Who Qualifies for Sleeve Gastrectomy in Dubai, and What Affects the Cost
The first two questions most patients ask are: am I a candidate for a sleeve, and how much will it cost? The first has clear international criteria. The second depends on several factors, explained here so you know what the hospital and your insurer will look for.
Who is a candidate?
Under the 2022 guidelines of the American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery and the International Federation for the Surgery of Obesity (ASMBS and IFSO):
| BMI | Recommendation |
|---|---|
| 35 or more | Surgery is recommended, with or without related conditions |
| 30 to 34.9 with metabolic disease (e.g. diabetes) | Surgery should be considered |
| 30 to 34.9 without results from non-surgical treatment | Considered after non-surgical treatment has been tried |
| 27.5 or more in people of Asian descent | Surgery should be offered |
BMI = weight in kg ÷ (height in metres × height in metres). For example, someone weighing 110 kg at 1.70 m has a BMI of about 38.
The number alone is not enough. You also need to be ready to change how you eat and to attend follow-up, and to have no medical condition that makes the risks outweigh the benefit. People with chronic reflux may be better suited to a gastric bypass (see Sleeve or bypass?).
Like any major operation, a sleeve carries risks, including bleeding, a staple-line leak, blood clots, reflux and long-term vitamin deficiencies; we go through them with you before any decision (details in Sleeve or bypass?).
Tests before surgery
- Full blood tests (sugar, thyroid, liver, vitamins).
- Upper endoscopy to check the stomach, reflux and any hiatal hernia.
- Imaging and heart and lung checks, depending on age and health.
- Assessment with a dietitian and, in some cases, a psychological assessment.
- Stopping smoking for a period before surgery, as your doctor advises.
What shapes the cost?
There is no single fixed price, because it depends on:
- The pre-operative tests your case needs.
- Length of hospital stay and room type.
- Anaesthesia and the surgical equipment used.
- Follow-up after surgery and supplements.
- The terms of your insurance policy, if you have one.
Does insurance cover a sleeve?
It depends on your policy. Many policies require pre-approval and documents showing your BMI and related conditions. Share your insurance card details when you book, so cover can be checked with the hospital before anything else.
When to see a doctor
If your BMI is 35 or more, or 30 or more with diabetes, high blood pressure or sleep apnoea, and diet changes or medication have not worked, book an assessment to discuss your options.
Frequently asked questions
I'm overweight but my BMI is under 30. Can I have a sleeve?
Usually treatment starts with non-surgical or medical options (see Injections or surgery?).
How long does preparation take?
It varies with the tests and insurance approval; we explain the timeline at your first consultation.
Is there an upper age limit?
There is no fixed number, but heart and lung assessment matters more with age.
References
About the author
Prof. Dr. Tamer Salama, Professor of General Surgery at Ain Shams University, Fellow of the American College of Surgeons (FACS) and consultant at Saudi German Hospital Dubai. More about the doctor
Book a consultation
To find out whether sleeve gastrectomy in Dubai suits you and to check your insurance cover, book a consultation with Prof. Dr. Tamer Salama at Saudi German Hospital, Al Barsha, via WhatsApp.
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