Obesity surgery in Switzerland: the complete guide to the pathway

Severe obesity is a chronic disease affecting a growing share of the Swiss population, often accompanied by diabetes, high blood pressure, sleep apnoea, joint pain and daily suffering. When diets, physical activity and medical treatments are not enough, obesity surgery, also called bariatric surgery, is the treatment that allows the greatest and most lasting weight loss, with clear improvement in many associated conditions. In Switzerland, it is governed by precise criteria, performed in recognised centres and, under certain conditions, covered by basic insurance. This guide helps you understand obesity, the eligibility criteria, the different procedures, the pathway before and after the operation, the results, the risks, lifelong follow-up and how things are organised in the Swiss cantons.

Obesity surgery is for adults whose body mass index is at least 35, after well-conducted non-surgical treatment over a sufficient period without lasting success. The most commonly performed procedures in Switzerland are gastric bypass and sleeve gastrectomy, carried out by laparoscopy. The pathway includes a multidisciplinary assessment, several months of preparation, the procedure, then lifelong follow-up with vitamin supplements. In Switzerland, basic insurance can cover the procedure when the criteria are met and it is performed in a recognised centre. Budget guidelines are on our page on obesity surgery prices in Switzerland.

Obesity surgery covers procedures that alter the stomach and sometimes the intestine to reduce the amount of food eaten and change the hormonal signals of hunger and fullness. Contrary to a widespread belief, it does not act only by making the stomach smaller: it also transforms the way the body regulates appetite, sugar metabolism and weight. This explains its powerful effects on type 2 diabetes and other obesity-related diseases.

It is neither a cosmetic procedure nor an easy way out. It is medical treatment for a chronic disease, part of a long-term care pathway before and, above all, after the operation, requiring the patient's lasting commitment to eating habits, physical activity and medical follow-up.

It was once thought that obesity surgery acted only by reducing the size of the stomach or limiting absorption. We now know that its effects are largely mediated by digestive hormones. After a sleeve, production of the hormone that stimulates hunger, made mainly in the part of the stomach that is removed, falls sharply. After a bypass, the rapid arrival of food in the intestine increases the secretion of hormones that promote fullness and improve the action of insulin.

These hormonal changes explain why many patients feel less hungry, feel full more quickly and see their diabetes improve even before losing much weight. They also explain why the effect of surgery can wear off over time in some patients.

These mechanisms, still being studied, largely explain why surgery is more effective than diets for severe obesity.

Obesity surgery is sometimes called metabolic surgery, because its effects go beyond weight loss: it alters sugar and fat metabolism and hormonal balance. In diabetic patients, blood sugar can normalise within days or weeks of a bypass, allowing treatment to be reduced or stopped. The lipid profile often improves. These effects make surgery a treatment in its own right for type 2 diabetes associated with obesity, within recognised indications.

The intestine plays an important role in regulating weight and sugar, through its hormones, its microbial flora and nutrient absorption. After a bypass, the change in the path of food alters these signals. Research is also studying how the gut flora changes after surgery and its possible role in the results. This knowledge helps explain why the procedures do not have the same effects in all patients.

Body mass index is a guide; the doctor also takes into account waist circumference, associated conditions and overall health.

Obesity was long seen as the result of a lack of willpower. We now know that it results from a complex interaction between genetics, appetite-regulating hormones, the brain, the food environment, lifestyle, sleep, stress and sometimes medicines. When weight rises over a long period, the body defends this new weight: after a loss, hunger increases and energy expenditure falls, which encourages regain.

Recognising obesity as a disease makes it possible to move beyond guilt, stigma and repeated diet failures, and to consider appropriate treatment, which may include surgery when indicated.

Many candidates for surgery have lived with obesity since childhood or adolescence. They have often experienced teasing, repeated diets and a long-standing sense of failure. For them, surgery sometimes represents the first effective solution after decades of effort. It can also upend an identity long built around weight. Psychological support helps integrate this change and build a new self-image.

For others, obesity set in during adulthood, after pregnancies, a change of job, giving up sport, an illness, a treatment or a difficult period. Understanding the circumstances of weight gain helps the team adapt preparation and follow-up. For example, a treatment that causes weight gain can sometimes be changed, or psychological support offered if the weight gain is linked to a period of stress or bereavement.

Genetics plays an important role in the tendency to gain weight, appetite and fat distribution. Rarely, particular genetic forms of obesity, often appearing in early childhood, require specific care in specialised centres. In the vast majority of cases, many genes interact with the environment. Knowing that genetics influences weight helps move beyond guilt, without preventing action.

Our environment encourages weight gain: easily available high-calorie foods, large portions, sugary drinks, inactivity at work and at leisure, screens, lack of sleep and stress. These factors weigh more heavily on genetically predisposed people. Understanding this context helps adopt concrete strategies after the procedure: organising your environment at home, preparing meals, building physical activity into the day and limiting accessible temptations.

Beyond sport, reducing time spent sitting benefits health and weight maintenance: getting up regularly, walking short distances, taking the stairs, taking active breaks at work. These small actions, repeated every day, add up. After obesity surgery, they often become easier and more enjoyable, and contribute to the lasting benefits of the procedure.

Obesity is a major public health issue in Switzerland, because of its frequency and its consequences for health and costs. Health authorities, the cantons and medical societies are developing prevention, screening and care programmes from childhood to adulthood. Obesity surgery is part of this overall approach, as treatment for severe forms, alongside prevention, medical treatment and day-to-day support.

Sleep apnoea, repeated pauses in breathing during the night, is very common in people with severe obesity, often without their knowing. It causes fatigue, sleepiness, headaches and high blood pressure, and increases the risks linked to anaesthesia. That is why screening is often carried out before the procedure. If significant apnoea is found, a night-time ventilation device is prescribed, to be used before and after the operation. With weight loss, apnoea often decreases markedly; a check-up determines whether the device can be stopped.

In diabetic patients, obesity surgery, and particularly the bypass, often improves blood sugar dramatically, sometimes within the first few days, even before significant weight loss. Treatments, notably insulin, must be adjusted quickly to avoid hypoglycaemia. The chances of remission are higher when diabetes is recent and insulin is not yet needed. Diabetes may reappear years later, which justifies regular blood-sugar monitoring, even in remission.

High blood pressure often improves after surgery, with a possible reduction in medicines. Treatments must be adjusted gradually by the doctor, as blood pressure can fall quickly with weight loss. In the long term, reduced weight, diabetes and blood pressure lower the risk of heart attack and stroke, contributing to the improved life expectancy observed in patients who have had surgery.

Excess weight overloads the knees, hips and back, encouraging osteoarthritis and pain. After surgery, many patients notice significant relief, better mobility and the ability to resume activities they had given up. In patients who need a hip or knee replacement, prior weight loss can reduce the risks of that procedure and improve its results.

Excess fat in the liver, very common in obesity, can progress to inflammation, fibrosis or even cirrhosis. Obesity surgery generally improves liver fat and inflammation, and can even reverse early fibrosis. Before the procedure, the size of the liver is often reduced by a specific diet to make the operation easier. In patients with advanced liver disease, the indication and choice of procedure are discussed with a hepatologist.

Obesity often disrupts ovulation in women and can impair sperm quality in men. It also reduces the success of fertility treatments and increases certain pregnancy risks. After obesity surgery, cycles often become regular again and fertility improves, sometimes rapidly. That is why effective contraception is recommended during the period of rapid weight loss, and why pregnancy should be planned with the team.

Gastro-oesophageal reflux, the backflow of stomach acid into the oesophagus, is common in obesity. It influences the choice of procedure: the sleeve, which increases pressure in the stomach, can worsen or trigger reflux, whereas the bypass generally relieves it. A gastroscopy before the procedure looks for reflux, inflammation of the oesophagus or a hiatus hernia. After a sleeve, reflux that persists despite treatment may justify conversion to a bypass.

Obesity is associated with an increased risk of several cancers, notably of the uterus, breast after menopause, colon, kidney, liver and oesophagus. Studies suggest that the significant weight loss achieved after obesity surgery could reduce the risk of some of these cancers. Age-appropriate screening remains essential after the procedure.

The first procedures to treat severe obesity were performed in the 1950s and 1960s, with intestinal bypass techniques now abandoned because of their complications. Gastric bypass appeared at the end of the 1960s and was then refined. The arrival of laparoscopy in the 1990s profoundly transformed the field, reducing pain, complications and length of hospital stay. Sleeve gastrectomy, first used as a first stage in the heaviest patients, became a procedure in its own right in the 2000s.

