Why see us?

Have you tried other methods of weight loss without success?

Surgery is not the first treatment you should consider for weight loss. On the other hand, you should not wait until you develop complications from obesity. If you have tried to lose weight on your own without success, please make an appointment to see us.

Do you have weight gain limiting your physical activity and lifestyle?

If you have back and joint pains, get out of breath easily, sweat profusely and get tired out after a short walk, your excess weight may be hindering you. Losing weight can restore your energy and vigour.

Are you concerned about weight gain increasing your risk for diabetes and other conditions?

A number of chronic medical conditions are closely related to our diet, lifestyle and body weight. The most important is diabetes mellitus. Other diseases related to excess body fat are the metabolic syndrome, hypertension, fatty liver, cholesterol problems, polycystic ovarian syndrome in women and even cancer.

Is your diabetes getting worse or your doctor is recommending that you start on insulin?

This is a critical stage that many people want to avoid because insulin therapy, although very powerful in controlling blood sugar levels, can also lead to further weight gain. We can help you to lose weight and dramatically improve your diabetic condition.

Do you have established medical problems that are difficult to control due to your excess weight?

Dr Shanker has successfully helped numerous obese patients with cardiovascular disease, asthma, liver cirrhosis, kidney failure and transplant with weight loss treatment. Please make an appointment to see us.

How can bariatric and metabolic surgery help with medical conditions such as diabetes, hypertension, sleep apnoea, polycystic ovarian syndrome and fatty liver?

Obesity and metabolic surgery helps obese individuals to lose weight and therefore improves weight-related conditions, both medical and physical. The greater the weight loss, the greater the benefit.

Are you heavy enough for obesity or metabolic surgery?

Your body mass index (BMI) should be higher than 27kg/m2 if you are considering any intervantions with us.
Weight (kg): 
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Surgery:

Can I have liposuction or a tummy tuck for weight loss?

Liposuction and tummy tuck are body shaping procedures, used to improve your body contours. There is no significant long-term weight loss or health benefit from liposuction or tummy tuck. Therefore liposuction and tummy tuck are cosmetic treatments.

Is bariatric surgery a cosmetic treatment?

No, obesity and metabolic surgery are medical interventions according to the Singapore Obesity Clinical Practice Guidelines, provided your body mass index is above the minimum criteria according to your health indicators. You should have a complete medical evaluation to determine your health status before starting weight-loss treatment.

Will I be able to claim insurance for my hospitalization and surgery?

We will provide you a letter listing your medical conditions to submit to your insurance company for consideration. Usually approval is granted on a case-by-case basis.

What do I need to prepare before surgery?

A gastroscopy is usually carried out to ensure that you do not have any stomach ulcers or acid reflux. You will be placed on a low-calorie diet 1-2 weeks prior to surgery and advised simple exercises in order to reduce your liver size and improve your heart and lungs. You will be reviewed by an anaesthetist to assess whether you are fit for surgery. If you have co-existing medical conditions, additional tests may be necessary.

Is surgery reversible?

Other than gastric sleeve, the other procedures are reversible.

Will it be painful?

Keyhole surgery is much less painful compared to traditional large incisions. 

Will I have a big scar?

No. You will only have small keyholes in your tummy.

How long will I have to stay in hospital?

Most people will go home after 2 days. We recommend that you take at least 2 weeks rest before going back to full-time work.

What are the risks?

Dr Shanker has an excellent safety record with a 99% success rate.

How much weight can I lose?

We will design a personalized after-care program for you to ensure the success of your treatment. How much weight you lose is dependent on how you eat and how active you are (on average 20-30% of your initial weight). If you are motivated and follow an active lifestyle, you can lose up to 50% of your body weight.

How frequently will I be seeing the doctor?

You will be reviewed by the team at 1 week, 1 month, then 3 monthly for the first year and annually thereafter.

What are the changes in diet and lifestyle that I need to take note of?

Surgery is a tool to help you control your food intake. Once you have fully recovered, you may eat a small appetiser portion or about one-third to half of a normal main course portion in a restaurant. You should pay a great deal of attention to your diet; eat more protein, fresh fruit and vegetables and avoid processed or simple carbohydrate-rich foods.

Sometimes it may be necessary to take nutritional supplements to avoid vitamin, iron and calcium deficiencies. You must engage in regular exercise to maintain your muscle and bone strength and enhance fat loss. You should avoid smoking, excessive alcohol intake, and sedentary behaviour.

If you have any condition that you are unsure about or would like to consult a surgeon, please feel free to make an appointment or approach one of our staff. We also advise patients who may have previously been diagnosed or treated elsewhere. Please contact us if you would like a second opinion.

Gleneagles Hospital
Unit 03-37C (Annexe Block), 6A Napier Road, Singapore 258500
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T +65 6471 0711
F +65 6475 1489
info@obesitydocs.com