Dr Ganesh Ramalingam is a specialist general and laparoscopic surgeon and Medical Director of G & L Surgical Clinic at Mount Elizabeth Novena Specialist Centre. He graduated MBBS from the National University of Singapore and holds MMed (Singapore), MRCS and FRCS (Edinburgh), and is a Fellow of the Academy of Medicine, Singapore in General Surgery.
He heads the Centre for Weight Loss and Metabolic Surgery at G & L Surgical and is a founding committee member of the Obesity and Metabolic Surgical Society of Singapore (OMSSS). His subspecialty interests include bariatric surgery, advanced laparoscopic surgery, endoscopy and trauma.
Among the weight-loss procedures listed by his clinic is the endoscopically inserted intragastric (gastric) balloon, alongside laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy, gastric banding and Roux-en-Y gastric bypass.
Clinical focus
Gastric balloon & bariatric surgery.
Qualifications (as publicly listed)
MBBS (Singapore), MMed (Singapore), MRCS (Edinburgh), FRCS (Edinburgh), FAMS (General Surgery).
Where they practise
- Clinic / practice: G & L Surgical Clinic — Mount Elizabeth Novena Specialist Centre, Novena
- Hospital / training affiliation(s): Mount Elizabeth Novena, Mount Elizabeth (Orchard), Gleneagles, Parkway East, Farrer Park, Mount Alvernia, Thomson Medical
Getting to the clinic
G & L Surgical Clinic is based at Mount Elizabeth Novena Specialist Centre in the Novena medical cluster, with Dr Ganesh Ramalingam holding admitting rights at several hospitals across the island. The Novena clinic is served by Novena MRT (NS20) on the North-South Line, a short, largely sheltered walk through the Novena Medical Center and Square 2 area towards the specialist centre.
- By MRT: alight at Novena (NS20) and follow signs towards Mount Elizabeth Novena Specialist Centre.
- By bus: services run along Thomson Road and Irrawaddy Road near the Novena cluster.
- By car or taxi: there is sheltered drop-off at the building, with paid visitor parking on site.
Because procedures may be carried out at different affiliated hospitals, check with the clinic where any admission will take place when arranging surgery.
What gastric balloon and bariatric surgery covers
Dr Ganesh’s stated focus is gastric balloon and bariatric surgery. The intragastric (gastric) balloon is a non-surgical, endoscopic option: a soft balloon is placed in the stomach and inflated, reducing the space for food so you feel full sooner. It is usually a temporary measure combined with diet and lifestyle change, and is later removed. It can suit people who want a less invasive step or who are preparing for other treatment.
Bariatric, or weight-loss, surgery includes laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy, which removes part of the stomach to create a narrow tube; gastric banding; and Roux-en-Y gastric bypass, which reroutes the digestive tract. These operations reduce capacity and change gut hormones, supporting sustained weight loss and often improving conditions such as type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure and sleep apnoea. All of these options work best within a structured programme that includes dietary guidance, activity and long-term follow-up, rather than as a stand-alone procedure.
What to expect at a consultation
A first consultation covers your weight and health history, previous weight-loss attempts, related conditions such as diabetes and sleep apnoea, current medications and your goals. The surgeon assesses whether a non-surgical option like the gastric balloon, or a surgical procedure, is more appropriate, and explains how each works, its benefits, risks and the lifestyle changes involved.
You may have investigations such as blood tests and an endoscopy to examine the stomach. Care is multidisciplinary, so you may also meet or be referred to a dietitian. The surgeon outlines what preparation, the procedure and recovery involve, and how follow-up is organised.
Preparing for your appointment
- Photo identification and any GP or polyclinic referral letter.
- Previous records, scans, endoscopy reports and discharge summaries.
- A list of medications and supplements, including any blood thinners and diabetes medication.
- Recent blood results if available, and details of related conditions.
- A note of your weight history and previous weight-loss efforts.
- A written list of questions about the options, recovery and follow-up.
It helps to think in advance about your goals and how ready you are to make lasting dietary changes.
After your consultation and follow-up
After a gastric balloon is placed, you receive dietary guidance and follow-up, and the balloon is removed at the planned time. After bariatric surgery, follow-up is structured and long-term, covering nutrition, vitamin and mineral supplements, weight progress and the improvement of related conditions, supported by a dietitian and the wider team.
Continuity of care is central to weight-loss treatment, since results depend on sustained changes and monitoring. You may seek a second opinion before deciding. Seek urgent help for severe abdominal pain, persistent vomiting, inability to keep fluids down, fever or signs of dehydration after any procedure, as these need prompt assessment.
Booking, referrals and fees
As a private specialist, Dr Ganesh can usually be consulted without a referral, though a GP or polyclinic letter is useful 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 have specific criteria and the balloon may not be claimable. Confirm fees and coverage directly with the clinic.
Common questions
How does a gastric balloon work?
A soft balloon is placed in the stomach by endoscopy and inflated, so you feel full with less food. It is usually temporary and is combined with diet and lifestyle change before being removed.
Is the gastric balloon a substitute for surgery?
It is a less invasive option that suits some people, but it is generally a temporary aid rather than a permanent solution. The surgeon will advise whether it or surgery fits your situation.
Which weight-loss surgery is best?
There is no single best operation; sleeve gastrectomy, gastric bypass and banding each have pros and cons. The choice depends on your health, weight and preferences, discussed during assessment.
What support follows treatment?
Weight-loss treatment is paired with dietitian support, supplements where needed and regular follow-up to monitor nutrition, weight and related conditions over the long term.
Related guides
Sources & verification
- Our Doctor | Dr Ganesh Ramalingam – G & L Surgical Clinic
- Dr Ganesh Ramalingam – Mount Elizabeth Hospitals
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.
Don’t agree with this listing? If this is your profile and you’d like the details corrected, updated or removed — or you’d like to be featured — please reach out to us or use our contact form. We’ll sort it out quickly.