Doctors

Dr Tan Chun Hai — Revisional Bariatric & Upper-GI Surgeon in Singapore

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Dr Tan Chun Hai is a Singapore general surgeon practising at Surgicare at the Gleneagles Hospital Annexe Block, with a focus on upper gastrointestinal, bariatric and metabolic surgery. He holds an MBBS from Melbourne, a Masters of Medicine (Surgery), Fellowship of the Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh, and Fellowship of the Academy of Medicine, Singapore in General Surgery.

His clinic lists revisional bariatric procedures, such as converting gastric bands to sleeve gastrectomy or Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) and transitioning sleeve gastrectomy to RYGB, alongside laparoscopic stomach cancer surgery and treatment of upper GI conditions including GERD and gallstone disease.

He serves as President of the Obesity and Metabolic Surgery Society of Singapore (OMSSS).

Clinical focus

Revisional bariatric & upper-GI surgery.

Qualifications (as publicly listed)

MBBS (Melbourne), Masters of Medicine (Surgery), FRCS (Edinburgh), FAMS (General Surgery).

Where they practise

Getting to the clinic

Surgicare is located in the Gleneagles Hospital Annexe Block on Napier Road. Gleneagles is in the Tanglin area, and the nearest station is Napier MRT (TE12) on the Thomson-East Coast Line; Orchard Boulevard MRT (TE13) is also nearby. Because of the layout of the area, many patients find a taxi or ride-hailing drop-off the most convenient way to arrive.

  • By MRT: alight at Napier (TE12) or Orchard Boulevard (TE13) and walk towards Gleneagles Hospital on Napier Road.
  • By bus: services run along Napier Road and nearby roads.
  • By car or taxi: a taxi or ride-hailing drop-off at the hospital is recommended; paid visitor parking is available on site.

If you are attending after a procedure, a door-to-door drop-off at the Annexe Block keeps things straightforward.

What revisional bariatric and upper-GI surgery covers

Dr Tan Chun Hai’s stated focus is revisional bariatric and upper gastrointestinal surgery. Revisional bariatric surgery treats people who have had previous weight-loss surgery but need a further operation, for example because of inadequate weight loss, weight regain, or complications. His clinic lists procedures such as converting a gastric band to a sleeve gastrectomy or Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB), and converting a sleeve gastrectomy to RYGB. These revisional operations are technically demanding and require careful assessment of the original surgery and the reasons for revising it.

Upper gastrointestinal surgery covers the stomach and oesophagus, including laparoscopic stomach cancer surgery and the treatment of conditions such as GERD (acid reflux) and gallstone disease. As with primary weight-loss surgery, revisional bariatric care is most effective within a structured programme that includes dietetic and lifestyle support, since addressing eating patterns and follow-up is central to a durable result after a second operation.

What to expect at a consultation

A first consultation reviews your full surgical history, including details of any previous weight-loss operation, your weight trajectory since then, current symptoms, related conditions and medications. Understanding the original surgery is essential, so the surgeon may seek previous operation records and arrange investigations such as endoscopy and imaging to assess the current anatomy.

The surgeon explains whether a revisional procedure is advisable, which option fits your situation, the expected benefits and the particular risks of operating on previously altered anatomy. The lifestyle changes and follow-up that support success after revision are discussed, along with what preparation and recovery involve.

Preparing for your appointment

  • Photo identification and any GP or polyclinic referral letter.
  • Records of your previous weight-loss or upper-GI surgery, including operation notes if available.
  • Previous scans, endoscopy reports and discharge summaries.
  • A list of medications and supplements, including any blood thinners.
  • A note of your weight history since the first operation and any symptoms.
  • A written list of questions about revision options and risks.

Details of your original procedure are particularly valuable for planning a revision.

After your consultation and follow-up

If a revisional procedure is planned, the clinic arranges pre-operative checks and explains admission to the affiliated hospital. After revisional bariatric surgery, follow-up is long-term and structured, monitoring nutrition, supplements, weight and related conditions, often with closer attention given the complexity of a second operation. After upper-GI or cancer surgery, follow-up is tailored to the condition.

Continuity of care is especially important after revision, since results depend on sustained habits and monitoring. You may seek a second opinion before deciding on further surgery. Seek urgent help for severe abdominal pain, persistent vomiting, inability to keep fluids down, bleeding, fever or signs of dehydration after surgery.

Booking, referrals and fees

As a private specialist, Dr Tan can usually be seen without a referral, though a GP or polyclinic letter is helpful and may support subsidies if you are referred to a public service. Consultations are generally out of pocket. For eligible procedures, MediSave, MediShield Life and Integrated Shield Plans may contribute within set limits depending on plan and indication; weight-loss procedures, including revisions, have specific criteria. Confirm fees and coverage directly with the clinic.

Common questions

What is revisional bariatric surgery?

It is a further operation after previous weight-loss surgery, for example to address weight regain, inadequate weight loss or complications, such as converting a band or sleeve to a gastric bypass.

Why might I need a revision?

Reasons include insufficient weight loss, weight regain, troublesome reflux or complications from the first operation. The surgeon assesses your situation to advise whether revision will help.

Is revision riskier than the first operation?

Operating on previously altered anatomy can be more complex, so careful assessment and planning are important. The surgeon will explain the specific risks for your case.

Will I still need to change my diet?

Yes. As with any weight-loss surgery, lasting dietary change and follow-up are central to success after a revision.

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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