Today, obesity surgery is one of the most studied procedures, with patients followed over several decades, and Switzerland has a network of recognised centres.

In Switzerland, access to obesity surgery covered by basic insurance is based on medical criteria defined by regulation and by the recommendations of the Swiss society specialising in the treatment of morbid obesity. As a rule, they include a body mass index of at least 35, adequate non-surgical weight-loss treatment conducted over a defined period without sufficient lasting success, and the procedure being performed in a recognised centre with a multidisciplinary team.

The criteria may change and their application depends on each situation. The obesity surgery centre checks with you that they are met, documents your pathway and informs you of the steps to take with your insurer.

The team sometimes does not offer the procedure, or asks for it to be postponed: criteria not met, non-surgical treatment insufficiently documented, an unstabilised illness, a psychological disorder to be treated first, smoking or alcohol use, or too high an operative risk. This postponement is not a final rejection: it often allows the procedure to be prepared under better conditions. Ask the team to explain the reasons and the steps to take. A second opinion is also possible.

If the insurer refuses coverage, ask for a written, reasoned decision. The centre can supplement the file, for example with documents confirming prior non-surgical treatment or associated conditions, and request a review. A formal objection is possible within the stated deadlines. Patient advocacy organisations or legal advice can help with these steps.

Information about obesity surgery abounds on the internet and social media, with testimonials, comparisons and sometimes cut-price offers presented as quick solutions, with no preparation or follow-up. Favour information from your doctor, recognised centres and medical societies. A procedure performed without preparation or organised follow-up carries significant risks, notably deficiencies and unmanaged complications.

When body mass index exceeds 50, this is called super-obesity. The risks of the procedure are higher, the technique more difficult and associated conditions often numerous. Enhanced preparation is needed: prior weight loss, sometimes with a medicine or a gastric balloon, and management of sleep apnoea and heart disease. Some teams offer a two-stage strategy: a sleeve first, then, after initial weight loss, a second procedure if needed. These situations are managed in reference centres.

In patients over 60, obesity surgery can be considered when the expected benefits for health and independence outweigh the risks. The assessment is more thorough: heart and lung function, nutritional status, muscle mass and independence. The aim is often less maximum weight loss than improvement in associated conditions, mobility and quality of life. The sleeve is sometimes preferred because of a lower risk of deficiencies.

In adolescents with very severe obesity and complications, surgery can be considered in exceptional situations, after long specialised multidisciplinary follow-up, completion of growth and a thorough assessment of maturity and family support. It is performed only in centres with paediatric expertise. Non-surgical treatments, including new medicines, are favoured at this age.

Before surgery, well-conducted non-surgical treatment is required: medical follow-up, personalised dietary advice, suitable physical activity, and sometimes psychological support and medicines. It must be documented, for example through consultations with the GP, a dietitian or a specialised centre. This treatment is not a mere formality: it improves health, prepares changes in habits and sometimes achieves sufficient weight loss without surgery.

Keep a record of what you have done: consultation reports, certificates of dietary follow-up, participation in programmes. These documents will be useful for the coverage request.

Non-surgical treatment of obesity is not limited to diets. It combines regular medical follow-up, personalised dietary advice, suitable physical activity, psychological or behavioural support, management of associated conditions and, when indicated, medicines. This treatment improves health, even without significant weight loss, and prepares the changes needed after possible surgery. For some patients, it is enough to achieve satisfactory weight loss. For others, it shows its limits and opens the discussion about surgery. See our page on obesity in Switzerland.

In Switzerland, several centres and hospitals offer structured obesity care programmes combining medical, dietary and psychological consultations and supervised physical activity, individually or in groups. Some are covered by basic insurance under defined conditions. Taking part in such a programme improves your health, documents non-surgical treatment and, if necessary, prepares for surgery under good conditions.

The gastric balloon is placed in the stomach by endoscopy, without incision, filled with liquid or air and left in place for a few months. It provides a feeling of fullness and allows moderate, often temporary, weight loss. It can be used in certain situations, for example to lose weight before surgery in a very heavy patient. It is not considered a lasting treatment for severe obesity, and insurance coverage is limited.

Sleeve gastrectomy involves removing about two-thirds to three-quarters of the stomach along its greater curvature, leaving only a tube-shaped stomach. It reduces the stomach's capacity and sharply lowers production of a hormone that stimulates hunger. It does not change the path of food through the intestine. It is technically simpler than the bypass and causes fewer deficiencies, but it can cause or worsen reflux.

It may be offered for severe obesity without significant reflux, in some patients at high operative risk, or as a first stage in super-obesity. See our page on sleeve gastrectomy in Switzerland.

Gastric bypass, often called Roux-en-Y gastric bypass, involves creating a small pouch from the upper stomach, then connecting it directly to a loop of small intestine. Food thus bypasses most of the stomach and the beginning of the intestine. The procedure acts on the amount of food eaten, on the digestive hormones that regulate hunger and sugar and, to a lesser extent, on absorption.

The bypass is particularly effective for type 2 diabetes and reflux. It requires lifelong vitamin supplements and careful monitoring for deficiencies. See our page on gastric bypass in Switzerland.

After a sleeve, the tube-shaped stomach fills quickly: meals must be small, eaten slowly and chewed carefully. Reflux is the main point to watch: it can appear or worsen and require acid-reducing treatment or, if it persists, conversion to a bypass. Deficiencies are less common than after a bypass, but supplements remain recommended, particularly vitamin B12, iron and vitamin D. The stomach can gradually stretch over the years, which encourages weight regain if habits are not maintained.

After a bypass, the main points to watch are deficiencies, which require lifelong supplements and regular blood tests; dumping and hypoglycaemia, which require limiting fast-acting sugars; ulcers, encouraged by smoking and anti-inflammatories; and obstruction due to internal hernia, which can occur years later and causes severe abdominal pain requiring urgent consultation. Absorption of alcohol and certain medicines is also altered.

The adjustable gastric band, placed around the top of the stomach, creates a small pouch and slows the passage of food. It was widely used, but its long-term results — more modest weight loss and frequent complications such as band slippage or port problems — have led to a sharp reduction in its use in Switzerland. Many patients with a band have since been converted to a sleeve or bypass. See our page on the gastric band.

Other procedures exist for particular situations: one-anastomosis bypass; biliopancreatic diversion, more powerful but carrying more deficiencies, reserved for certain cases of super-obesity; and endoscopic procedures that reduce stomach volume without an incision. Their role is more limited and depends on the experience of the centres. The surgeon will explain whether one of them may be relevant in your situation.

• Significant reflux or a hiatus hernia: often in favour of the bypass.
• Type 2 diabetes: bypass often preferred, sleeve also effective in many.
• Previous abdominal surgery: influences feasibility.
• Essential medicines whose absorption must remain stable: may point towards the sleeve.
• High operative risk or super-obesity: sleeve sometimes as a first stage.
• Patient preferences after full information.

The choice is made as a team, after the full assessment and in discussion with you. There is no single best procedure for everyone, but a procedure suited to each person.

These directions are trends; the final choice is made as a team, with you, according to your overall situation.

In recent years, new injectable medicines have allowed significant weight loss in many patients by acting on satiety hormones. They have changed obesity care. They may be an alternative to surgery for some patients, a complement before or after the procedure, or an option in the event of weight regain. Their effectiveness depends on continuing treatment, and their coverage conditions, side effects and costs should be discussed with the doctor.

Surgery remains today the treatment offering the greatest and most lasting weight loss in patients with severe obesity. The choice between these options is made case by case, according to the patient's situation and wishes.

New anti-obesity medicines and surgery are not in opposition. Some patients receive a medicine before the procedure to reduce weight and risks; others benefit from one afterwards, in the event of insufficient weight loss or regain. For others still, the medicine is enough and surgery is not necessary. The choice is made case by case with the doctor, taking into account the expected effectiveness, tolerance, length of treatment, insurance coverage and the patient's preferences.

Before obesity surgery, each patient is assessed by a multidisciplinary team. The surgeon explains the procedures and assesses feasibility. A doctor specialising in obesity, often an endocrinologist, looks for causes and associated conditions, adjusts treatments and checks the indication. The dietitian analyses eating habits and prepares the changes. The psychologist or psychiatrist assesses understanding of the procedure, motivation, any eating or mood disorders and the support available.

Other specialists may be involved depending on the situation: a pulmonologist for sleep apnoea, a cardiologist, a gastroenterologist for the gastroscopy. The results are discussed at a team meeting, which validates the indication and the choice of procedure.

