Digestive Centre

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Digestive Centre Dr Shanker Pasupathy
Digestive, Metabolic & Bariatric
Acid reflux | weight loss solution
Endoscopic | Minimally invasive surgery

This page is dedicated to everyone who would like to transform their weight and life. After 20 years in public service, and 4 years as the Director of the LIFE Centre at the Singapore General Hospital, I've finally started a comprehensive multi-disciplinary practice with clinics in Mt Elizabeth, Gleneagles, Farrer Park and StarMed Specialist Centre. We are committed to your health!

10/10/2026

Why does the weight keep coming back?

If you’ve worked hard to lose weight, seeing it return can feel frustrating. It doesn’t mean your efforts were wasted.

After weight loss, appetite can increase and the body may use less energy. These changes can make maintaining a lower weight challenging.

You may hear this described as a body weight “set point”—a simplified way of explaining the body’s tendency to resist weight change. It does not mean your weight is fixed or that regain is inevitable.

🎥 In this reel, Dr Shanker Pasupathy discusses why keeping weight off can be difficult.

This begins our weight-management series, exploring lifestyle changes, medical support and treatment options—with a focus on long-term health.

What would you like us to cover next?

For general education only. Individual assessment is needed for personalised medical advice.

08/10/2026

What is fundoplication surgery—and how do Nissen and Toupet differ?

If you’ve heard these names while exploring acid reflux treatment, this short explainer is for you.

Dr Shanker Pasupathy explains how fundoplication uses the upper stomach to reinforce the barrier against reflux. Nissen involves a complete wrap, while Toupet involves a partial wrap.

The procedure is usually performed through laparoscopic (keyhole) surgery. Whether surgery is appropriate—and which approach to use—depends on individual assessment.

Watch, save and share with someone looking to understand GERD treatment options.

📍 Digestive Centre
Mount Elizabeth Hospital (Orchard)
3 Mount Elizabeth, #12-14, Singapore 228510

For general education, not personalised medical advice.

05/10/2026

Understanding acid reflux treatment: a simple guide to the procedures

What is fundoplication? How is a hiatal hernia repaired? What does LINX do?

Our illustrated guide explains these approaches at a glance, including the difference between Nissen and Toupet fundoplication.

These procedures serve different purposes. The appropriate treatment depends on confirmed reflux, swallowing function and anatomy—not everyone with heartburn or GERD needs surgery.

Save this post for reference or share it with someone who would find it helpful. Dr Shanker Pasupathy will explain the individual procedures in upcoming posts.

Digestive Centre
📍 Mount Elizabeth Hospital (Orchard)
3 Mount Elizabeth, #12-14 Mount Elizabeth Medical Centre, Singapore 228510

General education only. Individual assessment is required, and procedure availability varies.

26/09/2026

Can a hiatal hernia cause acid reflux? Yes — and here’s how.

A hiatal hernia (hiatus hernia) can affect the normal anti-reflux mechanism between the oesophagus and stomach.

Normally, the lower oesophageal sphincter (LES) and the diaphragm work together to help prevent stomach contents from flowing back into the oesophagus.

Different types of hiatal hernia can affect this mechanism in different ways:

• Type I – Sliding hiatal hernia: the gastro-oesophageal junction and LES move upwards through the diaphragm.

• Type II – Para-oesophageal hiatal hernia: the gastro-oesophageal junction remains below the diaphragm while part of the stomach herniates upwards alongside the oesophagus.

• Type III – Mixed hiatal hernia: combines features of Type I and Type II, with both the gastro-oesophageal junction and part of the stomach herniating above the diaphragm.

In this video, Dr Shanker Pasupathy explains how these anatomical changes can affect the anti-reflux mechanism and contribute to acid reflux and GERD symptoms.

📍 Digestive Centre, Singapore

Save this Reel if you’re learning more about hiatal hernia, GERD, acid reflux and reflux treatment in Singapore.

25/09/2026

Hiatal hernia: what type do you have?

If you’ve been diagnosed with a hiatal hernia (hiatus hernia), you may be wondering what it actually means — and whether it could be related to your acid reflux or GERD symptoms.

There are different types of hiatal hernia:

• Type I – Sliding hiatal hernia
The stomach and gastro-oesophageal junction slide upwards.

• Type II – Paraesophageal hiatal hernia
The junction remains below the diaphragm while part of the stomach rolls upwards.

• Type III – Mixed hiatal hernia
A combination of Type I and Type II.

In this video, Dr Shanker Pasupathy explains the anatomy of hiatal hernias and why knowing the type can be important when assessing symptoms and considering treatment.

📍 Digestive Centre, Singapore

Save this video if you’ve been diagnosed with a hiatal hernia or are learning more about GERD and reflux treatment in Singapore.

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09/09/2026

Can a loose or “leaky” reflux valve be fixed?

For some people with acid reflux (GERD), the problem may involve a weak or loose lower oesophageal sphincter (LES), a hiatal hernia, or disruption of the normal anti-reflux barrier.

But if reflux medication helps control the acid and symptoms, how is the underlying reflux valve problem actually repaired?

In this video, Dr Shanker uses a simple model to explain how the reflux valve works, what can cause it to become ineffective, and how an anti-reflux procedure or reflux surgery may restore the barrier in appropriately selected patients.

The key is first understanding why the acid reflux is happening and identifying the underlying problem.

🎥 Watch Dr Shanker demonstrate how it works.

For general education only. Individual assessment is required to determine appropriate treatment.

03/09/2026

When should you consider an anti-reflux procedure?

Having acid reflux (GERD) doesn’t automatically mean you need an operation.

There are 4 reasons an anti-reflux procedure may be considered:

1️⃣ Persistent reflux symptoms
2️⃣ Long-term medication use
3️⃣ Reflux-related complications
4️⃣ A fixable underlying problem

If you’ve been searching “Do I need reflux surgery?”, these are some of the factors doctors consider before recommending treatment.

🎥 Dr Shanker explains.

For general education only. Individual assessment is required.

Taking acid reflux medication long term? Is it safe?Many people with acid reflux (GERD) take medications such as omepraz...
30/08/2026

Taking acid reflux medication long term? Is it safe?

Many people with acid reflux (GERD) take medications such as omeprazole and other proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) for months or even years.

These medications can be very effective at reducing stomach acid and managing heartburn, regurgitation and reflux symptoms when appropriately prescribed.

But there’s an important difference:

Reflux medication helps manage acid and symptoms — it does not necessarily fix the underlying reason reflux is happening.

If you’re still experiencing acid reflux despite medication, it may be time to ask:

Why is the reflux still happening?

In this post, we look at long-term PPI use, what may need to be considered over time, and why reflux treatment should be individualised.

⚠️ Do not reduce or stop prescribed medication without discussing it with your doctor.

For general education only. This information does not replace individual medical advice.

Address

3 Mount Elizabeth, #12-14 Medical Centre
Singapore
228510

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