Is Bariatric Surgery Covered by Insurance?

Bariatric surgery, also known as weight loss or metabolic surgery, involves changing the digestive system to help with weight loss. More than 95% of obese individuals are unable to lose the desired weight with just diet, exercise & medication. Bariatric surgery has proven to be successful in achieving desired weight loss in more than 95% of individuals.

Bariatric surgery is recommended for people who struggle to lose weight through diet and exercise or have severe health issues due to obesity.

There are different types of bariatric surgery. Some procedures reduce the amount of food you can eat, while others decrease the body’s ability to absorb calories and fat which helps weight loss over time.

The decision to undergo weight-loss surgery should be made after consulting a healthcare professional who can evaluate a person’s health condition.

This article gives you a complete overview of bariatric surgery. It covers the types, benefits, risks, costs, success rate, insurance coverage, and everything you need to know for better decisions.

Types of Bariatric Surgeries

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1.     Laparoscopic Adjustable Gastric Banding

• A band is placed around the upper part of the stomach to create a small pouch.

• This limits food intake and slows digestion.

• The band’s tightness can be adjusted through a port under the skin.

• The procedure is reversible, and the band can be removed.

Best for: People looking for a less invasive and adjustable weight-loss solution.

2.     Gastric Sleeve Surgery (Laparoscopic Sleeve Gastrectomy)

• About 75% to 85% of the stomach is stapled, leaving a small sleeve-shaped stomach.

• Reduces food intake while keeping normal digestion.

• Reduces hunger hormones, leading to less appetite.

Best for: Those who want long-term weight loss with fewer complications than gastric bypass.

3.     Gastric Bypass (Roux-en-Y Surgery)

• A restrictive and malabsorptive procedure involving two steps:

  1.       The stomach is stapled to create a small pouch.

  2.       The small intestine is cut and connected directly to the pouch, bypassing a large portion of the stomach and intestines.

  3.       Limits calorie absorption and alters gut hormones to support weight loss.

Best for: People with severe obesity or obesity-related conditions like diabetes and heart disease.  

Signs And Symptoms It’s Time to Consider Bariatric Surgery

Bariatric surgery is considered when:

• High Body Mass Index (BMI): A BMI of 32.5 with co-morbidities (such as diabetes or heart disease).

• Unsuccessful Weight Loss Attempts: Tried traditional methods but failed to lose significant weight.

• Obesity-Related Health Conditions:

o   Type 2 Diabetes

o   High Blood Pressure

o   Sleep Apnea

o   Heart Disease  

Who is an Ideal Candidate for Bariatric and Weight Loss Surgery?

In general, bariatric surgery could be an option for you if: 

• Your BMI is 32.5 or higher, called extreme obesity.

• If BMI > 32.5 with co-morbidities (at least two or more diseases) or > 37.5 with or without co-morbidities, Bariatric surgery is the ideal treatment for obesity.

• Weight-loss surgery for obesity is considered if other methods to lose weight haven't worked. 

• You have tried and failed to lose weight through traditional procedures.

Diagnosis for Bariatric Surgery

During your consultation, a doctor will:

• Assess your BMI and waist circumference to determine obesity levels.

• Conduct blood tests and diagnostic scans to check for obesity-related conditions.

• Review your medical history, including previous weight loss attempts.

  
  

Benefits of Bariatric Surgery

Bariatric surgery offers several health benefits, including:

• Significant, long-term weight loss (especially for severe obesity)

• Reduced hunger and improved metabolism

• Better blood sugar and cholesterol control

• Overall health and longer life

Conditions That Can Be Treated with Bariatric Surgery

Obesity increases the risk of several serious health conditions. Bariatric surgery can help improve many of these issues, including:

• High blood pressure & cholesterol

• Type 2 diabetes & high blood sugar

• Heart disease & stroke

• Kidney disease

• Sleep apnea

• Osteoarthritis

• Fatty liver disease (NAFLD/NASH)

• Certain cancers (e.g., breast, prostate, endometrial)

Losing weight through surgery can significantly reduce these risks and improve overall health.

Wondering what life looks like after the procedure?

Check out our detailed guide on Life After Bariatric Surgery: What to Expect to understand the recovery journey, diet changes, and long-term lifestyle adjustments.

Is Bariatric Surgery Covered by Insurance in Singapore?

Yes, bariatric surgery is not a cosmetic surgery and you can use your Medisave if you meet the MOH criteria.

• Typically covered if BMI is above 32.5 with co-morbidities or above 37.5 without co-morbidities.

• Some plans may cover the entire cost, while others may require co-payment.

Always check with your insurance provider and doctor for details.

Does Medisave Cover Weight Loss Surgery?

Yes, you can use your Medisave if you meet the MOH criteria.

It covers hospital charges, surgical fees, and related expenses. However, the exact claimable

amount depends on the procedure and hospital classification.

At Arden JR SURGERY we have a multi-disciplinary team of endocrinologists, dieticians or psychologists to assess your suitability for surgery.

How much does bariatric surgery cost in Singapore?

The cost of bariatric surgery in Singapore varies based on several factors, including:

o   Type of Surgery: Gastric bypass, sleeve gastrectomy, or gastric band.

o   Hospital Stay: Number of days.

At Arden JR SURGERY we strictly follow MOH fee guidelines.

Success Rate of Bariatric Surgery/ Weight Loss Surgery

Bariatric surgery has a 95% success rate in losing desired weight & maintaining weight loss in long term. It can cure Type 2 diabetes in more than 80% of patients as well as resolve other co morbidities such as reflux, fatty liver , sleep apnoea, osteoarthritis & heart disease etc.

A Note from Arden JR Surgery 

Bariatric surgery is a life-changing solution for complex progressive disease. Obesity is very tough to fight, and without help, it has serious effects on your health, daily life, and future.

Bariatric surgery reshapes the biological factors that make weight loss and long-term management so difficult for those struggling with obesity.

Your health is worth fighting for. A better, healthier life is within reach, and you don’t have to face this journey alone. At Arden JR Surgery, we don’t just perform procedures, we change lives.

Every step of the way, our best bariatric surgeons in Singapore are here to support, guide, and empower you toward long-lasting health solutions.