The psychological assessment is not a fitness test designed to exclude patients. It aims to ensure that the person understands the procedure, its constraints and consequences, to identify difficulties that warrant support, such as depression, significant anxiety, an eating disorder or problematic alcohol use, and to prepare for the profound changes that follow the operation: relationship with food, body image and relationships. Support can be offered before and after the procedure.

The dietitian supports the patient before the procedure to analyse their habits, identify snacking, sugary drinks and eating too quickly, and begin adopting the principles that will be essential after the operation: structured meals, slow chewing, small portions, separating drinks from meals and sufficient protein intake. These changes prepared in advance make adjustment after the procedure much easier and contribute to long-term results.

In the two to three weeks before the procedure, most centres require a low-calorie, low-sugar diet, often based on high-protein meal replacements. The aim is to reduce the size of the liver, often enlarged by fat in obesity, which covers the stomach and can hinder the surgeon. This diet makes the operation safer and easier. It is also a first experience of the dietary changes to come.

Smoking increases the risk of complications during and after the procedure: infections, healing problems, thrombosis and respiratory complications. After a bypass, it particularly encourages ulcers at the junction between the pouch and the intestine, sometimes serious. That is why stopping smoking is strongly recommended, often required, several weeks before the procedure, and must be maintained afterwards. Help with quitting is available: specialist consultations, nicotine replacement and group support. Talk to your doctor at the start of the pathway.

Obesity increases the risk of a clot in the leg veins, which can travel to the lungs. After the procedure, this risk is prevented by getting up early, walking, compression stockings and anticoagulant injections, often for several weeks. A hot, swollen, painful calf, breathlessness or chest pain should prompt an emergency call without delay. Mention any history of thrombosis during the assessment.

General anaesthesia in a person with severe obesity requires particular preparation: assessment of the airways, sleep apnoea, heart and lungs, and adjustment of medicine doses. Obesity surgery teams are used to these situations and have suitable equipment. The anaesthesia consultation, a few weeks before the procedure, allows your treatments to be reviewed and care to be organised.

Before the procedure, it is useful to improve your physical condition, even modestly: walk every day, do some breathing exercises and stop smoking. Better fitness makes recovery after the operation easier, reduces the risk of respiratory complications and thrombosis, and prepares for the physical activity that will be essential afterwards. Some centres offer preparation programmes with a physiotherapist.

• Multidisciplinary assessment completed and indication validated.
• Insurer's approval obtained or steps taken.
• Smoking stopped for several weeks.
• Pre-operative diet followed.
• Sleep apnoea device used if prescribed.
• Treatments adjusted, notably for diabetes.
• Food and utensils prepared for the first few weeks.
• Time off work and help at home arranged.

Before the procedure, you receive detailed oral and written information on the proposed procedure, its alternatives, expected benefits, short- and long-term risks, dietary constraints, supplements and lifelong follow-up. You sign a consent form after having had time to read these documents and ask your questions. This consent can be withdrawn up to the last moment. Take the time you need: a well-informed decision is one of the keys to success.

• Discussion with the GP, documentation of non-surgical treatment.
• First consultation at the centre: information, initial tests.
• Multidisciplinary assessment: specialist doctor, dietitian, psychologist, tests.
• Team meeting: validation of the indication and type of procedure.
• Steps with the insurer.
• Preparation: information sessions, pre-operative diet, stopping smoking.
• Procedure and a hospital stay of a few days.
• Close follow-up in the first year, then at least annually for life.

This pathway often extends over six months to a year before the procedure. This time is not wasted: it prepares the changes that will ensure long-term success.

The GP plays a central role: they know your history, document weight-loss attempts, treat associated conditions and refer you to a specialised centre. Depending on your insurance model, their referral may be necessary for reimbursement. After the procedure, they often take part in follow-up, in liaison with the centre: monitoring deficiencies, adjusting diabetes or blood-pressure medicines and screening for complications. Keep them informed at each stage.

Most centres organise group or individual information sessions at the start of the pathway. They present the different procedures, their benefits and risks, eating after the operation, supplements, follow-up and daily life. Patients who have already had surgery sometimes come to share their experience. These sessions allow you to ask questions, meet others in the same situation and make an informed decision. It is advisable to come with someone close to you.

Before and after the procedure, many centres offer support or peer groups for patients. They allow concrete experiences to be shared, such as eating difficulties in the first few weeks, managing meals in company, physical activity or body image, and they reduce isolation. Patients who regularly take part in these groups and follow-up often have better long-term results.

You arrive having fasted, often on the morning of the procedure or the day before. After general anaesthesia, the surgeon performs the procedure by laparoscopy, through five or six small incisions. A leak test of the staple lines is often carried out. The procedure takes one to three hours. On waking, careful monitoring is provided, particularly of breathing in patients with sleep apnoea. You often get up the same evening or the next day, with the team's help, to prevent thrombosis.

Almost all bariatric procedures are performed by laparoscopy. The surgeon makes four to six small incisions of a few millimetres to a centimetre on the abdomen, inflates the abdomen with gas to create a working space, inserts a camera and long, fine instruments, and operates while watching a screen. This technique reduces pain, the risk of infection and incisional hernia, and length of hospital stay, and allows a quicker return to activities. After the procedure, shoulder pain caused by the gas is common for one or two days.

Some Swiss centres use a surgical robot, controlled by the surgeon from a console, for certain bariatric procedures, notably complex revisions. The robot offers three-dimensional vision and great precision of movement. Studies show no major difference in results compared with conventional laparoscopy for standard procedures; the team's experience remains the decisive factor.

The small laparoscopic incisions leave scars of a few millimetres to a centimetre, which fade over time and generally become discreet. One may be slightly longer, to remove the part of the stomach taken out during a sleeve. After major weight loss, these scars may shift as the skin changes. Protect them from the sun in the first year.

The hospital stay generally lasts two to four days. During this time, the team monitors pain, tolerance of the first fluids, signs of complications and the return of digestive function. Injections to prevent thrombosis are often prescribed for several weeks. Before discharge, the dietitian goes over the dietary stages, and you receive prescriptions, vitamin supplements and instructions, along with the numbers to call in case of problems.

Each centre has its own protocol; follow the instructions given by your dietitian.

Going home after obesity surgery requires organisation. In the first few weeks, food is liquid then puréed, in very small amounts; you need to drink regularly in small sips, take your supplements, walk several times a day and do the anti-clotting injections if prescribed. Fatigue is common. Help with shopping, meal preparation and housework is invaluable. Keep the centre's instructions and the numbers to call within reach.

It is common to feel a mix of emotions: relief and pride, but also frustration at the dietary restrictions, or even passing regrets. These feelings generally ease with time and the first results.

In the first few weeks after the procedure, help from those close to you is invaluable: preparing meals, shopping, housework, accompanying you to appointments and being there during moments of fatigue. Accepting this help is not a sign of weakness. Explaining the dietary stages and warning signs to those close to you allows them to support you effectively.

For parents, obesity surgery is often motivated by the wish to enjoy their children more: playing, getting around, being healthier to see them grow up. The pathway nevertheless requires organising family life: childcare for appointments and the hospital stay, help during the first few weeks and adapting meals. Many families take the opportunity to review their eating and activity habits together, with benefits for everyone. It is useful to explain to children, in suitable words, what is going to happen.

After the procedure, cooking differently often becomes necessary: small portions, protein-rich foods, gentle cooking methods, suitable textures in the first few months and less added sugar and fat. Many patients discover new recipes and new foods. Preparing portions in advance and freezing them makes daily life easier. The dietitian can suggest meal ideas suited to each stage, and some centres organise cooking workshops.

The amounts eaten fall considerably after the procedure, which often reduces the food budget. On the other hand, some products, such as protein supplements, non-reimbursed vitamin supplements or quality food, can represent a cost. Planning meals, cooking yourself and favouring affordable protein sources such as eggs, dairy products or pulses help keep this budget under control.

• Small plates, small bowls and dessert cutlery.
• Blender or food processor for puréed textures.
• A stock of broths, plain yoghurts, sugar-free stewed fruit and protein drinks.
• Bottles of water and a water bottle to drink regularly.
• A pill organiser for supplements.
• Kitchen scales for portions.
• Comfortable shoes for walking every day.

