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!

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.

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.

25/08/2026

Can you fix a loose reflux valve without surgery?

The short answer is NO — but acid reflux symptoms can often be MANAGED without surgery.

Lifestyle changes and GERD medication may help reduce symptoms such as heartburn, acid reflux and regurgitation, but they do not physically tighten a loose or weak lower oesophageal sphincter (LES).

So when reflux symptoms continue despite treatment, the important question is: what is causing the reflux?

Could it be a weak reflux valve? A hiatal hernia? Or something else?

🎥 Dr Shanker Pasupathy explains.

What would you like Dr Shanker to cover next about acid reflux and GERD? Let us know in the comments.

This content is for general educational purposes only and does not replace individual medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Please consult a qualified healthcare professional for assessment of your symptoms.

15/08/2026

What actually causes acid reflux? And what do doctors mean by a “loose reflux valve”?

The reflux “valve” is known as the Lower Oesophageal Sphincter (LES) — a muscle between the oesophagus and stomach that helps keep stomach contents down.

When the LES becomes loose or doesn’t close effectively, acid, fluid and gas can travel back up into the oesophagus, contributing to acid reflux, heartburn and other reflux symptoms.

🎥 Watch as Dr Shanker explains how the reflux valve works using a simple bottle demonstration.

Next: Can you strengthen a loose reflux “valve”?

For general educational purposes only. This does not replace individual medical assessment or advice.

10/08/2026

Can acid reflux be treated without surgery?

For many people with reflux, surgery is not the first or only treatment option.

Depending on the cause and severity of symptoms, management may include lifestyle and dietary changes, medication, or further assessment if symptoms continue.

If reflux is persistent, frequent or not improving despite treatment, understanding the underlying cause becomes important before deciding what comes next.

In this reel, Dr Shanker Pasupathy explains the different approaches to managing reflux and why treatment should be individualised.

💬 Have you been taking reflux medication but still experiencing symptoms?

📌 Save this reel and follow our GERD series as we discuss when surgery may be considered.

02/08/2026

😮‍💨 Chronic cough… throat irritation… or a hoarse voice?

Most people associate acid reflux with heartburn.

But did you know that reflux can also affect your throat and voice box?

When stomach contents travel upwards, they can irritate the throat and may contribute to symptoms such as:
✔️ Chronic cough
✔️ Frequent throat clearing
✔️ Hoarseness or loss of voice
✔️ A persistent sensation of something stuck in the throat

These symptoms can have many different causes, so it’s important not to assume reflux is always the reason. A proper assessment helps identify the underlying cause.

👨‍⚕️ In this reel, Dr Shanker explains how reflux can sometimes present with throat symptoms and why recognising these symptoms is important.

💬 Have you ever had a persistent cough or throat irritation without knowing the cause?

📌 Save this reel for future reference and share it with someone who may find it helpful.

01/08/2026

Today, we celebrate the compassion, strength, and dedication of nurses everywhere. 💙

Thank you for the countless moments of care, comfort, and kindness that make a difference in the lives of patients and families every single day.

From all of us at Digestive Centre, Happy Nurses Day! 🌸

30/07/2026

💊 Taking omeprazole… but still having reflux?

If you’ve been taking omeprazole but continue to experience reflux symptoms, there are several possible reasons why this can happen.

In this reel, Dr Shanker explains why persistent symptoms don’t always mean your medication has stopped working and when it may be appropriate to seek further medical assessment.

💬 How long have you been taking omeprazole? Has it helped your reflux? Share your experience in the comments below.

📍 Digestive Centre Singapore
👨‍⚕️ Dr Shanker Pasupathy
Medical Director | Upper GI, Bariatric & Metabolic Surgeon

15/01/2026

Heartburn or acid reflux after meals? 🔥
Certain foods can worsen acid reflux and trigger persistent heartburn symptoms.

Dr Shanker shares foods to avoid if you experience heartburn, GERD, or acid reflux.

If heartburn occurs frequently, proper medical evaluation is important.

For educational purposes only. Please consult a doctor for personalised medical advice.

26/10/2025

💎 LINX Treatment for GERD – Explained by Dr Shanker Pasupathy

Struggling with heartburn or acid reflux that doesn’t improve with medication?
The LINX system offers a modern, minimally-invasive solution for GERD (Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease).

A small ring of magnetic titanium beads is placed around the lower end of your oesophagus. These magnets gently attract each other, keeping the valve closed to prevent stomach acid from flowing back up — yet separate easily when you swallow, allowing food and liquid to pass normally.

The LINX device is implanted through keyhole (laparoscopic) surgery and becomes a permanent reinforcement of your natural anti-reflux barrier. Most patients go home the next day and experience quick relief from reflux symptoms — without long-term dependence on medication.

✨ A simple magnetic ring, restoring natural control over reflux.

🎥 Watch Dr Shanker explain how it works in just 1 minute 👇

Address

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

Telephone

+6567375388

Website

http://www.obesitydocs.com/, http://www.digestivecentre.com.sg/

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