Blackrock WeightCare is one of Ireland’s leading centres for robotic bariatric (weight loss) surgery and complex obesity treatment. Patients regularly travel from Belfast, Derry, Newry, Armagh and across Northern Ireland to undergo procedures such as robotic gastric sleeve, gastric bypass and SADI-S surgery.
The centre is led by Mr William Robb, one of the most experienced bariatric surgeons in Ireland. His focus is simple: safe surgery, careful preparation and structured aftercare that supports long-term health.
For many patients from Northern Ireland, the appeal is clear – modern robotic surgery, highly experienced multidisciplinary care and all only a short drive from home.
To make an enquiry simply complete our enquiry form and our team will contact you.
Choosing the right place for weight loss surgery matters. Experience, surgical technique and aftercare all play a role in achieving good outcomes and Blackrock WeightCare is a highly trusted high-volume centre for bariatric surgery.
Patients from Northern Ireland often choose the clinic because:
Mr William Robb has extensive experience performing gastric sleeve, gastric bypass, SADI-S and revisional bariatric surgery – including the removal of bands and the immediate conversion to bypass or sleeve. His work focuses on helping patients manage obesity and the health conditions that often come with it.
Weight loss surgery works best when it is combined with ongoing support. Patients receive guidance from the team before surgery and structured follow-up afterwards.
This approach helps people achieve meaningful, long-term weight loss and improved health.
Blackrock WeightCare offers a range of bariatric surgery procedures to support people living with obesity. The right option depends on your medical history, BMI and overall health. During consultation, the team takes time to understand your situation and recommend the approach that may suit you best.
Robotic gastric sleeve surgery is one of the most commonly performed weight loss operations in Ireland and internationally.
During the procedure, the stomach is reduced in size to create a narrow sleeve. This means people tend to feel full sooner and naturally eat smaller portions. The surgery also affects certain hormones linked to hunger and appetite.
For many patients, robotic gastric sleeve surgery can support significant weight loss and may help improve obesity-related conditions such as:
Patients from Northern Ireland often travel to Dublin for robotic gastric sleeve surgery at Blackrock WeightCare, as it offers experienced surgical care and ongoing support close to home.
Robotic gastric bypass surgery is another very effective option for people living with obesity. The procedure changes both the size of the stomach and how food moves through the digestive system.
It may be recommended for patients with:
Many people see significant weight loss and improvements in metabolic health following robotic gastric bypass surgery.
For patients with a BMI over 48 or more complex obesity, Robotic SADI-S surgery (Single Anastomosis Duodeno-Ileal Bypass with Sleeve) may be recommended. This procedure is often considered for individuals who require a more powerful metabolic approach to support significant and sustained weight loss.
SADI-S combines elements of sleeve gastrectomy with a metabolic bypass. By reducing stomach size and altering part of the digestive process, it can support substantial weight loss and may also help improve obesity-related conditions such as Type 2 diabetes, sleep apnoea and high blood pressure.
Mr William Robb has expertise in managing high BMI patients and complex bariatric cases. He is currently the only surgeon offering this operation on the island of Ireland. His experience in advanced bariatric surgery allows him to carefully assess patients with severe obesity and recommend the most appropriate surgical option.
Patients regularly travel from Belfast, Newry, Derry, Lisburn and other parts of Northern Ireland to Blackrock WeightCare.The short journey makes travel really manageable for consultations and surgery.
The team helps patients plan their journey so the process feels straightforward from the first consultation through to recovery and follow-up.
Yes. Patients regularly travel from Belfast, Newry, Derry, Lisburn and other parts of Northern Ireland for bariatric surgery at Blackrock WeightCare because of the experience available and the convenient location in Dublin.
The centre offers several procedures, including:
The most appropriate procedure depends on medical history, BMI and overall health.
For self-pay patients, bariatric surgery may be considered for individuals with a BMI over 35. As part of the process, every patient undergoes a comprehensive medical assessment before surgery to ensure the treatment is appropriate and safe.
Most patients stay in hospital one to two nights after surgery. Recovery time varies, but many people return to normal daily activities within a few weeks.
Weight loss varies depending on the procedure and the individual. As a guide patients often loose 60-80% of their excess weight during the first 12 to 18 months.
Follow-up care is an important part of bariatric surgery. We generally prefer to see patients in person where possible, particularly in the early stages after surgery. However, for patients travelling from Northern Ireland, we can facilitate virtual follow-up appointments when appropriate. Our team will guide you.
Most patients stay in hospital for one to two nights after bariatric surgery and return home. Minimally invasive surgery means patients ar mobile and ready to travel home within 24-48 hours of surgery.