• Eat slowly, over twenty to thirty minutes.
• Chew each mouthful thoroughly.
• Take small portions, on a small plate.
• Stop as soon as you feel full.
• Do not drink during meals, but between them.
• Favour protein at every meal.
• Avoid sugary and fizzy drinks.
• Limit fast-acting sugars and very fatty foods.
• Drink enough, in small sips, throughout the day.

After obesity surgery, some foods may be poorly tolerated, especially in the first few months: dry or stringy meat, fresh bread, rice, sticky pasta, fruit skins and fizzy drinks. They can cause a feeling of blockage, pain or vomiting. Milk may also be less well tolerated in some people. These intolerances often ease with time. Chewing well, eating slowly and reintroducing foods gradually help identify and overcome them.

Occasional vomiting, particularly when eating too quickly, too much or poorly chewed food, is common in the first few months. It often signals the need to slow down, reduce portions and chew better. However, repeated vomiting, inability to drink or increasing difficulty swallowing require consultation: they may reveal a narrowing, an ulcer or another complication, and carry a risk of dehydration and serious deficiencies.

After obesity surgery, the amounts eaten are small, and it can be difficult to get enough protein. Yet protein is essential to preserve muscle mass during rapid weight loss, for healing, for strong hair and nails and for health in general. Dietitians recommend starting each meal with protein-rich foods: meat, fish, eggs, dairy products, pulses or tofu. Protein supplements can be useful in the first few months.

After the procedure, drinking enough is a challenge, as the stomach only tolerates small amounts at a time and drinks must be separated from meals. It is advisable to drink in small sips throughout the day, aiming for about one and a half litres of water or non-sugary, non-fizzy drinks. Dehydration, which shows as fatigue, dizziness, dark urine or constipation, is a frequent reason for consultation in the first few weeks.

Doses are adjusted to the results of regular blood tests. Deficiencies can remain silent for a long time before causing symptoms, hence the importance of follow-up and taking supplements regularly, even when you feel well.

After obesity surgery, particularly a bypass, absorption of certain medicines may be altered. Extended-release tablets, certain antidepressants, the contraceptive pill, thyroid medicines or anti-epileptics may need an adjustment of dose or form. Large tablets can be difficult to swallow in the first few weeks; liquid or crushable forms are sometimes preferable. Anti-inflammatories should be avoided, especially after a bypass, because of the risk of ulcers.

Always tell your doctors, pharmacists and dentists about your procedure. A card or document summarising the procedure, kept on you, can be useful in an emergency.

Deficiencies are one of the main long-term complications of obesity surgery, especially after a bypass. Iron deficiency causes anaemia, with fatigue and breathlessness; vitamin B12 deficiency can lead to anaemia and neurological problems; calcium and vitamin D deficiency weakens the bones; deficiency in certain vitamins can cause problems with vision, skin or the nervous system. Most are preventable by taking supplements regularly and through blood monitoring. Never stop them without medical advice.

During the rapid weight loss that follows the procedure, the risk of gallstones forming increases. Some centres prescribe a preventive medicine for a few months. Pain in the upper right abdomen after meals, sometimes with fever or jaundice, requires consultation. Removal of the gallbladder may be necessary in the case of symptomatic gallstones; it is sometimes performed during the bariatric procedure if stones are already present.

Obesity surgery, particularly the bypass, can reduce absorption of calcium and vitamin D and, in the long term, weaken the bones. Taking calcium and vitamin D regularly, sufficient protein intake and physical activity, notably weight-bearing exercise, protect bone health. Follow-up includes blood tests and sometimes a bone density measurement.

Between three and six months after the procedure, heavier hair loss than usual is common. It is linked to the stress of the operation and rapid weight loss, and is generally temporary. Sufficient protein intake, regular supplements and correction of deficiencies, notably iron and zinc, help the hair grow back. Brittle nails and dry skin may also signal insufficient intake; mention them at follow-up.

Physical activity plays an essential role after surgery: it helps maintain weight loss, preserve muscle mass, and improve fitness, mood and cardiovascular health. Walking begins in the first few days. After a few weeks, gradually increasing activity suited to your fitness can be resumed: brisk walking, cycling, swimming once healed, then strength training. Many patients discover or rediscover the pleasure of moving as they lose weight.

What matters is regularity. Find an activity you enjoy, suited to your fitness, and increase it gradually. A physiotherapist or supervised programme can help.

During rapid weight loss, some of the weight lost may come from muscle and not only fat. Yet muscle mass is essential for strength, independence, metabolism and maintaining weight loss. Sufficient protein intake and suitable, gradual strength exercises help preserve it. Dietitians and physiotherapists can advise you on amounts and exercises.

For many patients, weight loss opens the door to activities that had become impossible: walking for a long time, climbing stairs without getting out of breath, swimming, cycling, playing with their children. This return of the pleasure of moving is often one of the most appreciated changes. It is useful to start with accessible, enjoyable activities, possibly in a group, and to celebrate each step forward.

The return to work depends on the procedure, recovery and the type of work. For office work, it is often possible after two to four weeks; for physical work, after four to six weeks. In the first few weeks, fatigue is common, linked to the small amount of food and rapid weight loss. Organising breaks to drink and eat small amounts, and avoiding heavy loads at first, make the return easier.

Follow-up can be shared between the centre and the GP. It is essential, even when all is well, to detect deficiencies and complications.

Many patients find it useful to keep a diary, on paper or digitally, of their journey: weight, measurements, photos, meals, physical activity, emotions and questions for appointments. This diary helps measure progress beyond the scales, spot difficulties, prepare for appointments and remember how far you have come during harder times. Some apps offered by centres make this easier.

• The operative report, specifying the type of procedure.
• The results of successive blood tests.
• The list of supplements and medicines.
• The dietary instructions given by the dietitian.
• Insurance decisions and invoices.
• A card or summary of the procedure to keep on you.

These documents are useful for your doctors in an emergency, pregnancy, later surgery or a change of centre.

In the event of acute abdominal pain, persistent vomiting or another urgent problem, always tell the care team that you have had obesity surgery, and which type. Some complications, such as bowel obstruction after a bypass, are specific and must be recognised quickly. A summary of the procedure, kept on you or in your phone, helps emergency teams, particularly if you are far from your centre.

Frequent vomiting, certain deficiencies and snacking can weaken the teeth after the procedure. Good dental hygiene, regular dental check-ups and informing your dentist about your procedure are recommended. Also mention the procedure before any anti-inflammatories are prescribed.

Weight loss is rapid in the first few months, then slows, generally reaching its maximum between twelve and eighteen months after the procedure. It is often expressed as the percentage of excess weight lost or the percentage of total weight lost. On average, a significant share of the excess weight is lost, with variations depending on the procedure, starting weight, age, physical activity and adherence to follow-up. Partial regain of a few kilos is common after two to five years.

The aim is not to reach an ideal weight, but to improve health and quality of life lastingly.

Beyond weight, the health benefits of obesity surgery are often dramatic: improvement or remission of type 2 diabetes, sometimes within the first few days after a bypass; lower blood pressure; reduced sleep apnoea; improved liver fat; relief of joint pain; improved fertility; and better mobility and quality of life. In the long term, studies show reduced cardiovascular risk and mortality in patients who have had surgery.

Men are a minority of patients who have surgery, even though obesity affects them as much as women. They often consult later, with more associated conditions such as diabetes, sleep apnoea or cardiovascular disease. Yet the benefits of surgery are comparable in men. In men, obesity can also lower testosterone and fertility, which often improve after weight loss. Talking to your doctor about your weight, without waiting for complications to appear, is an important step.

For people with physical jobs, obesity surgery can transform working life by reducing fatigue, pain and the risk of accidents. The return after the procedure, however, takes longer, often four to six weeks, to avoid heavy exertion while internal healing takes place. In the first few months, it is important to organise breaks to drink and eat small amounts, and to watch for signs of fatigue or hypoglycaemia, particularly in high-risk jobs.

Quality of life often improves considerably after obesity surgery: mobility, sleep, energy, social life, intimate life, self-esteem and being able to dress as you wish. Many patients say they have regained a lost freedom. This improvement is lasting in the majority, particularly when follow-up is maintained and any difficulties, such as excess skin or psychological problems, are addressed.

Surgery changes the body, but it does not change everything. Stressful situations, family habits, the food environment, emotions and relationships stay the same and continue to influence behaviour. That is why preparation and dietary and psychological follow-up are so important: they help build new habits that will last beyond the first few months, when the effect of surgery on appetite wears off.

