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Author: JBarkha

How Bariatric Surgery Can Help You Beat Depression and Improve Mental Well-being

Bariatric surgery is often celebrated for its profound physical health benefits, such as significant weight loss and reduced risk of chronic diseases. However, an equally important yet sometimes overlooked benefit is the positive impact it can have on mental health. For many, bariatric surgery is not just a step toward a healthier body but also […]

PCOS and Fertility Challenges: How Bariatric Surgery Could Help

Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) is a common endocrine disorder that affects millions of women worldwide. Characterized by irregular menstrual cycles, high levels of androgens (male hormones), and the presence of small cysts on the ovaries, PCOS can lead to a range of health issues, including difficulty in conceiving. For many women with PCOS, fertility challenges […]

Discover the Benefits of Bariatric Surgery at the Bariatric Open House

Bariatric Open House

Are you considering bariatric surgery or curious about how it can transform your life? Blackrock WeightCare invites you to an exclusive Bariatric Open House, a must-attend event for anyone interested in weight loss surgery and its life-changing benefits. This informative session will provide you with a comprehensive understanding of bariatric procedures, their benefits, and the […]

Gastric Sleeve Surgery: Frequently Asked Questions

Gastric Sleeve

Gastric Sleeve Surgery, also known as sleeve gastrectomy, is a highly effective weight loss procedure gaining popularity worldwide, including in Ireland. This surgery involves removing a significant portion of the stomach, resulting in a sleeve-shaped stomach that limits food intake and promotes a feeling of fullness. If you’re considering this life-changing surgery, you likely have […]

How Bariatric Surgery Can Improve Mobility in Osteoarthritis Patients

Mobility and Osteoarthritis

Osteoarthritis (OA) is a chronic joint condition characterised by the breakdown of cartilage, leading to pain, stiffness, and reduced mobility. For individuals with obesity, the added weight places extra stress on weight-bearing joints, exacerbating OA symptoms.  Bariatric surgery, designed to aid significant weight loss, has shown promising results in improving the mobility and quality of […]

Preparing for Bariatric Surgery: A Step-by-Step Checklist

Checklist to prepare for Bariatric Surgery

Embarking on a journey towards better health through bariatric surgery is a significant decision. If you’re considering bariatric surgery in Ireland, there are several important steps to take before your procedure. These steps ensure you’re fully prepared both physically and mentally and meet the necessary criteria for insurance approval. This comprehensive checklist will guide you […]

Understanding Different Types of Bariatric Surgery in Ireland

Bariatric Surgery Procedures

Bariatric surgery has emerged as a transformative solution for individuals struggling with severe obesity and related health conditions. In Ireland, there are several types of bariatric surgery available, each tailored to meet different needs and medical conditions. Here’s an in-depth look at the various bariatric surgery options offered at Blackrock WeightCare, guided by the expertise […]

The Importance of Psychological Support Before and After Bariatric Surgery

Psychological Support

Bariatric surgery is a significant medical intervention for individuals struggling with obesity. While it can lead to profound improvements in physical health and quality of life, the journey is not solely a physical one. Psychological support plays a crucial role before and after bariatric surgery, aiding patients in navigating the emotional and mental challenges that […]

How Reducing Obesity with Bariatric Surgery Can Save You from Cardiac Diseases

Cardiac diseases due to obesity

Obesity is more than just a matter of excess weight; it’s a complex health condition that significantly impacts various aspects of the body, particularly the heart. As obesity rates continue to climb globally, so do the incidences of associated health issues, most notably cardiac diseases. These include heart attack, stroke, hypertension, and congestive heart failure. […]

The Importance of Peer Support and Community for Post-Bariatric Patients

Bariatric surgery is a transformative journey, offering patients a pathway to significant weight loss and improved health. However, the journey doesn’t end with surgery; it requires ongoing lifestyle changes and emotional support. One of the most critical aspects of this post-surgery journey is having a strong support system, particularly peer support. Here we will explore […]

Emer O’Driscoll

Senior Dietitian

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

Senior 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

Senior Dietitian

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

Bariatric CNS

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

Bariatric CNS

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

Consultant Endocrinologist and Diabetologist

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

Consultant Upper Gastrointestinal Surgeon and Bariatric Endoscopist

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

Psychologist

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

Consultant Endocrinologist

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

Endocrinologist & Bariatric Physician

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

Digital Marketing Manager and Web Developer

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

Patient Co-Ordinator

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

Patient Co-Ordinator

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

Practice Manager

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.

Go Surgical Limited
Suite 9, Blackrock Clinic, Rock Road, Blackrock, Dublin, A94 E4X7