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Is Bariatric Surgery Safer Than Living With Severe Obesity?

Is bariatric surgery safe?

It’s one of the first questions many people ask when they begin considering bariatric surgery.

“Is the surgery safe?”

It’s a completely understandable concern. Deciding to have any operation is a significant step, and it’s natural to think about the risks involved.

However, there is another question that deserves equal attention.

What are the risks of continuing to live with severe obesity?

This is an important conversation because obesity is not simply about carrying extra weight. It is a chronic, progressive disease that can affect almost every organ in the body. For many people, the health risks associated with untreated obesity become far greater over time than the risks associated with modern bariatric surgery.

Understanding both sides of the equation is the best way to make an informed decision.

Bariatric Surgery is Very Safe but Every Operation Has Some Risks

No responsible bariatric surgeon will ever tell you that surgery is completely risk-free. 

Like any operation, bariatric procedures such as gastric sleeve surgery, gastric bypass and SADI-S carry potential risks but thankfully all bariatric procedures are now relatively low risk operations. Risks can include bleeding, infection, blood clots, leaks, nutritional deficiencies and complications related to anaesthesia.

Before recommending surgery, your bariatric team will discuss these risks with you in detail, explain how they are minimised and answer any questions you may have.

The aim is never to encourage someone towards surgery.

The aim is to help every patient make an informed decision based on their individual health and circumstances.

The Risks of Severe Obesity Continue Every Day

While surgery carries a short-term surgical risk, severe obesity carries a long-term health risk that doesn’t pause while you’re deciding what to do.

Obesity is associated with an increased risk of:

Many of these conditions develop gradually over several years. Others continue to progress despite medications and lifestyle changes.

This is why obesity is recognised as a chronic medical condition rather than simply a lifestyle issue.

Why Timing Matters

Many people spend years wondering whether they should have bariatric surgery.

During that time, they often continue trying different diets, exercise programmes and, more recently, weight loss medications such as Mounjaro, Wegovy or Ozempic.

These treatments can be very effective for many people and have an important role in obesity management. However, for patients living with severe obesity, particularly those with a BMI of 35 or above and obesity-related health conditions, they may not always provide the long-term results needed to prevent disease progression.

Every year spent living with uncontrolled obesity is another year in which conditions such as diabetes, sleep apnoea or high blood pressure may continue to affect your health.

This doesn’t mean surgery is the right option for everyone.

It does mean that delaying treatment simply because of fear may also carry consequences.

Bariatric Surgery Today Is Very Different to 20 Years Ago

Bariatric surgery has changed significantly over the past two decades.

Advances in minimally invasive surgery, robotic-assisted techniques, and enhanced recovery programmes have all contributed to improved patient outcomes.

Equally important is the way patients are prepared for surgery.

Modern bariatric care doesn’t begin in the operating theatre.

It begins weeks – and often months – before surgery with careful assessment, nutritional optimisation and planning.

This comprehensive approach plays an important role in reducing risk and supporting recovery.

Safety Starts Long Before the Operation

One of the reasons specialist bariatric centres achieve good outcomes is because surgery is only one part of the patient’s journey.

Before an operation is recommended, patients undergo a thorough assessment to understand their overall health, obesity-related conditions, previous treatments and individual needs.

Depending on your circumstances, this may include:

Every stage is designed to ensure that surgery is carried out at the right time and under the safest possible circumstances.

Why Experience Matters

Bariatric surgery is a highly specialised area of medicine, and experience matters.

Patients with severe obesity often have complex medical histories, multiple obesity-related conditions and different surgical considerations compared with other types of abdominal surgery.

At Blackrock WeightCare, care is led by Mr William Robb, Consultant Robotic Bariatric and Upper Gastrointestinal Surgeon, who has helped more than 1,750 patients through their bariatric surgery journey. Working alongside an experienced multidisciplinary team that includes bariatric physicians, specialist nurses, dietitians, psychologists, and allied healthcare professionals, every patient receives an individual treatment plan based on their health, medical history and long-term goals.