The first year after the procedure is a period of rapid transformation: significant weight loss, dietary adjustment, returning energy, new clothes and improvement in associated conditions. It is also a period when lasting habits are built. Consultations are frequent, and it is the ideal time to establish physical activity, structured meals, taking supplements and seeking psychological support if needed. What is put in place that year often determines the long-term results.

Two years after the procedure, weight loss has generally reached its maximum and begins to stabilise. Consultations become less frequent, often one or two a year. It is a pivotal period: the effect of surgery on appetite tends to wear off, and the habits built during the first year become all-important. It is also when many patients consider reconstructive surgery, a pregnancy or new sporting challenges. Maintaining follow-up, supplements and physical activity remains essential.

Five years on, partial weight regain is common, but most patients retain significant weight loss and health benefits. Deficiencies may appear if supplements have been stopped, and some late complications, such as reflux after a sleeve or internal hernias after a bypass, may arise. A complete annual check-up, with blood tests and a consultation, allows them to be detected. It is also an opportunity to review habits and well-being.

These complications are rare in experienced centres but require prompt management. If you notice a worrying sign, contact the centre or call 144.

In the longer term, several complications can occur: nutritional deficiencies if supplements are not taken; reflux and inflammation of the oesophagus, particularly after a sleeve; an ulcer at the junction between the pouch and the intestine after a bypass, encouraged by smoking and anti-inflammatories; bowel obstruction due to internal hernia after a bypass, which can occur years later; gallstones during rapid weight loss; and hypoglycaemia after a bypass. Lifelong follow-up allows them to be detected and treated.

An ulcer can form at the junction between the small stomach pouch and the intestine after a bypass, sometimes months or years after the procedure. It shows as pain in the upper abdomen, difficulty eating and sometimes bleeding. Smoking, anti-inflammatories and alcohol are the main contributing factors. It is treated with acid-reducing medicines and by removing the causes; it can rarely be complicated by a perforation, which is an emergency.

After a bypass, the change in the path of the intestine creates spaces where a loop of intestine can become trapped, especially after significant weight loss, when the fat that filled these spaces disappears. This internal hernia causes significant abdominal pain, often after meals, sometimes intermittent, and can progress to serious obstruction. Any significant abdominal pain, even years after a bypass, requires prompt consultation, mentioning the procedure.

After a bypass, and sometimes after a sleeve, food reaches the intestine quickly. A meal rich in fast-acting sugars can cause, within half an hour, a feeling of being unwell with palpitations, sweating, fatigue, bloating and diarrhoea: this is early dumping. One to three hours after the meal, a drop in blood sugar can occur, with weakness, trembling and confusion: this is late hypoglycaemia. These problems are prevented by avoiding fast-acting sugars, splitting meals and combining protein and fibre. If they persist, medical advice is needed.

Some patients, especially after a bypass, develop hypoglycaemia years later, occurring one to three hours after a meal, particularly one rich in fast-acting sugars. It shows as trembling, sweating, weakness, palpitations, confusion and sometimes fainting. It is linked to excessive insulin secretion in response to the rapid arrival of sugars in the intestine. It is prevented by a suitable diet: avoiding fast-acting sugars, combining protein, fibre and healthy fats, and splitting meals. If you feel unwell, take a small amount of sugar followed by a more complete snack, and talk to your doctor. It is important not to drive in the case of repeated uncontrolled hypoglycaemia.

• Intense or increasing abdominal pain.
• Fever, rapid pulse.
• Repeated vomiting, inability to drink.
• Breathlessness, chest pain, a hot, swollen calf.
• Blood in the stools or vomit.
• Repeated episodes of feeling unwell after meals.
• Sudden abdominal pain years after a bypass.

Contact the centre without delay; in an emergency, call 144 and mention that you have had obesity surgery.

Partial weight regain a few years after the procedure is common and does not mean failure. It may be linked to the gradual return of hunger, increased stomach capacity, the return of old habits, reduced physical activity, psychological difficulties or certain medicines. Significant regain should prompt a consultation at the centre, which looks for the causes and proposes solutions: reinforced dietary follow-up and physical activity, psychological support, anti-obesity medicines or, in some cases, a new procedure.

Maintaining weight loss over the long term is the real challenge after obesity surgery. Patients who succeed best often share a few habits: structured meals without snacking, rich in protein and vegetables; regular physical activity; medical and dietary follow-up maintained over time; regular weighing to spot regain quickly; and attention to their psychological well-being. There is no single recipe, but these habits, built gradually, often make the difference.

In the event of regain, reacting early by returning to the team often allows the situation to be stabilised before it worsens.

Ten years after obesity surgery, most patients have maintained significant weight loss, even if some weight has often been regained. The benefits for diabetes, blood pressure, sleep and quality of life persist in many. Late complications such as deficiencies, bone fragility, ulcers or internal hernias are a reminder of the importance of lifelong follow-up. Patients who have kept up regular consultations, physical activity and supplements are generally those who are doing best.

Beyond the intense first few months, obesity surgery often opens a new chapter in life: new plans, new activities, transformed relationships and better health. Looking after yourself kindly, keeping in touch with the team and cultivating what does you good allow you to enjoy this change fully over time.

For many people living with severe obesity, surgery represents much more than weight loss: it is the chance to regain better health, freedom of movement, a richer social life and long-lost self-confidence. This change requires real commitment and unfailing follow-up, but in Switzerland it is accessible within a safe, regulated and supported medical framework. If you recognise yourself in this guide, talk to your doctor: it is often the first step on a journey that can lastingly transform your life and that of those close to you, with the support of an attentive team at every stage, today and in all the years to come, step by step, together and with confidence.

Even years after the procedure, never hesitate to return to the centre: weight regain, feeling unwell after meals, abdominal pain, unusual fatigue, psychological difficulties, plans for pregnancy or a wish for reconstructive surgery. Teams are familiar with these situations and have solutions. Coming back is not an admission of failure but a normal part of managing a chronic disease.

No two obesity surgery journeys are the same. Starting weight, associated conditions, the procedure, age, family and work context, habits and psychological experience shape a unique path. Comparing your results with others', especially on social media, can cause needless discouragement. It is better to focus on your own progress in health, mobility and quality of life, with your team's help.

Obesity surgery is not a treatment you simply undergo: it is a journey in which the patient is the main actor. Understanding your procedure, asking questions, taking part in decisions, preparing for changes, taking your supplements, moving, keeping up follow-up and asking for help when needed are all ways of taking back control of your health. The medical team provides its expertise and support, but it is day to day, in the small choices of each day, that lasting results are built. Many patients say that it is precisely this involvement that allowed them to transform their lives lastingly.

Each patient progresses at their own pace: some lose weight very quickly, others more gradually; some adapt easily to the new way of eating, others need more time. These differences are normal. What matters is making progress in the right direction, with patience and kindness towards yourself, relying on the team and those close to you. There is no race to win: every week of progress, every new habit and every appointment kept count towards long-term success, far more than the speed of weight loss in the first few months.

• Three meals and one or two planned snacks.
• Protein at every meal.
• Water throughout the day, outside meals.
• Daily physical activity.
• Sufficient, regular sleep.
• Weighing yourself weekly.
• Regular follow-up consultations.
• Strategies for managing stress without food.

Certain signs should prompt you to return for a consultation: regaining several kilos in a few months, a return of snacking or sugary drinks, strongly returning hunger, reduced physical activity, giving up supplements or follow-up, increased alcohol consumption or low mood. These signals are not failures, but moments when extra support is useful.

A second procedure, called a revision, may be needed in the event of a complication, such as severe reflux after a sleeve, or insufficient weight loss or significant regain. Conversion of a sleeve to a bypass, removal of a band followed by another procedure, or adjustment of a bypass are the most common. These procedures are more complex, with higher risks, and are performed in experienced centres after a thorough assessment.

A revision procedure may be needed for several reasons: a complication, such as severe reflux after a sleeve or a narrowing; insufficient weight loss; significant weight regain; or a problem linked to a gastric band. Before any revision, a thorough assessment is carried out — imaging, gastroscopy, dietary and psychological evaluation — to understand the cause and choose the best solution. Revisions are more complex than initial procedures, with higher risks, and are performed in experienced centres.

A revision is not always the best response to weight regain: reinforced follow-up, medicines or psychological support can be just as useful.

Many patients received a gastric band several years ago. Some are doing well with their band; others have complications such as slippage, dilation of the oesophagus, frequent vomiting, port problems or weight regain. Regular follow-up remains necessary. In the event of a problem, the band can be adjusted, removed or replaced by a sleeve or bypass, often in one or two stages. See our page on the gastric band.

