Our Team
Mr. Alfonso Antequera - Surgeon
Mr. Antequera is Consultant Surgeon at St Bernard's Hospital, located in Gibraltar. He is a leading expert in laparoscopic and endoscopic treatment for Obesity one of the health global burdens nowadays. He offers alternative weight loss solutions such as, gastric balloons, gastric bypass, gastric sleeve, gastric band/lap-band, bariatric surgery and gastric band adjustments.
Mr. Antequera was associate professor of surgery at the European University of Madrid and a Honorary professor of surgery at Rey Juan Carlos University and Trinity College of Dublin. He is currently a Fellow of the American College of Surgeons and a Fellow of the Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland.
Mr. Antequera successfully earned his PhD in 2004. His research focused predominantly on Obesity & Weight Loss surgery. He belongs to the faculty programe of Massachusetts Institute of Technology in Madrid called M+Vision. He also has strong interest in Humanitarian Surgery and is the President of “El Compromiso Foundation” to try to bring surgical care to the poorest countries in Africa.
Patricia Jimenez - Patient Coordinator
Patricia Jimenez is the Patient Coordinator and Assistant to Dr. Antequera at Soma Bariatrics. With over 20 years of experience in the healthcare field, her passion lies in supporting patients throughout their weight loss journey. At Soma Bariatrics, she specializes in coordinating, advising, and guiding patients through every step of their transformation process. Her goal is to provide comprehensive, personalized support that not only facilitates the path to better health but also instills confidence and well-being in each patient.
Patricia strongly believes in the importance of empathy and tailored care. From the initial consultation to post-operative follow-ups, she is dedicated to ensuring that every patient feels heard, understood, and supported at all times. Soma Bariatrics' mission goes beyond transforming bodies; they are committed to transforming lives. They equip patients with the tools and support needed to achieve their weight loss goals safely and effectively.
Patricia finds it an honor to be part of the journey towards a healthier and happier life and looks forward to accompanying patients every step of the way.
Louise Saint - Exercise referral specialist
Louise Saint is a highly experienced Exercise Referral Specialist with a strong background in supporting individuals with complex health needs. She has worked in the fitness industry since 2014 and has specialised in exercise referral since 2016.
She holds a Level 3 Diploma in GP Exercise Referral, alongside advanced Level 4 qualifications in Mental Health and Cancer Rehabilitation. Louise is also a qualified swimming and aqua aerobics instructor, with a specialist focus on water-based fitness for rehabilitation and low-impact training.
Louise has delivered exercise referral sessions across the North West of Scotland and Gibraltar, providing safe, structured and personalised support tailored to each individual. She works closely with patients both pre- and post-surgery, including bariatric pathways, supporting improvements in fitness, reducing BMI, aiding recovery and promoting long-term lifestyle change.
Having also undergone significant personal weight loss and rehabilitation following two knee replacements, Louise brings a unique perspective and understanding to her work, combining professional expertise with lived experience. Her approach is both clinically informed and empathetic, helping participants build confidence and achieve sustainable health outcomes.
Melanie Mcleod - Dietitian
Melanie has been practising as a registered dietitian for almost 25 years. Following her early studies at university, she remained in the UK to practise at Leeds General Infirmary for a short period of time before returning to Gibraltar to work for the Gibraltar Health Authority. She worked single-handed for 5 years, after which her department has grown to a staff of 5 dietitians.
Throughout her career, Melanie has worked in various fields of Nutrition & Dietetics. She completed her Master’s thesis on research she carried out on the prevalence of obesity in children in Gibraltar (1998). She has vast experience in clinical nutrition, especially critical care nutrition, as well as other areas including diabetes, obesity, lipid lowering, gastroenterology, sports nutrition and health promotion.
Over the past several years Melanie has worked closely with patients undergoing bariatric surgery, forming part of the multidisciplinary team in the GHA. During this time, she has developed a wealth of knowledge and experience in relation to patients undergoing this type of surgery.
Marteka Swaby - Psychologist
For the last 15 years, Marteka has worked with passion and purpose to improve health and emotional wellbeing across individuals, teams and organisations. She is the author of 'The First 3 Steps to Positive Thinking' improving relationships, reducing stress and increasing happiness. Marteka also writes regular blogs to provide encouragement and improve emotional wellbeing.
Marteka has up to date clinical knowledge and experience, as a practicing psychotherapist, working for the last 7 years in the UK’s largest Foundation Trust. She has a Masters in Psychodynamic Counselling & Psychotherapy from Birkbeck University, a world-class teaching institute of academic excellence. Marteka is a member of the Birkbeck Counselling Association, a member of the BACP for Counselling & Coaching and holds BPC registration as a psychodynamic counsellor.
She is now bringing her expertise in mental health to bariatrics to help individuals to achieve their weight loss goals, increase body image and self-confidence to ensure sustained results.
Sonjia Mostert - Dietitian
Sonja is a qualified dietitian with over 23 years of experience in the field of clinical nutrition, management, sports nutrition and private practise. Sonja qualified with a Bachelor degree in Dietetics from the University of Pretoria (South Africa). She has extensive experience as a Clinical Dietitian in hospitals both in South Africa and Saudi Arabia where she treated patients in all the clinical areas of the hospital. In Saudi Arabia she gained the experience in bariatric surgery. Furthermore she worked at the University of Pretoria as sports dietitian for 4 years.
For the past 7 years she is running a private practice in Cape Town, South Africa.
Sonja has a passion to teach and encourage patients to change their lifestyle to reverse sickness and disease states in order to live a full happy and productive life. She loves giving patients practical help and to individualise their diet treatment.
David Beffa Sanmartin - Specialist in Physical Activity
David brings a wealth of experience in sports science, functional training, and therapeutic movement to support patients in achieving optimal health outcomes, particularly during weight loss journeys and post-surgical recovery. He has a University of Granada academic background with a Degree in Physical Activity and Sports Science Specialised in High Performance and Functional Conditioning and a Diploma in Physical Education
David integrates evidence-based exercise strategies with personalized care, helping patients improve mobility, strength, and cardiovascular health. His expertise is especially valuable in the rehabilitation phase after bariatric surgery and in adapting physical activity for all fitness levels, including older adults.