This collaborative approach means that every decision – from selecting the most appropriate bariatric procedure to planning recovery and long-term follow-up, is made with patient safety at its centre.

Surgery Is Only One Part of Long-Term Success

One of the biggest misconceptions about bariatric surgery is that the operation itself is the treatment.

In reality, surgery is one part of a much longer journey.

Long-term success depends on regular follow-up, nutritional monitoring, healthy lifestyle habits and ongoing support from an experienced multidisciplinary team.

Whether you’ve had a gastric sleeve, gastric bypass or SADI-S, lifelong follow-up plays an important role in helping you maintain your health and achieve the best possible outcome.

Looking at the Bigger Picture

When people ask whether bariatric surgery is safe, they are usually thinking about the operation itself.

Doctors look at the question slightly differently.

They also consider what may happen if severe obesity continues untreated.

For many patients, bariatric surgery isn’t simply about losing weight.

It’s about reducing the long-term risks associated with obesity, improving existing health conditions and creating the opportunity for a healthier future.

The decision to proceed with surgery is always personal, but it should be made with a full understanding of both the risks of surgery and the risks of ongoing severe obesity.

Making an Informed Decision

If you’re living with severe obesity and wondering whether bariatric surgery is the right option for you, the most important step isn’t deciding on a procedure – it’s having a conversation with an experienced bariatric team.

At Blackrock WeightCare, we’ll take the time to understand your health, discuss your concerns and explain all of the treatment options available to you. Together, we’ll help you make an informed decision based on your individual circumstances and long-term health goals.

If you’d like to learn more about gastric sleeve surgery, gastric bypass or SADI-S, complete our enquiry form or speak with our team on 01 255 2479.

Your Health. We Care.






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    Mr S.M

    Bariatric Surgeon

    Blackrock WeightCare continues to grow as more patients choose us for specialist obesity treatment.
    To meet this increasing demand, we are delighted to announce that a second bariatric surgeon will join our team in 2027.

    This expansion means more patients will be able to access expert, multidisciplinary bariatric care, closer to home in Ireland, while continuing to receive the high standard of care our team is committed to providing.

    Your Health. We Care.

    Mr William Robb

    Founder & Lead Bariatric Surgeon

    Mr William Robb is the Founder and Lead Bariatric Surgeon at Blackrock WeightCare, where his vision has helped shape one of Ireland’s leading multidisciplinary obesity treatment services.

    As a Consultant Upper GI, Robotic and Bariatric Surgeon, William founded Blackrock WeightCare with the belief that obesity should be treated as a chronic disease through expert, personalised care rather than a one-size-fits-all approach. Under his leadership, the service has grown to bring together specialist surgeons, physicians, endocrinologists, dietitians, psychologists and nurses, ensuring patients receive comprehensive support before, during and long after surgery.

    His commitment to clinical excellence, innovation and collaboration continues to guide Blackrock WeightCare, helping more patients across Ireland access advanced bariatric care closer to home. He also plays an active role in surgical education, regularly welcoming consultant surgeons from across Europe to Blackrock Clinic to observe advanced robotic bariatric surgery, with a particular focus on complex high-BMI patients, SADI-S and revisional bariatric procedures.

    Paula Davies

    Medical Secretary and Patient Co-ordinator

    Paula Davies is a Medical Secretary and Patient Co-ordinator at Blackrock WeightCare. She has 20 years of experience working in healthcare, with a strong background in patient-facing roles across a range of complex medical specialties.

    At Blackrock WeightCare, Paula supports patients attending for general surgery, helping them through appointments, queries and the practical steps involved in their care. She is often one of the first points of contact for patients and is known among the team for her calm, kind and reassuring manner.

    Paula understands that coming to the hospital or preparing for surgery can feel stressful. Her approach is personable and compassionate. With Paula, all patients feel listened to and are extremely well guided throughout their appointments and surgical care.

    Dr Eddy Ferrufino Rivera

    Consultant in Respiratory and Sleep Medicine

    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

    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 at Blackrock WeightCare

    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 at 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