After significant weight loss, skin that has been stretched for years does not always retract sufficiently. Folds of skin may appear on the abdomen, arms, thighs, breasts or face. They can cause irritation, infections, discomfort during physical activity and psychological distress. Reconstructive surgery, such as abdominoplasty or an arm lift, can be considered when weight has been stable for at least twelve to eighteen months.

Some of these procedures may be covered by basic insurance when they meet medical criteria, notably for a large abdominal apron causing health problems, after a cost approval request. Cosmetic procedures remain at the patient's expense.

After significant weight loss, reconstructive surgery can correct excess skin that is bothersome day to day. The most common procedures are abdominoplasty, which removes the abdominal apron, arm lift, thigh lift, breast lift or breast reduction, and sometimes a full body lift. They are generally performed when weight has been stable for at least twelve to eighteen months, often in several stages, by a plastic surgeon.

Some procedures may be covered by basic insurance when they meet medical criteria, notably for a large abdominal apron causing irritation or infections, after a cost approval request. Cosmetic corrections remain at the patient's expense.

It is advisable to wait until weight has been stable for at least twelve to eighteen months, deficiencies have been corrected and nutritional status is good, to reduce the risk of complications and obtain a lasting result. A discussion with the obesity surgery centre and a plastic surgeon allows the procedures to be planned in order of priority. Smoking must be stopped, as it greatly increases healing complications.

After obesity surgery, particularly a bypass, alcohol passes much more quickly into the blood and reaches higher concentrations, with a faster, more intense effect. The risk of developing alcohol dependence is also higher in patients who have had surgery. Alcohol also provides empty calories and can encourage hypoglycaemia. It is therefore advisable to limit consumption strongly, never to drive after drinking, and to talk to the doctor about any consumption that becomes problematic.

Weight loss often improves fertility, particularly in women whose cycles were irregular. A pregnancy can therefore occur quickly, sometimes unexpectedly. It is generally recommended to wait twelve to eighteen months after the procedure, the period of rapid weight loss, before a pregnancy, and to use effective contraception in the meantime; as some pills are less well absorbed after a bypass, other methods may be preferred.

A pregnancy after obesity surgery requires suitable follow-up: monitoring for deficiencies, adjusting supplements, monitoring the baby's growth and vigilance regarding abdominal pain. See our page on pregnancy after a gastric sleeve.

After obesity surgery, fertility often increases rapidly, and pregnancy during the period of rapid weight loss is not recommended. Effective contraception is therefore advised for at least twelve to eighteen months. After a bypass, absorption of the pill may be reduced, and vomiting or diarrhoea can lower its effectiveness; methods that do not pass through the digestive tract, such as the coil, implant or vaginal ring, are often preferred. Talk to your gynaecologist before the procedure.

A pregnancy after obesity surgery usually goes well, with some obesity-related risks even reduced, such as gestational diabetes or high blood pressure. It nevertheless requires suitable follow-up: regular vitamin and mineral tests, adjustment of supplements, monitoring of the baby's growth and vigilance regarding abdominal pain, which may signal a bypass complication. The sugary-drink screening test for gestational diabetes is often replaced by another method, as it can cause dumping. Inform your gynaecologist and midwife about the procedure from the start of the pregnancy.

The months following obesity surgery are often marked by rapid changes: visible weight loss, a new way of eating, returning energy, new clothes and a different way others see you. Many patients describe a sense of liberation and pride. Others also experience difficulties: grieving food as a comfort, a body image that struggles to keep up with the transformation, excess skin, changes in relationships and sometimes low moments. These emotions are normal and deserve to be shared with the team or a psychologist.

For many people with obesity, food also plays an emotional role: comfort, managing stress, boredom or sadness. Surgery reduces the amount of food you can eat, but it does not remove these mechanisms. After the procedure, some patients feel a void or frustration, or turn to other behaviours, such as grazing on small amounts throughout the day or consuming high-calorie liquid foods. Psychological and dietary support helps understand these mechanisms and find other ways of looking after yourself.

Eating disorders, such as binge eating, must be identified and treated before and after the procedure, as they can compromise the results.

Surgery often improves mood, self-esteem and quality of life. But rapid changes can also be destabilising. Studies show that some patients experience psychological difficulties years later, problematic alcohol use or, more rarely, dark thoughts. Psychological follow-up, attention from those around you and easy access to help are therefore important. Do not hesitate to talk about your mood to the team or your doctor at any time.

After the procedure, good sleep promotes recovery, appetite regulation and mood. The first few nights may be disturbed by pain, position or the ventilation device for apnoea. Sleeping slightly propped up may relieve any reflux. With weight loss, sleep often improves considerably. Keeping regular hours, limiting screens in the evening and avoiding late meals help preserve this improvement.

For many patients, food served to soothe stress, anxiety or boredom. After the procedure, it is important to find other means: walking, sport, breathing, relaxation, creative activities, talking to those close to you and psychological support. Identifying situations that triggered the urge to eat, and preparing other responses, helps avoid a return of snacking and weight regain. Centre psychologists often offer practical tools.

Weight loss often allows people to resume abandoned leisure activities or discover new ones: hiking, dancing, swimming, cycling, travel and outings. Many patients say that these new activities have taken on an important place in their lives, partly replacing the role food used to play. They also help maintain weight loss and strengthen social ties.

Obesity surgery often allows a major transformation, but it does not solve everything. It does not guarantee reaching an ideal weight, does not always remove cravings, does not solve relationship or work difficulties, and requires lasting effort. Having realistic expectations, focused on health, mobility and quality of life rather than a number on the scales, helps you experience life after the operation calmly and appreciate real progress.

It often takes time for self-image to catch up with the body's transformation. Some patients continue to see themselves as larger than they are, choose clothes that are too big or avoid mirrors. Excess skin can also hinder acceptance of the new body. Psychological support, discussion groups and, if needed, reconstructive surgery help people reclaim their bodies.

People with obesity often face judgement, remarks or discrimination at school, at work, in healthcare or in daily life. This stigma, based on the false idea that obesity is simply a lack of willpower, can lead to shame, isolation and avoidance of care. It can also arise around surgery, wrongly perceived as an easy way out. Recognising obesity as a disease, surrounding yourself with caring professionals and joining patient groups help you cope.

Talking to those around you about your surgery plans is a personal choice. Support from those close to you is invaluable during preparation and after the procedure, particularly for meals, physical activity and moments of doubt. Some people also encounter negative reactions or unsolicited advice. You can choose whom you tell and what you share. Involving a trusted person in the information sessions helps them understand what you are going to go through.

• "Haven't you tried dieting?" Yes, for years; severe obesity responds poorly to it in the long term.
• "Is it risky?" Risks exist but are low in experienced centres.
• "Will you be able to eat normally?" Yes, everything, in small amounts.
• "Is it reimbursed?" Yes, under certain conditions, by basic insurance.
• "What if you put weight back on?" Follow-up allows a response; partial regain is common.

You do not have to tell your employer or colleagues the nature of the procedure; the sick note does not mention it. After returning, visible weight loss often prompts questions. Everyone chooses their own answer. It may be useful to organise breaks at first to drink and eat small amounts, and to tell a trusted person that you need to adapt your eating for a few months.

Obesity surgery also changes relationships: sharing meals, invitations, how those around you see you, sometimes married life. Some people close to you encourage and support you; others may be awkward or unsettled by the change. Festive meals require a little organisation. Talking openly about your needs, surrounding yourself with kind people and joining a patient group help you through these changes.

Meals with family, friends or in restaurants remain possible after the procedure, with a few adjustments: choosing small portions or a starter as a main course, eating slowly, putting down your cutlery between mouthfuls, not drinking during the meal and avoiding very sugary desserts. Celebrations require a little planning. Simply explaining to those close to you that you eat less, without necessarily detailing the procedure, avoids insistence. Over time, these adjustments become natural.

Travel is possible after a few weeks, once eating has stabilised. Take enough supplements, a copy of your operative report, and plan suitable snacks and water. In some countries, food hygiene and water require particular attention, as gastroenteritis can quickly cause dehydration. On long journeys, walk regularly and stay hydrated to prevent thrombosis.

Rapid weight loss means renewing your wardrobe several times during the first year. Many patients choose to buy transitional, second-hand or swapped clothes before investing in a permanent wardrobe once their weight has stabilised. This change in size is often a powerful moment that makes the progress achieved tangible.