Yes. We have a team of very experienced senior dietitians available to support you both before and after surgery. Nutrition is an essential part of recovery and long-term success after gastric sleeve, gastric bypass or SADI-S surgery. Patients receive guidance from our team on diet progression, portion sizes and long-term eating habits.
Patients often choose bariatric surgery in Dublin because it provides access to experienced surgeons, advanced surgical techniques and structured aftercare without travelling long distances overseas. We encourage all patients to have surgery at home where follow up and care is readily accessible.
Bariatric surgery is performed by Mr William Robb, one of the most experienced bariatric surgeons in Ireland, with extensive experience in gastric sleeve, gastric bypass, SADI-S and complex bariatric surgery.
William now runs one of the leading robotic bariatric surgical programs in Europe and trains surgeons from all over the UK and Europe in robotic surgical technique.
Dr Eddy Ferrufino Rivera is a Consultant in Respiratory and Sleep Medicine with specialist experience in sleep-related breathing disorders, respiratory medicine and conditions commonly associated with obesity.
He has been practising in Ireland since 2015, working across both public and private hospitals. He completed his specialist training in Respiratory Medicine in Spain in 2013 and later obtained a Master’s Degree in Clinical Research and an International Master’s Degree in Sleep Medicine.
At Blackrock WeightCare, Dr Ferrufino supports patients with respiratory and sleep-related concerns, including obstructive sleep apnoea, obesity-associated hypoventilation and sleep disorders linked with conditions such as COPD, asthma and interstitial lung disease. He also facilitates sleep studies for patients where further assessment is needed as part of their bariatric care pathway.
Dr Ferrufino has experience in managing respiratory, cardiovascular and metabolic conditions associated with sleep pathology. He is an Associate Professor at University College Dublin and a member of the Irish Thoracic Society, the Royal College of Physicians of Ireland and the European Respiratory Society.
Emer O’Driscoll holds an MSc in Nutrition and Dietetics from the University of Ulster, Coleraine (2014). Emer has experience in clinical and outpatient settings, in particular, her passions are intuitive eating, counselling, and weight management. Emer is actively involved in the support of patients before and after weight loss surgery. She recognises the importance of consistent follow-up care with a dietitian through your pre and post-surgical journey.
She holds a certificate in Motivational Interviewing from the National Institute for Preventive Cardiology (NIPC) and is a Certified Intuitive Eating counsellor. Emer developed and leads the SUCCEED Programme. She is a member of the Irish Nutrition & Dietetic Institute (INDI) and a CORU registered dietitian.
David Johnston is a Senior Dietitian at Blackrock WeightCare. He holds a BSc in Human Nutrition and Dietetics from Trinity College Dublin and TU Dublin, and has completed additional training in behaviour change skills and the delivery of evidence-based obesity management.
David has worked in rehabilitation and integrated care services in both Ireland and Australia, supporting patients living with obesity, diabetes and other long-term health conditions. Chronic disease management has been a key area of interest throughout his career, and he understands the importance of a multidisciplinary approach when supporting people with obesity.
As part of the Blackrock WeightCare team, David provides education and follow-up care for patients before and after surgery. He helps patients prepare for surgery, supports them as they adjust to changes in eating and drinking afterwards, and works with them to build sustainable habits that support long-term health and weight management.
David is a CORU registered dietitian and a member of the Irish Nutrition and Dietetic Institute (INDI). His approach is practical and patient-centred, with a focus on helping patients better understand their nutrition and managing it in a way that works for them.
Niamh Forster is a Senior Dietitian at Blackrock WeightCare, with 6 years of experience working with people living with obesity and supporting them with practical nutrition and lifestyle advice. She has worked in both clinical and outpatient settings, including weight management, and has a particular interest in supporting patients before and after bariatric surgery.
Niamh holds a BSc in Human Nutrition and an MSc in Clinical Nutrition and Dietetics from University College Dublin, completed in 2020. She has also completed further training in Behaviour Change, Intuitive Eating Counselling and Nutrition for PCOS.
She is a CORU registered dietitian and a member of the Irish Nutrition and Dietetic Institute (INDI).
As part of the Blackrock WeightCare team, Niamh supports patients in making sense of the dietary changes that come with bariatric surgery and helps them build habits that are realistic, manageable and suited to everyday life. Her approach is practical, evidence-based and centred around the individual, with a strong focus on supporting patients in a way that feels steady, respectful and achievable.
Nikki O’Toole is a Bariatric Candidate CNS at Blackrock WeightCare, with over 18 years of nursing experience and a strong background in surgical nursing. She has worked in Blackrock Clinic for more than 10 years, caring for bariatric patients at ward level and now supporting patients throughout their journey before and after surgery.
