Gastric sleeve surgery is a widely chosen bariatric option in Singapore for people with severe obesity. This article answers cost, Medisave rules, eligibility, procedure details, and how it compares with endoscopic options like ESG.

TL;DR

• Typical gastric sleeve costs in Singapore range from SGD 15,000 to SGD 30,000.
• Medisave may be available for medically necessary bariatric surgery after MOH approval.
• Eligibility commonly requires BMI >= 37.5 or BMI >= 32.5 with comorbidities.
• ESG is less invasive with faster recovery but usually achieves slightly less weight loss.

Costs & Pricing

Expect a cost range rather than a single price point. Gastric sleeve surgery Singapore commonly starts at SGD 15,000 and averages between SGD 20,000 and SGD 30,000.

Costs include surgeon fees, anaesthesia, hospital stay, and basic follow-ups. Factors that push price higher include private rooms, complex health needs, extended hospital stays, and specialised surgeons. Ask clinics for an itemised quote so you can compare like for like.

Eligibility & Requirements

Most centres follow BMI and comorbidity criteria for surgery. Typical thresholds are BMI >= 37.5, or BMI >= 32.5 with obesity-related conditions such as type 2 diabetes or sleep apnoea.

Pre-operative work includes blood tests, nutritional assessment, and a psychological screen. Examples: a patient with BMI 40 and poorly controlled diabetes will usually qualify; a patient with BMI 34 and no comorbidities may not.

Insurance & Medisave

You can sometimes use Medisave for bariatric surgery if it is deemed medically necessary and approved by MOH. The Ministry of Health sets criteria and approval steps on their site.

Private insurers vary widely in coverage for bariatric procedures. Some policies cover complications or obesity-related conditions rather than the surgery itself. Check policy terms and ask your insurer for pre-authorisation. For official guidance.

Procedure & Recovery

Gastric sleeve (sleeve gastrectomy) reduces stomach size by removing about 70-80% of the stomach. Surgeons usually perform it laparoscopically with small incisions.

Hospital stay is typically 1 to 3 days. Most patients return to normal light activities in 1 to 2 weeks and fully recover in 4 to 6 weeks. Risks include leaks, bleeding, nutritional deficiencies, and reflux. Follow-up care includes dietary counselling and vitamin monitoring; HealthHub has practical recovery resources.

Gastric sleeve vs ESG (Endoscopic Sleeve Gastroplasty)

ESG is less invasive and uses endoscopic sutures to reduce stomach volume. It avoids incisions and often has a shorter recovery time.

Compare key points:

• Invasiveness: Sleeve is surgical; ESG is endoscopic with no external cuts.
• Weight loss: Sleeve tends to deliver higher total weight loss (25–35%) while ESG often gives 15–20% over 12–24 months.
• Recovery: ESG recovery is usually 2–3 days; sleeve recovery is 1–6 weeks.
• Reversibility: ESG is potentially reversible; sleeve is permanent.
• Cost: ESG can be cheaper overall due to day-procedure status and fewer hospital costs.

For clinic-level details on ESG offered by our team, see PanAsia Surg’s ESG page.

What a typical gastric sleeve package includes

Packages vary but commonly include surgeon fee, anaesthesia, operating theatre, standard ward stay, and initial post-op reviews. Some packages add nutritional counselling and one or two clinic visits.

Items often excluded are advanced imaging, extended ICU stay, revision surgery, and out-of-pocket consumables. Ask for an itemised list and warranty on post-op complications. PanAsia Surg provides package breakdowns and financing advice for eligible patients.

Surgery in Singapore Key Facts & Insights

Undergoing gastric sleeve surgery is a major step toward long-term weight management and improved health. In Singapore, both private and public hospitals offer advanced bariatric procedures performed by accredited surgeons. Below is a clear overview of what to expect from cost and qualifications to recovery and insurance options.

Price Overview & Cost Factors

The price of gastric sleeve surgery in Singapore varies depending on hospital type, surgeon experience, and patient complexity.
Typical costs begin at around SGD 15,000, with most patients paying between SGD 20,000 and SGD 30,000 in total.

These charges generally include the surgeon’s fee, anaesthesia, hospital accommodation, and standard post-operative care.
However, prices may rise if you choose a private ward, require longer hospitalisation, or have underlying health conditions that need special monitoring.