The physical and psychological transformation following the procedure can also change life as a couple: renewed confidence and new shared activities, but sometimes worries or imbalances. The partner may feel unsettled by these changes. Talking openly, involving the partner in the journey, for example at information sessions, and sharing new activities help the couple evolve together.

In Switzerland, compulsory health insurance can cover obesity surgery when the medical criteria set by regulation are met and the procedure is performed in a recognised centre. The centre checks the criteria, documents the pathway and informs you of any steps to take with your insurer. The annual deductible (franchise) and co-payment (quote-part) apply, as for any hospital stay, along with the daily contribution to hospital costs.

Medical follow-up, tests and some dietary consultations may also be covered under the usual rules. Vitamin supplements, reconstructive surgery and anti-obesity medicines have their own conditions; ask the centre and your insurer.

Depending on your basic insurance model — family doctor, health network or telemedicine — you may need to see your primary care doctor before consulting an obesity surgery centre. Without this step, the insurer may reduce or refuse reimbursement of consultations and tests. Check the conditions of your contract at the start of the pathway, and ask your doctor to refer you to the centre.

When surgery is covered by basic insurance, you pay the annual deductible (franchise), then a co-payment (quote-part) of ten per cent of costs up to the annual ceiling, plus a daily contribution to hospital costs. As the assessment, procedure and first-year follow-up represent significant costs, the deductible and co-payment ceiling are often reached. Your choice of deductible for the year of the procedure can be considered accordingly.

In principle you can choose a hospital on another canton's hospital list, but coverage may be limited to the tariff of your canton of residence, with any difference at your expense if you do not have supplementary insurance covering this choice. Check with your insurer before committing. Long-term follow-up is simpler in a centre near home.

Supplementary hospital insurance may cover the choice of hospital, a private or semi-private room, or certain services not covered by basic insurance, such as part of the supplements or reconstructive surgery. Conditions vary greatly. If you are considering taking out supplementary insurance with a procedure in mind, be aware that exclusions or waiting periods may apply.

These indices are indicative. When the criteria are met, your contribution is generally limited to the deductible, co-payment and hospital contribution. Details are on our page on obesity surgery prices.

Recognised obesity surgery centres are found in most regions of Switzerland, in university hospitals, cantonal hospitals and some private clinics. In French-speaking Switzerland, Geneva, Lausanne, Neuchâtel, Fribourg and Valais have centres; in German-speaking Switzerland, Zurich, Basel, Bern, Lucerne, St. Gallen, Aarau and other cities; in Ticino, Lugano and Bellinzona. Reference centres manage the most complex situations, such as super-obesity or revisions. Proximity is important for long-term follow-up.

The obesity surgery pathway involves many consultations, detailed explanations and precise dietary instructions. Understanding them perfectly is essential. In French-speaking Switzerland, everything is in French; in the major German-speaking cities, many centres see patients in French or English; in Ticino, in Italian. Ask for written documents in a language you master, notably for the dietary stages and supplements.

Long-term follow-up requires regular consultations over several years. If you live far from a recognised centre, find out how follow-up is organised: some consultations can be done remotely, and your GP can handle part of the follow-up in liaison with the centre. For the procedure itself, plan the journey home, which is often impossible to make alone just after the hospital stay.

Between the first consultation and the procedure, you should generally allow several months: multidisciplinary assessment, tests, preparation, steps with the insurer and surgical scheduling. These timescales vary between centres and regions. Starting early to document non-surgical treatment with your GP, and completing the requested tests quickly, often shortens the pathway.

A second opinion can be useful if you are hesitating about the type of procedure, if a procedure has been refused, in the event of a complication or significant weight regain after a first surgery, or before a revision. Bring all your documents: reports, tests and follow-up. Reference centres can provide insight in complex situations.

• Recognition of the centre for obesity surgery.
• Multidisciplinary team: surgeon, specialist doctor, dietitian, psychologist.
• The team's experience and the number of procedures performed.
• Organisation of long-term follow-up over several years.
• Management of complications and revisions.
• Patient groups and information sessions.
• Proximity and language of consultation.

An obesity surgery pathway brings together many professionals. In recognised centres, a nurse or coordinator organises appointments, centralises results and serves as a point of contact for the patient. Major decisions are made at multidisciplinary meetings. This coordination makes the pathway easier, avoids oversights and allows a quick response to any question or problem, before and after the procedure.

The physiotherapist helps prepare the body for the procedure and resume suitable physical activity afterwards. They offer breathing, strengthening and endurance exercises adapted to fitness and any joint pain. They support progress as weight is lost and help find lasting activities. Some programmes are covered on prescription.

• Which procedure do you recommend, and why?
• What are the risks in my situation?
• How much weight can I expect to lose, and over what period?
• How is follow-up organised, and for how long?
• Which supplements will I need to take?
• How does insurance coverage work?
• What happens if I regain weight?
• Do you offer psychological support and patient groups?

• 1. Review your weight, health and the treatments tried with your doctor.
• 2. Consult a recognised centre and complete the multidisciplinary assessment.
• 3. Understand the procedures, their benefits, risks and constraints.
• 4. Check the criteria and insurance coverage.
• 5. Commit to preparation and lifelong follow-up.

• Seeing the operation as an effortless solution.
• Neglecting dietary and psychological preparation.
• Stopping vitamins because you feel well.
• Giving up follow-up after the first year.
• Taking up smoking again or drinking alcohol without caution.
• Taking anti-inflammatories without advice after a bypass.
• Ignoring abdominal pain years after the procedure.
• Choosing a centre without a multidisciplinary team.

• Bariatric surgery: obesity surgery.
• Body mass index: weight divided by height squared.
• Sleeve gastrectomy: reduction of the stomach to a tube.
• Gastric bypass: bypassing part of the stomach and intestine.
• Laparoscopy: surgery through small incisions with a camera.
• Dumping: feeling unwell after a sugary meal.
• Comorbidities: conditions associated with obesity.
• Revision: a new procedure after a first operation.
• Remission: disappearance of the signs of a disease, such as diabetes.

• Sandra, 42, BMI 41, diabetes: bypass, diabetes in remission after a year.
• Marc, 38, BMI 39, sleep apnoea: sleeve, night-time device stopped after eighteen months.
• Julie, 29, BMI 37, significant reflux: bypass, reflux gone.
• Paul, 55, BMI 52, high operative risk: sleeve as a first stage.
• Nadia, 34, sleeve six years ago, severe reflux: conversion to bypass.
• Thomas, 46, regained twenty kilos after a bypass: reinforced follow-up, anti-obesity medicine.
• Claire, 31, two years after a bypass: abdominoplasty covered for a large abdominal apron.

• "It's the easy way out": it is a demanding treatment, with lifelong follow-up.
• "You can't eat normally any more": you eat everything, in small amounts.
• "The weight never comes back": partial regain is common and can be managed.
• "It's cosmetic surgery": it is treatment for a chronic disease.
• "Afterwards, no more follow-up is needed": follow-up and vitamins are essential for life.
• "It's only for very heavy people": the criteria take into account body mass index and health.

• BMI 42, diabetes for five years, two years of dietary follow-up.
• Assessment at the centre: endocrinologist, dietitian, psychologist, gastroscopy.
• Validation at a team meeting, steps with the insurer.
• Two weeks of pre-operative diet.
• Laparoscopic bypass, three days in hospital.
• Three months: fifteen kilos lost, insulin stopped.
• One year: thirty-eight kilos lost, diabetes in remission, daily vitamins.

• BMI 38, knee pain, sleep apnoea.
• Eight-month pathway before the procedure.
• Sleeve, two days in hospital.
• First few weeks: puréed food, fatigue.
• Six months: twenty-five kilos lost, daily walks resumed.
• Eighteen months: weight stabilised, night-time device stopped after review.

• Bypass seven years ago, forty kilos lost.
• Change of job, stress, snacking returns.
• Fifteen kilos regained in two years.
• Consultation at the centre: assessment, sessions with the dietitian and psychologist.
• Physical activity programme and medication.
• A year later: weight stabilised again.

• Sleeve five years ago, thirty kilos lost.
• Onset of significant reflux, daily heartburn despite medicines.
• Gastroscopy: inflammation of the oesophagus.
• Team discussion: conversion to bypass proposed.
• Laparoscopic procedure, three days in hospital.
• Three months later: reflux gone, stable weight.