Nikki holds a BSc Degree in Nursing and has recently completed a course in An Integrated Approach to Cardiometabolic Chronic Disease. In her role, Nikki provides education, preparation and ongoing support to patients at each stage of their journey. She helps patients feel informed and ready for surgery, and continues to support them after their procedure, both during their hospital stay and long after they go home. She understands how important it is for patients to feel reassured and know that support is always there when they need it.
Nikki gets great fulfilment in being part of transformation for patients and their families. She is committed to helping each patient feel cared for and confident throughout their time with Blackrock WeightCare.
Susan Healy is a Bariatric Clinical Nurse Specialist (CNS) at Blackrock WeightCare, with more than 20 years of nursing experience and a long-standing specialist interest in bariatric care. She first began working with bariatric patients in Australia almost 19 years ago and has been caring for bariatric patients in Blackrock Clinic for the past 10 years. She became a Bariatric CNS in June 2024.
Susan holds a BSc Degree in Nursing and is a Registered Nurse (RN) and Certified Bariatric Nurse (CBN) through the American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery (ASMBS). She is also a member of BOMSS, the British Obesity and Metabolic Surgery Society.
In her role, Susan supports patients right through their bariatric journey, both physically and emotionally, with a strong focus on education, reassurance and ongoing care. She is a steady point of contact before and after surgery, helping patients feel informed, prepared and well supported. Susan is passionate about providing patient-centred care and believes that people should be met with compassion and respect at all times. She takes great satisfaction in seeing the positive difference bariatric surgery can make and is committed to making sure each person feels listened to and supported throughout their journey.
Dr Matilde Mijares Zamuner is a Consultant Endocrinologist and Diabetologist at Blackrock WeightCare, with a particular interest in obesity, diabetes and the medical management of weight-related conditions. She graduated from medical school at the Central University of Venezuela in Caracas and completed her Higher Specialist Training in Endocrinology, Diabetes and Nutrition at Alicante University Hospital in Spain in 2013. She also completed a Master’s Degree in Clinical Research in Spain.
During her specialist training in Spain, she gained extensive experience in the management of metabolic conditions, including obesity and related conditions such as type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure and high cholesterol. She moved to Ireland in 2014 and completed a research fellowship in diabetes at the Mater Misericordiae University Hospital.
As part of the Blackrock WeightCare team, Dr Mijares Zamuner supports patients by assessing hormonal, metabolic and nutritional factors that may be contributing to weight gain, including conditions such as PCOS and thyroid disease. She also works closely with patients before and after bariatric surgery and is involved in the medical treatment of obesity, including prescribed medication where appropriate.
Dr Mijares Zamuner is a member of the Irish Endocrine Society, the Spanish Endocrine and Diabetes Society, the European Society of Endocrinology and the Royal College of Physicians of Ireland. Her approach is centred on helping patients understand obesity as a chronic disease and supporting them in a clear and compassionate way to improve their long-term health and quality of life.
Achille Mastrosimone is a Consultant General and Upper Gastrointestinal Surgeon with a specialist interest in upper gastrointestinal surgery, diagnostic and therapeutic endoscopy, and bariatric and metabolic surgery. He works across Connolly Hospital, Hermitage Clinic and Blackrock Clinic, and is also an Honorary Clinical Senior Lecturer at RCSI University of Medicine and Health Sciences.
He holds an MD, a PhD in Clinical and Molecular Oncology, a Professional Diploma in Clinical Leadership from RCSI, and a Master in Bariatric and Metabolic Surgery from Gemelli Hospital, Rome.
As part of the Blackrock WeightCare team, he supports patients through pre-operative endoscopic assessment and post-operative endoscopic follow-up.
Excitingly, Achille also brings expertise in endobariatric procedures, including TORe (Transoral Outlet Reduction), to help manage post-bypass weight regain and dumping syndrome.
Achille is registered on the Irish Medical Council Specialist Register in General Surgery and is a member of IFSO (International Federation for the Surgery of Obesity and Metabolic Disorders), ESGE (European Society of Gastrointestinal Endoscopy), ISDE (International Society for Diseases of the Esophagus) and EAES (European Association for Endoscopic Surgery).
His approach is centred on giving patients clear, compassionate and personalised support, helping them feel informed, reassured and well cared for before and after endoscopy.
Dr Finian Fallon provides psychological support and assessments for patients seeking bariatric surgery at Blackrock WeightCare. He works closely with bariatric teams in Ireland and has a strong interest in supporting patients as they prepare for surgery and adjust to the changes that come with it.
Finian has contributed to research and published work in the area of obesity, and was previously a Research Fellow at St Vincent’s University Hospital, where he provided group support for people living with obesity. He has also worked as Dean of Psychology at a private college in Dublin, where he developed education programmes in areas including CBT, addiction and traumatology.
