About Shashi
Mr Shashi Irukulla
Consultant Bariatric Surgeon
Shashi Irukulla is a highly regarded Gastrointestinal and Bariatric Surgeon based in the UK, with private practices in Ashtead, Surrey, Chertsey, and Farnham. Specialising in laparoscopic and endoscopic procedures, he brings advanced techniques that facilitate quicker patient recovery. Mr Irukulla, who earned his MBBS from Gulbarga University in 1992, underwent specialised training in bariatric surgery at St. George's Hospital in London and further honed his skills internationally. Currently serving as the senior Bariatric Surgeon at Ashford & St. Peter's Hospitals in Chertsey, he has developed a keen interest in treating patients with morbid obesity, completing extensive training and gaining international exposure in renowned bariatric surgery centers. At the forefront of medical innovation, Shashi Irukulla leads a well-trained team, including a preparatory dietician, bariatric nurse specialist, and skilled anaesthesiologists. With over 1,000 successful gastric bypass or sleeve gastrectomy procedures, his commitment to a holistic approach in weight loss surgery has earned him a global reputation for excellence. Driven by a passion for advancing medical science, he has introduced novel approaches like endoscopic sleeve gastroplasty and initiated innovative projects, such as the oesophageal manometry/pH monitoring service at St. Peter's Hospital in the NHS, further establishing him as a sought-after expert in gastrointestinal and weight-loss surgery.
Sarah Wrigglesworth
Specialist Bariatric Psychotherapist
A qualified and experienced counsellor and psychotherapist, Sarah’s area of specialism is bariatric psychology. She has worked for many years supporting thousands of patients undergoing weight loss surgery, supporting and guiding them through the process of psychological awareness necessary to enable them to get the best from their surgery. Sarah meets with all patients prior to surgery to explore and assess their relationship with food, providing psychological tools to help achieve the best long-term outcome post procedure. She also offers post operative support, to help patients engage with the reality of living with bariatric surgery. Drawing on her wide knowledge of therapeutic modalities, including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Transactional Analysis and Mindfulness, Sarah offers patients an opportunity to talk in a confidential setting, exploring their health and weight loss history to date, expectations of surgery and so on. In addition, Sarah also offers various psychological ‘bolt on’ services including one to one counseling for those with deeper issues they wish to resolve and a four-week coaching course, suitable for both pre and post surgery patients. Sarah also runs a successful Private Practice based in East Grinstead.
Hayley Cargill
Bariatric Dietician
Msc Sport and Exercise Nutrition (Loughborough, 2009), Bsc Nutrition and Dietetics (Chester, 2007)
Hayley qualified as a Dietitian in 2007 and joined the NHS Bariatric team in March 2014. Prior to joining the team Hayley worked as a Dietitian covering a wide variety of clinical areas and worked for the NHS as a Senior Dietitian for the Eating Disorder Service. Hayley runs a Dietetic Weight Management Clinic for patient’s which involves assessing patients for bariatric surgery as well as providing dietary advice post bariatric surgery. Hayley enjoys working with Nu-life Surgery to provide dietary recommendations to help patients reach their health goals, improve their eating behaviour, optimise their diet, and improve their quality of life. In her spare time Hayley enjoys keeping up to date with current best practice and attending BOMSS training days. She is also a keen competitive triathlete.
Kate Colban
Bariatric Dietician
BSc (Hons) Nutrition and Dietetics (Surrey, 2011)
Kate graduated from Surrey University in 2011 with a BSc (Hons) Degree in Nutrition and Dietetics. Since then, she has worked in Specialist Weight Management Services at Barts Health NHS Trust, and across Kent and Sussex for The Bariatric Consultancy. In 2015, she joined Mr. Irukulla’s team as a Specialist Bariatric Dietitian at Ashford and St. Peter’s NHS Foundation Trust in 2015, where she is also the Lead for Allied Health Professions Workforce Planning and a Staff Governor. Kate is registered with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) and is a member of The British Dietetic Association and The British Obesity & Metabolic Surgery Society (BOMSS). She has been working privately with Mr Irukulla since 2015. ‘I love food and I love helping people, so what better reward could you have when your two passions come together, and you see people turn their lives around, improve their health, wellbeing and quality of life!’