30am-9pm, Sat 9am-7pm, Sun 9am-6pm
Website: chemistwarehouse.com.au
✓ Best for: Late hours and weekend access
Address: Shop 10-15, 55 John Street
Phone: Call for details
Hours: Mon-Fri 9am-8pm, Sat 9am-5pm, Sun 10am-4pm
Website: priceline.com.au
✓ Best for: Central John Street location
Address: 50/54 John Street
Phone: Call for details
Hours: Mon-Fri 9am-5:30pm, Sat 9am-1pm, Sun Closed
Website: terrywhitechemmart.com.au
✓ Best for: Highest rating, personalized service
Essential Vitamins (Week 1+):
Protein & Nutrition:
APD-certified dietitians in Pakenham specializing in bariatric nutrition guidance.
Address: 137 Moondarra Dr, Pakenham VIC 3810
Accreditation: APD-certified, NDIS-registered
Comprehensive nutrition support with empowering client-centered approach.
Practice: Pakenham Family Health
Education: Deakin University graduate
Accreditation: Accredited Practising Dietitian
General dietetic services including bariatric support.
Practice: Mercy Family Doctors
Expertise: Well-rounded dietetic knowledge
Broad expertise across various dietetic areas including weight management.
ESSA-accredited exercise physiologists for post-surgical rehabilitation and long-term fitness.
Address: 31 Main Street, Pakenham VIC 3810
Phone: Call for details
Website: physioworkspakenham.com.au
ESSA Accreditation: Yes, Accredited Exercise Physiologists on staff
Experience: 30+ years serving Pakenham community
Services: Injury rehabilitation, clinical rehab, exercise physiology, post-surgical recovery
Phone: Call for details
Services: Comprehensive physiotherapy services
Contact directly to confirm exercise physiology services and ESSA accreditation status.
Physical Benefits:
Long-Term Success:
Understanding health needs in Melbourne's fastest-growing suburb (2006-2021: 20,000 → 54,118).
54,118
Population (2021)
↑170% growth since 2006
34
Median Age (years)
Young families
$1,235
Median Weekly Income
$64,220 annually
27%
Victoria Obesity Rate
Estimated for Cardinia
St John of God Berwick Hospital is approximately 20 km from Pakenham (20-25 minute drive via Princes Freeway). Most Pakenham residents find this manageable for pre-op, surgery, and follow-up appointments.
The hospital has on-site parking, and its proximity means family can easily visit during recovery and you won't miss follow-up appointments due to travel distance.
All three surgeons are highly qualified. Dr Niruben Rajasagaram (FRACS 2011, 14+ years, 142 reviews) is Director of Victorian Specialist Surgery. Dr Garry McDonald brings 20+ years experience. Dr Jason Winnett has 15+ years. Your GP referral will help match you based on availability and your specific needs.
Book consultations with 2-3 surgeons to find the best personal fit. All are FRACS-certified and perform gastric sleeve, bypass, and revisional procedures.
Chemist Warehouse (Heritage Springs, Call for details), Priceline (55 John St, Call for details), and TerryWhite Chemmart (50 John St, Call for details) all stock bariatric supplements.
You'll need chewable multivitamins, calcium citrate, B12, and protein powder. Chemist Warehouse has the longest hours (until 9pm weekdays) for convenience.
Yes! An APD dietitian is essential for pre-surgery preparation and lifelong success. In Pakenham, see Nutrition Health & Wellbeing (137 Moondarra Dr), Emma Sampimon (Pakenham Family Health), or Mustafa Sarwari (Mercy Family Doctors).
Medicare and private health may cover dietitian visits under Chronic Disease Management plans or bariatric surgery pathways. Your surgeon will provide specific referrals.
Yes! Physioworks Health Group (31 Main St, Call for details) has ESSA-accredited exercise physiologists with 30+ years experience providing post-surgical rehabilitation and exercise programs.
They offer clinical rehab, strength & conditioning, and personalized exercise physiology. Start with gentle walking post-surgery, then progress to structured programs from Week 6+ with their guidance.
Pakenham grew 170% from 2006 (20,000) to 2021 (54,118) due to affordable housing and new developments. This means modern infrastructure, including new health services, gyms, and support networks for bariatric patients.
Younger demographics (median age 34) and growing community means excellent peer support opportunities and long-term health benefits from surgery performed early in life.
St John of God Berwick Hospital (20 min) with 3 FRACS-certified surgeons and comprehensive local support in Pakenham.
All surgeons are FRACS-accredited with extensive bariatric experience
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