Always request a comprehensive cost estimate that details what’s included and any optional add-ons such as nutrition consultations or extended follow-ups.

Who Can Qualify for the Procedure

Eligibility is determined using Body Mass Index (BMI) and the presence of obesity-related medical issues.
You’ll typically qualify if your BMI is 37.5 or above, or 32.5 and above with additional conditions like type 2 diabetes, hypertension, or sleep apnoea.

Before surgery, patients undergo several assessments—blood work, psychological screening, and nutritional evaluation—to ensure suitability and safety.
For instance, a patient with BMI 40 and uncontrolled diabetes would usually qualify, while someone with BMI 34 and no comorbidities may be advised to pursue non-surgical weight loss first.

Financing Options & Insurance Support

Singapore’s healthcare system allows partial use of Medisave funds for bariatric surgery when it is clinically approved and meets the Ministry of Health (MOH) guidelines.
Patients should check the MOH website for the latest rules on claimable amounts and required documentation.

Private health insurers differ widely in how they cover bariatric procedures.
Some may only reimburse complication-related costs or associated medical treatments, not the primary surgery itself.
To avoid confusion, contact your insurance provider for pre-approval and written confirmation before scheduling surgery.

Understanding the Surgery & Recovery Path

During a sleeve gastrectomy, about 70–80% of the stomach is removed, leaving a smaller tube-like section that restricts food intake.
It’s usually done laparoscopically (keyhole surgery), which means smaller incisions, less pain, and faster healing.

Most patients stay in hospital for 1 to 3 days and return to light activity in one to two weeks.
Full recovery usually takes four to six weeks.
Post-surgery, patients must follow a nutrient-rich diet and take supplements to prevent deficiencies.
Continuous follow-up with a dietitian and surgeon helps maintain results safely.

Comparing Gastric Sleeve and ESG

Endoscopic Sleeve Gastroplasty (ESG) is a newer, incision-free alternative. It uses an endoscope and internal sutures to reduce stomach size.
Here’s how they differ:

• Invasiveness: ESG avoids external cuts; the sleeve is surgical.
• Weight Loss: Sleeve offers 25–35% total loss; ESG achieves around 15–20%.
• Recovery: ESG patients resume normal life in 2–3 days; sleeve recovery takes 1–6 weeks.
• Cost: ESG is often cheaper because it’s done as a day procedure.

What’s Included in a Typical Package

Most gastric sleeve packages include the surgeon’s professional fee, operating theatre charges, anaesthesia, standard hospital stay, and initial reviews.
Some clinics also include dietary counselling or post-op monitoring sessions.
Exclusions may involve ICU costs, imaging scans, or revision procedures.
Before booking, always ask for a written itemised quotation and discuss available financing options with your clinic.

Summary

Gastric sleeve surgery in Singapore is effective for substantial weight loss and the typical cost range is SGD 15,000 to 30,000. Medisave can apply for medically necessary cases with MOH approval. For people seeking a less invasive option, ESG offers a good alternative with quicker recovery but modestly lower weight loss.

Contact PanAsia Surg for an itemised quote and help with Medisave paperwork. Compare quotes, check insurer terms, and confirm eligibility before booking.

FAQs

How much does gastric sleeve surgery cost in Singapore?

Costs typically range from SGD 15,000 to SGD 30,000 depending on hospital, surgeon, and complexity.

Is gastric sleeve surgery covered by Medisave?

Medisave may cover bariatric surgery if it is medically necessary and MOH-approved. Confirm eligibility with MOH and your hospital.

What BMI is required for gastric sleeve surgery?

Common criteria are BMI >= 37.5, or BMI >= 32.5 with obesity-related illnesses.

How long is recovery after sleeve gastrectomy?

Most people resume light activity within 1–2 weeks and fully recover in 4–6 weeks.

What are the risks of gastric sleeve surgery?

Major risks include leaks, bleeding, infection, reflux, and nutritional deficiencies. Regular follow-up reduces long-term risks.

How does gastric sleeve compare to ESG?

ESG is less invasive with faster recovery but usually yields slightly less weight loss than surgical sleeve. See our ESG page for clinic specifics.