Complete Guide to Gastric Sleeve Surgery in Singapore

This guide explains gastric sleeve surgery in Singapore clearly and practically. It covers how the procedure works, typical costs, eligibility, recovery, and Medisave details for residents.

TL;DR

Gastric sleeve surgery (laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy) reduces stomach size to drive long-term weight loss.
Costs vary widely: typical local range is SGD 14,000–30,000, depending on hospital and complexity.
Medisave may cover part of the hospital stay for eligible Singaporeans and PRs; check MOH rules.
Recovery usually takes 2–6 weeks, with staged diets and follow-up.

Procedure basics

The best Gastric sleeve surgery Singapore is a surgical weight-loss procedure that removes most of the stomach. Surgeons perform a laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy by removing about 70–80% of the stomach and shaping the remainder into a narrow tube.

Definition: It restricts food intake and reduces appetite hormones. Example: a 120 kg patient can expect steady loss of 20–70 kg over 12–24 months under supervision. Tip: choose a surgeon experienced in laparoscopic techniques to lower complication rates.

Costs & financing

Costs for gastric sleeve surgery in Singapore vary by hospital, surgeon, and complexity. Expect a typical range of SGD 14,000 at the low end to SGD 30,000 for private hospitals and complex cases.

Breakdown: surgeon fees, anaesthesia, hospital stay, tests and follow-up comprise the total. Financing: many clinics offer payment plans or third-party medical loans. For a quick benchmark, MediGence lists averages near SGD 14,000 for basic packages.

Item	Typical cost (SGD)
Surgeon & anaesthesia	3,000–8,000
Hospital stay & consumables	8,000–18,000
Pre/post tests and dietitian	1,000–3,000

Medisave note: Medisave can be used for bariatric surgery in specific cases and under strict criteria. Check the Ministry of Health (Singapore) for the latest guidance and claim limits.

Clinics & surgeons

Singapore has several reputable centres offering gastric sleeve procedures. Public hospitals and private chains both provide services with experienced bariatric teams.

Examples: Raffles Medical and specialist surgical centres handle metabolic disease patients and complex cases. When choosing a clinic, review surgeon volume, complication rates, and post-op support like dietetics and psychology.

Risks & alternatives

Gastric sleeve surgery carries surgical risks such as leaks, bleeding, and nutritional deficiencies. Long-term risks include reflux and vitamin deficiencies.

Benefits include substantial weight loss and improvement in diabetes and blood pressure. To reduce risks, follow nutritional guidance strictly and attend scheduled follow-ups.

Gastric sleeve vs ESG

Summary: Endoscopic Sleeve Gastroplasty (ESG) is a less invasive alternative to surgical sleeve gastrectomy. ESG uses internal sutures without removing stomach tissue, so recovery is faster and scarring is minimal.

Comparison points: ESG usually gives 15–20% total body weight loss over 1–2 years. Surgical sleeves often produce greater weight loss but come with higher surgical risk. For an ESG overview and patient suitability, see Panasia Surgery’s page on Endoscopic Sleeve Gastroplasty (ESG).

Recovery & diet

Recovery after gastric sleeve surgery typically takes two to six weeks. Patients follow a staged diet: liquids, purees, soft foods, then small regular meals.

Definition: Post-op care includes vitamin supplements and regular blood tests. Example timeline: week 1 liquids, weeks 2–4 purees, month 2 gradual solids. Tip: plan work leave and have family support for the first two weeks.

Summary

Gastric sleeve surgery in Singapore offers significant weight-loss potential with established surgical teams and support services. Costs vary, and Medisave may help for eligible cases. Choose a centre with strong post-op care and clear pricing. For ESG information and a minimally invasive alternative, consult the Panasia Surgery ESG page and review MOH guidance before booking a consultation.

Eligibility

Eligibility depends on BMI and comorbidities. Typical criteria: BMI ≥ 37.5, or BMI ≥ 32.5 with metabolic disease for Asian patients.

Other requirements: documented failed non-surgical weight loss attempts, psychological assessment, and medical clearance. Clinics will run blood tests, imaging, and cardiopulmonary checks before approval.