Clin Assoc Prof Lim Chin Hong is a Senior Consultant in the Department of Upper Gastrointestinal & Bariatric Surgery at Singapore General Hospital, with a concurrent appointment in Surgery and Surgical Oncology at the National Cancer Centre Singapore.
He completed his medical training at University College Dublin, Ireland, in 2006, trained at Johns Hopkins Hospital in 2009, and completed a bariatric surgery fellowship at the University of Minnesota in 2015.
His clinical interests include gastrointestinal, laparoscopic and general surgery, as well as metabolic and bariatric surgery.
Clinical focus
Upper-GI & foregut surgery.
Qualifications (as publicly listed)
BMedSc (Ireland), MB BCh BAO (Ireland), MRCS (Ireland), M Med (Surg), FRCS (Edin).
Where they practise
- Clinic / practice: Upper Gastrointestinal & Bariatric Surgery, Singapore General Hospital — Outram
- Hospital / training affiliation(s): Singapore General Hospital (SGH)
Getting to the clinic
Clin Assoc Prof Lim Chin Hong practises in the Department of Upper Gastrointestinal & Bariatric Surgery at Singapore General Hospital in Outram, with a concurrent appointment at the National Cancer Centre Singapore on the same campus. The SGH campus is served by Outram Park MRT (EW16/NE3/TE17), an interchange on the East-West, North-East and Thomson-East Coast Lines, with sheltered links and internal shuttle buses around the large campus.
- By MRT: alight at Outram Park (EW16/NE3/TE17) and follow signs to the SGH campus and the relevant block.
- By bus: several services stop along Outram Road near the campus.
- By car or taxi: there is a sheltered drop-off and visitor car parks on the campus.
The SGH campus is large, so allow time to find the correct block, and use the internal shuttle if needed.
What upper-GI and foregut surgery covers
Clin Assoc Prof Lim’s stated focus is upper gastrointestinal and foregut surgery, alongside metabolic and bariatric surgery. The foregut includes the oesophagus, stomach and the upper part of the small intestine. Upper-GI surgery treats conditions such as acid reflux and GERD, hiatus hernia, gallstones, and tumours of the stomach and oesophagus, frequently using laparoscopic (keyhole) techniques for quicker recovery.
Metabolic and bariatric surgery addresses obesity and related conditions: operations such as sleeve gastrectomy and gastric bypass reduce stomach capacity and alter gut hormones, supporting sustained weight loss and often improving type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure and sleep apnoea. With a cancer centre appointment, his work also encompasses the surgical management of upper-GI cancers. As in all weight-loss care, surgery is part of a wider programme with dietetic and medical support rather than a stand-alone treatment.
What to expect at a consultation
A first consultation covers your symptoms or weight and health history, previous investigations and operations, related conditions and current medications. For reflux or foregut symptoms, the surgeon may review or arrange tests such as endoscopy and, where relevant, specialised studies of how the oesophagus and stomach function. For bariatric assessment, your weight history, related conditions and previous attempts are reviewed.
The surgeon explains the findings, whether medication, lifestyle measures or surgery is advised, and what an operation and recovery would involve. In a public hospital, care is often delivered with a multidisciplinary team, and for cancer this includes coordinated planning with other specialists.
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 blood thinners and reflux medication.
- Recent blood results if available, and details of related conditions such as diabetes.
- A note of your symptoms or weight history and previous treatments.
- A written list of questions for the consultation.
If you have reflux, noting what triggers symptoms and what you have already tried is helpful.
After your consultation and follow-up
After the visit you will have a plan that may include medication, further tests or a date for surgery. After foregut or upper-GI surgery, follow-up confirms recovery and addresses symptoms. After bariatric surgery, follow-up is long-term, covering nutrition, supplements, weight and related conditions. For cancer surgery, follow-up is structured around the specific condition and any further treatment.
Continuity of care within a public hospital and cancer centre allows coordinated, ongoing review. You may seek a second opinion before major surgery. Seek urgent help, by attending an emergency department, for severe abdominal or chest pain, difficulty swallowing with food sticking, vomiting blood or black stools, persistent vomiting or fever 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 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
What does foregut surgery treat?
It covers conditions of the oesophagus, stomach and upper small intestine, including reflux and GERD, hiatus hernia, gallstones and upper-GI tumours, often using keyhole techniques.
Can surgery cure acid reflux?
For selected people with troublesome reflux not controlled by medication, an anti-reflux operation can help. Suitability is assessed with tests and discussion of risks and benefits.
Is weight-loss surgery offered in public hospitals?
Yes. Metabolic and bariatric surgery is provided within public hospital programmes for suitable patients, with multidisciplinary support and follow-up.
Will I need long-term follow-up after upper-GI surgery?
Often yes, particularly after bariatric or cancer surgery, to monitor nutrition, recovery and the underlying condition over time.
Related guides
Sources & verification
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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