Surgeons_

Mr Grant Coulter MBChB FRACS

Grant is an established Christchurch surgeon with over 20 years experience.  After working in Norwich, London and Melbourne he returned to form a large practice in the management of gastroesophageal and colorectal conditions, hernias, gallstones, and varicose veins.  In 2007 he co-founded SOS in response to the growing demand for obesity surgery and is pleased to offer laparoscopic adjustable gastric band and laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy. 

Mr Richard Flint MBChB PhD FRACS

Richard is a graduate of the Christchurch surgical training program and has worked in Boston (Harvard Fellow in Obesity Surgery, Brigham and Womens Hospital) and New York (Surgical Oncology Fellow, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center).  He joined SOS in 2009 and is pleased to offer laparoscopic adjustable gastric band, laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy, and laparoscopic gastric bypass.

Mr Steven Kelly MBChB FRACS

Steven is a New Zealand trained general surgeon. In 2007 he completed his specialist training in upper gastrointestinal and obesity surgery in the United Kingdom. While there he worked at Addenbrookes hospital, Cambridge and Edinburgh Royal Infirmary, Scotland. Following this, he trained in a high volume dedicated obesity surgery unit in Taunton, Somerset, UK. He is pleased to offer laparoscopic gastric band, laparoscopic gastric sleeve and laparoscopic gastric bypass.

Mr Ross Roberts MBChB FRACS

Ross is an established Christchurch surgeon with over 15 years experience.  He returned to Christchurch in 1997 having spent time as a consultant in the esteemed Groote Schuur Hospital, Cape Town.  His special clinical interests include gastroesophageal reflux, hernia surgery, gallstones and colorectal conditions.  In 2007 he co-founded SOS in response to the growing demand for obesity surgery and is pleased to offer laparoscopic adjustable gastric band.

Other Staff

Clarice Hebblethwaite BSc Hons Nutrition and Dietetics, NZ and UK Registered Dietitian

Clarice has been a practising dietitian for over 12 years with experience in both public and private practices here and in the UK.  She has specialised skills in dietary needs before and after surgery and in guiding people to achieve their goals of weight loss.

Meg Shannon, NZ Registered Dietitian.  BSc HUNT, PG Dip Diet (distinction), NZRD

Meg is a skilled dietary consultant with a strong background in clinical research (diabetes and high cholesterol).  Her role at SOS is to provide pre and post operative diet and nutrition education and advice.

Frances Carter PhD, Dip Clin Psych

Frances is a clinical psychologist with over 15 years of experience in the management of eating disorders.  She is a member of both the NZ College of Clinical Psychologists and Otago University Obesity Research Consortium and is widely published in numerous peer-reviewed journals.

Vanessa Warren ExSc, REPS, Level 3 NZIHF

Vanessa is an exercise consultant with over 18 years experience in the fitness industry.  She is an established specialist in weight loss, cardiovascular fitness and women’s health issues.

Debbie Osborn

Debbie is a Registered Nurse with over 10 years experience specializing in gastro-intestinal disorders. Her focus in obesity surgery is that of educating and supporting her patients through their journey toward goal weight.

Debbie Hannah

Debbie is the team coordinator and medical secretary for SOS.  She will help coordinate your journey from initial consult through to surgery and the follow-up period.