Our Team

Our team is Newcastle-based. If you need us at any time, it’s good to know we’re close by.

Dr Mark Gately

Dr Mark Gately is a locally trained bariatric (weight loss) surgeon who has worked in Newcastle and the Hunter Region since 2006.

Dr Gately completed his Surgical training in General surgery before heading overseas to further sub-specialise in bariatric and benign upper gastrointestinal surgery. Whilst overseas, Dr Gately was employed at Chelsea & Westminster NHS Hospital, an NHS centre of excellence for Bariatric surgery in Central London. Spending 2 years abroad, Dr Gately gained extensive experience in all forms of primary and revisional bariatric procedures including sleeve gastrectomy and gastric bypass, as well as expertise in the surgical management of conditions such as reflux and achalasia.

Currently Dr Gately operates at Lingard Private Hospital, Lake Macquarie Private Hospital and also Maitland Private Hospital, offering bariatric surgery at all sites.

Dr Gately is very passionate about the delivery of high quality, holistic bariatric surgical care and his patients enjoy his approachable and thoughtful manner. He predominantly sees consultations at our Sea Change Weight Loss Clinic at Merewether, and also via this practice in East Maitland at the Maitland Private Hospital Consultation Suites, 175 Chisholm Road, East Maitland.

Dr Martin McLeod

Dr Martin McLeod grew up in Newcastle. He undertook training in general surgery locally and obtained his fellowship of the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons (FRACS). Following this, he completed further sub-specialty training in bariatric (weight loss) surgery in Western Australia at one of Australia’s busiest bariatric surgical centres.

Dr McLeod believes in a holistic approach to the treatment of obesity as a chronic disease. This requires a multi-faceted approach to treatment involving dietitians, GPs, other specialists and surgeons.

To stay up to date with current trends in the field of bariatric and general surgery, Dr McLeod attends national and international conferences at least annually.

The weight loss procedures he performs are as follows:

• Laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy
• Laparoscopic gastric bypass
• Revisional weight loss surgery

Dr McLeod also performs general surgical procedures including hernia surgery, gall bladder surgery, melanoma surgery, gastroscopy and colonoscopy.

He has a public hospital appointment at the Calvary Mater Hospital and operates privately at Lake Macquarie Private Hospital, Lingard Private Hospital and Hunter Valley Private Hospital.

Melissa Whiting

Melissa completed her Nutrition & Dietetics (Hons) degree from the University of the Sunshine Coast. She is an Accredited Practising Dietitian and member of the Dietitians Association of Australia (DAA).

Melissa has over 8 years’ clinical experience working in the public hospital setting, in both Australia and New Zealand. During this time, Melissa has worked in a variety of clinical areas, held leadership and teaching positions, contributed to indigenous nutrition projects and is actively involved in research.

Melissa has a special interest in bariatric surgery and is passionate about supporting individuals through their weight loss journey.

Anna Turnock

Anna is a registered Psychologist and an Associate Member of the Australian Psychological Society. After completing her honours degree in 2001, Anna undertook an internship in Occupational Rehabilitation, with a focus on medico-legal assessments and reports, pain management, adjustment to change, vocational assessments and counselling. Following completion of her internship, Anna contracted to various local private practices.

Her work experience includes the provision of a diverse range of psychological services, including Cognitive Behavioural Therapy for anxiety and mood disorders, psychometric testing and report writing, Medicare services, training, relationship counselling, Employee Assistance Program services, executive coaching and performance management, career counselling and coaching, as well as trauma and critical incident management.

In 2006, Anna completed her Masters in Applied Science (Psychology of Coaching), furthering her knowledge of health coaching, positive psychology, motivational interviewing and solution-focused goal-orientated therapy. More recently, Anna has turned her focus to the specific psychological and behavioural challenges associated with bariatric surgery. Bariatric Psychology combines Anna’s interest areas of health coaching, psychology, nutrition and exercise. She values the Sea Change Clinic’s multidisciplinary team approach to weight loss treatment.

Anna has a warm, supportive and collaborative approach to therapy. She uses a variety of scientifically validated, evidence-based techniques to support positive outcomes for her clients. Her focus is on providing support for her clients in preparation for surgery and in reaching their weight loss goals.

Other Experts

Our dedicated team works together with GPs and nurses to provide a holistic approach to weight loss and ongoing management. This is the key to long-term success.