A/Prof Asim Shabbir is Head and Senior Consultant of the Department of Surgery at National University Hospital, and Group Chief of Surgery at the National University Health System. He holds the qualifications MBBS (PAK.), MMed (S’pore) and FRCS (Edin.).
His clinical practice centres on general surgery with special interests in upper gastrointestinal surgery, bariatric and metabolic surgery, and advanced endoscopy and laparoscopic surgery. He is Director of the Centre for Obesity Management and Surgery (COMS) at NUH, where a multidisciplinary team manages patients with obesity and related metabolic conditions such as diabetes.
He is also an Associate Professor at the Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore.
Clinical focus
Metabolic surgery for diabetes.
Qualifications (as publicly listed)
MBBS (PAK.), MMed (S'pore), FRCS (Edin.).
Where they practise
- Clinic / practice: Centre for Obesity Management and Surgery (COMS), National University Hospital — Kent Ridge
- Hospital / training affiliation(s): National University Hospital (NUH); National University Health System (NUHS)
Getting to the clinic
A/Prof Asim Shabbir directs the Centre for Obesity Management and Surgery (COMS) at National University Hospital on the Kent Ridge campus. NUH is served by Kent Ridge MRT (CC24) on the Circle Line, with a sheltered link from the station towards the hospital, making it a convenient arrival point.
- By MRT: alight at Kent Ridge (CC24) and follow the sheltered link to NUH.
- By bus: several services stop along the Kent Ridge campus near the hospital.
- By car or taxi: there is a sheltered drop-off and visitor car parks on the campus.
As a public hospital, parking is in the visitor car park and clinics are usually attended by referral or appointment; the campus is large, so allow time to reach the correct clinic.
What metabolic surgery for diabetes covers
A/Prof Shabbir’s stated focus is metabolic surgery for diabetes, delivered through a multidisciplinary centre. Metabolic surgery uses bariatric operations, principally to improve metabolic conditions, especially type 2 diabetes, as well as to treat obesity. Operations such as sleeve gastrectomy and gastric bypass reduce stomach capacity and, importantly, change gut hormones in ways that improve how the body handles blood sugar, often leading to better diabetes control and sometimes remission, alongside weight loss.
The centre, COMS, brings together surgeons, physicians, dietitians and other specialists to manage obesity and related metabolic conditions as a team. This recognises that obesity and diabetes are complex, with medical, nutritional and lifestyle dimensions, so surgery is one part of a broader plan that includes assessment of other conditions such as high blood pressure, sleep apnoea and fatty liver. As an upper gastrointestinal and advanced laparoscopic surgeon, his work also covers wider stomach and oesophageal surgery and endoscopy.
What to expect at a consultation
A first consultation reviews your weight and metabolic history, diabetes control and treatment, related conditions, previous weight-loss attempts, medications and goals. Within a multidisciplinary centre, you may be assessed by several team members, including physicians and dietitians, and have investigations such as blood tests, including measures of diabetes control, and an endoscopy where needed.
The surgeon explains whether metabolic surgery is suitable, which procedure may best fit your situation, the expected effect on diabetes and weight, the risks, and the preparation and recovery involved. The lifestyle changes and long-term follow-up that support durable results are discussed, so you understand the full pathway.
Preparing for your appointment
- Photo identification and your referral letter, as public clinics are usually accessed by referral.
- Previous records, scans, endoscopy reports and discharge summaries.
- A list of medications and supplements, including diabetes medication and any blood thinners.
- Recent blood results if available, especially diabetes-related results such as HbA1c.
- A note of your weight and diabetes history and previous treatments.
- A written list of questions about surgery and its effect on diabetes.
Bringing details of your blood-sugar monitoring can help the team understand your control.
After your consultation and follow-up
After metabolic surgery, follow-up is long-term and multidisciplinary, monitoring blood-sugar control, the adjustment of diabetes medication as control improves, nutrition, supplements, weight and other related conditions. Coordinated care between surgeons, physicians and dietitians is a feature of a centre-based approach.
Continuity of care is important, since the metabolic benefits and weight loss depend on sustained follow-up and lifestyle change. You are entitled to seek a second opinion. Seek urgent help, by attending an emergency department, for severe abdominal pain, persistent vomiting, inability to keep fluids down, fever, or symptoms of very low or very high blood sugar after surgery.
Booking, referrals and fees
As a public hospital service, access is usually through a referral from a GP or polyclinic, which can also support subsidised rates. For eligible procedures, MediSave, MediShield Life and Integrated Shield Plans may contribute within set limits, and metabolic or weight-loss procedures have specific clinical criteria. Subsidised and private options may be available depending on eligibility. Confirm referral requirements, fees and coverage directly with the hospital.
Common questions
How does surgery help type 2 diabetes?
Beyond weight loss, bariatric operations change gut hormones that influence blood sugar, often improving diabetes control and sometimes leading to remission. Results vary between individuals.
Will I be able to stop my diabetes medication?
Many people need less medication after metabolic surgery, and some stop certain medicines, but this is decided over time with monitoring. Do not change medication without medical advice.
Who is suitable for metabolic surgery?
It is generally considered for people with obesity and type 2 diabetes after assessment against clinical criteria, weighing benefits and risks within the multidisciplinary team.
Is the care just surgical?
No. A centre-based approach combines surgery with medical, dietetic and lifestyle support before and after the operation to achieve and maintain results.
Related guides
Sources & verification
- A/Prof Asim Shabbir – National University Hospital
- Centre for Obesity Management and Surgery (COMS) – NUH
See also: our editorial directory of bariatric & weight-loss surgeons in Singapore and our shortlist of bariatric surgery clinics.
This is an independent, factual profile compiled from the public sources listed above — not a paid listing, advertisement or endorsement. Details can change; always verify a doctor’s current registration on the Singapore Medical Council public register and confirm specifics directly with the clinic. This page is general information, not medical advice or a recommendation of any individual practitioner. See our editorial policy.
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