His academic work has included External Examinerships and supporting PhD students in their development. He has also presented at the SCOPE School on Obesity, an internationally recognised training programme in obesity led by experts in the field.
Finian has a particular interest in the psychological impact of obesity, including the effect of stigma and self-stigma on people’s lives. He is also very aware of the role trauma can play for some patients living with obesity. His research includes a widely reported study on trauma and wellbeing among more than 2,000 members of An Garda Síochána.
His approach is thoughtful, respectful and compassionate, with a strong focus on helping patients feel understood, supported and well prepared throughout their journey.
Professor John McDermott is Consultant Endocrinologist at the Hermitage Medical Clinic. Working closely with Mr Robb and the team at Blackrock WeightCare, he supports patients through their weight loss journey with a focus on metabolic health, endocrine assessment and long-term aftercare. He plays an important role in guiding patients before and after bariatric surgery, and supporting them as they adjust to the hormonal, metabolic and lifestyle changes that follow treatment.
Professor McDermott graduated from the University of Galway with first-class honours and the gold medal for first place in medicine. Following his specialist training, he was appointed as a Consultant Endocrinologist in 2007. He has extensive experience in endocrinology, diabetes and general internal medicine, and a strong commitment to clinical research and medical education.
Dr Conor Woods is an Endocrinologist and Bariatric Physician at Blackrock WeightCare, with specialist interests in obesity medicine, endocrinology and diabetes. He completed his undergraduate medical training at RCSI and his Higher Specialist Training in Endocrinology in Ireland. He also holds a PhD from UCD in steroid metabolism and obesity, and completed a fellowship in Oxford.
Dr Woods supports patients with the medical assessment and management of obesity and related metabolic conditions. As part of the multidisciplinary team, he helps ensure patients are well informed, appropriately assessed and supported throughout their care.
Barkha Jain is the Digital Marketing Manager at Blackrock WeightCare, with over 20 years of experience in advertising, marketing and business development. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Journalism and Mass Communication from DAVV University, India, and a Master’s degree in Digital Marketing from UCD, Ireland.
For the past 10 years, she has specialised in healthcare marketing, working with surgeons across bariatric surgery, plastic surgery, respiratory medicine, IVF and orthopaedics. Before moving to Ireland, she founded a digital marketing agency in India in 2016 and worked with healthcare clients across the country, including spending 8 years with Mohak Bariatrics, an internationally renowned bariatric service in Indore, India. Barkha has facilitated a collaboration between Mohak Bariatrics and Blackrock WeightCare – a connection we are proud to have established.
Her work is rooted in a genuine belief that healthcare communication should do more than promote services. It should bring clarity, build trust and help people make informed decisions for their health and wellbeing.
Susan Anderson is a Patient Co-Ordinator at Blackrock WeightCare and is often the first point of contact for patients enquiring about weight loss surgery. Susan speaks with patients by phone to guide them through the process, answer their questions and provide clear information about the process from first appointment, assessment for surgery and our dedicated follow up program of care. She follows up with detailed information on the next steps, helping patients feel informed from the outset.
Susan also attends clinics and values meeting patients in person, offering support as they move through different stages of treatment. She understands that reaching out about bariatric surgery can feel like a big step and how important it is for patients to be given time, information and reassurance to make the decision that is right for them.
With almost two decades of experience working in a hospital setting, Susan is committed to helping each patient feel comfortable, informed and well supported from their first contact with Blackrock WeightCare.
Lucy O’Shea is a Patient Co-Ordinator at Blackrock WeightCare, where she supports patients throughout all phases of their treatment – from bariatric surgery, to medical follow up with optimisation of health and weight and then also co-ordinating body contouring surgery for those patients who require this final phase.
Lucy helps guide patients through each stage of the process, from explaining what to expect and preparing them for consultations to providing support before and after surgery.
Working closely with the clinical team, Lucy ensures that patients feel informed, supported and reassured throughout their journey to better health. She understands that this can be a significant step, and Lucy is committed to making the experience as comfortable and straightforward as possible.
Lucy helps each patient feel heard, supported and at ease throughout their care with Blackrock WeightCare.
Maria Cray is the Practice Manager at Blackrock WeightCare, with over 20 years of experience managing busy private surgical clinics. Before joining the team, she spent two decades as Practice Manager for a consultant eye surgeon, where she ran a successful multi-staff practice and supported patients through every stage of their care.
She brings a calm, organised and caring approach to the role, with a great understanding of what patients need from specialist care. From coordinating appointments and referrals to helping manage surgical schedules, Maria plays a central role in ensuring that every patient’s experience is as smooth as possible.
WIth the whole team, Maria creates a welcoming and professional environment where patients feel supported, informed and genuinely cared for throughout their journey with Blackrock WeightCare.