• Bypass two years ago, fifty kilos lost.
• Large abdominal apron, frequent irritation, discomfort when walking.
• Weight stable for a year and a half.
• Plastic surgery consultation, photos and medical report.
• Cost approval request accepted by the insurer.
• Abdominoplasty, then, a year later, an arm lift at her own expense.

• My wife had been talking about the operation for months; I was afraid of the risks.
• I went to the information session: many of my questions were answered.
• In the first few weeks, I made the soups and purées.
• I saw her regain energy and walk with me in the evenings.
• We changed our habits together, and I lost weight too.
• Today, we go hiking together.

• Severe obesity is a chronic disease, not a lack of willpower.
• Surgery is the most effective and lasting treatment for severe obesity.
• In Switzerland, it is available from a BMI of 35, after well-conducted non-surgical treatment.
• Sleeve and bypass are the most commonly performed procedures.
• Preparation is multidisciplinary and lasts several months.
• Supplements and follow-up are essential for life.
• Basic insurance can cover the procedure when the criteria are met.

Major long-term follow-up studies show that obesity surgery allows significant, lasting weight loss in most patients, frequent improvement or remission of diabetes, reduced cardiovascular risk and lower mortality compared with patients who have not had surgery. They also show the importance of long-term complications, deficiencies and weight regain in some patients, hence the need for lifelong follow-up. Comparisons between sleeve and bypass show similar results on weight, with differences in reflux, diabetes and deficiencies.

Patients who have had surgery often describe a profound transformation: being able to walk without pain, play with their children, fly without discomfort, find clothes, stop medicines and regain self-confidence. Many say they wish they had had surgery sooner. They also mention the difficulties: the restrictive first weeks of eating, fatigue, excess skin, how others look at them, moments of doubt and the vigilance needed not to regain weight. Almost all stress the importance of the team and the support of those close to them.

Obesity surgery teams emphasise a few messages: the procedure is a powerful tool, but not a magic solution; results depend on preparation, the patient's commitment and lifelong follow-up; vitamin supplements are essential; partial weight regain is not a failure and can be managed; and you should never hesitate to come back, even years later. They also point out that obesity is a disease, and that asking for help is a courageous step.

Whether to have surgery, which procedure, when and at which centre: these decisions are yours, informed by the medical team. Take time to find out, ask your questions, talk to those close to you and reflect on what you expect from the procedure. A considered, fully informed decision is the best starting point for a successful journey.

Obesity surgery is today the most effective treatment for severe obesity and many associated conditions. In Switzerland, it is part of a regulated, multidisciplinary pathway and, under certain conditions, covered by basic insurance. Its benefits last when accompanied by changes in habits, supplements and lifelong follow-up. Well prepared and well followed up, it can transform health and life.

• "Prepare seriously during the months of waiting: that's where it all begins."
• "Go to the information sessions with someone close to you."
• "Take your vitamins every day, even when everything's fine."
• "Move every day, even a little."
• "Don't skip follow-up appointments."
• "Talk about your mood, not just your weight."
• "Don't compare yourself with others."
• "Come back for a consultation at the slightest doubt."

Obesity surgery is the culmination of a long road, often made up of diets, failures, judgement and then demanding medical steps. Taking the time to recognise this journey, the efforts made and the progress achieved, beyond the numbers on the scales, helps maintain confidence and motivation. Many patients keep photos or a diary to measure how far they have come and remind themselves of it in harder times.

A successful journey is not just about reaching a certain weight. It can be recognised by improved health, associated conditions better controlled or in remission, regained mobility, better quality of life, lasting habits, maintained follow-up and a calmer relationship with food and your body. These are the goals the team supports you towards, before, during and long after the procedure.

Medespoir Suisse helps you understand the criteria, the procedures and the pathway, prepare your questions and find a recognised obesity surgery centre in your region and language. Describe your situation in complete confidence; we will direct you free of charge and without obligation.

If you live with severe obesity and the treatments you have tried have not been enough, the first step is to talk to your GP, who can document your pathway and refer you to a recognised centre. Medespoir Suisse can also help you find an obesity surgery centre near you, in your language, and prepare for your first consultation, confidentially, free of charge and without obligation.

Obesity surgery transforms the lives of many patients by improving their health, mobility and quality of life. It requires serious preparation, lasting commitment and lifelong follow-up within a multidisciplinary team. In Switzerland, it is part of a precise framework, with recognised centres and possible coverage by basic insurance. To find out more, see our pages on obesity, the sleeve and the bypass.

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Price differences between cities and cantons, the quote breakdown and ways to save are detailed on our page Guide to obesity surgery: prices in Switzerland.

All pages in this section

• Obesity: surgical solutions in Switzerland

Related procedures

• Sleeve gastrectomy in Switzerland
• Gastric bypass in Switzerland
• Gastric band in Switzerland
• Pregnancy after a gastric sleeve in Switzerland

Our guides

• Cosmetic surgery in Switzerland

Answers to the most frequent questions about obesity surgery in Switzerland.

Understanding obesity

What is obesity? It is a chronic disease characterised by excess body fat that harms health. It is most often measured by body mass index: an index of 30 or more defines obesity, 35 or more severe obesity, and 40 or more morbid obesity.

How do I calculate my body mass index? Divide your weight in kilograms by your height in metres squared. For example, a person weighing 100 kilos and measuring 1.70 metres has an index of about 34.6.

Is body mass index enough? It is a useful but imperfect guide: it does not distinguish fat from muscle or show how fat is distributed. Waist circumference, associated conditions and the impact on daily life complete the assessment.

Why do people become obese? Obesity results from a combination of factors: genetics, food environment, inactivity, sleep, stress, certain medicines, hormonal disorders and life history. It is not simply a lack of willpower.

Is obesity a disease? Yes, it is recognised as a chronic disease by health organisations. It increases the risk of many other diseases and warrants medical care.

Which diseases are associated with obesity? Type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, sleep apnoea, cardiovascular disease, excess fat in the liver, osteoarthritis, reflux, certain cancers, infertility and psychological disorders.

Why do diets often fail in the long term? After weight loss, the body responds by increasing hunger and reducing energy expenditure, which encourages regain. This is one of the reasons why severe obesity often responds poorly to diets alone.

Is obesity common in Switzerland? A significant share of the Swiss adult population is overweight and a significant proportion is obese, with differences by region, age and social situation. Severe obesity affects a minority, but it is increasing.

Is waist circumference important? Yes, fat concentrated around the abdomen is associated with a higher risk of diabetes and cardiovascular disease, even at the same body mass index.

Can medicines cause weight gain? Some, such as certain antidepressants, antipsychotics, corticosteroids or insulin, can encourage weight gain. Never stop them without medical advice; the doctor can sometimes adjust the treatment.

Does sleep influence weight? Yes, chronic lack of sleep disrupts hunger hormones and encourages weight gain. Sleep apnoea, common in obesity, worsens this vicious circle.

Is obesity hereditary? Genetics strongly influences the tendency to gain weight and how fat is distributed, but environment and lifestyle also play an important role.

Eligibility criteria

Who can benefit from obesity surgery? In Switzerland, generally adults with a body mass index of at least 35, after well-conducted non-surgical treatment over a sufficient period without lasting results, and without medical or psychological contraindications.

Do I need to have tried diets first? Yes. Swiss criteria require conservative treatment combining dietary advice, physical activity and medical follow-up, conducted over a defined period, generally two years, without sufficient lasting weight loss. This period can be shortened in certain situations.

Is there an age limit? The procedure mainly concerns adults. Beyond a certain age, the indication is assessed case by case, depending on health and the expected benefits. In adolescents, it is exceptional and reserved for specialised centres.

Does diabetes change the criteria? Type 2 diabetes associated with obesity is a strong argument for surgery, which often improves it considerably. The precise criteria and their application are assessed by the centre.

What are the contraindications? Certain serious uncontrolled diseases, severe unstabilised psychiatric disorders, active alcohol or drug dependence, inability to comply with lifelong follow-up, or too high an operative risk.

Is an eating disorder a contraindication? Some disorders must be assessed and treated before the procedure. The psychological assessment is part of the work-up for this reason.

Do I need to lose weight before the operation? Moderate weight loss before the procedure is often requested, particularly to reduce the size of the liver and make the operation easier. The centre sets suitable goals.

Is the insurer's approval needed? Depending on the case, a coverage request or documentation of the criteria is necessary. The centre guides you through these steps.

Are anti-obesity medicines an alternative? New medicines allow significant weight loss in some patients. Depending on the situation, they may be an alternative or complement to surgery, with their own coverage conditions, side effects and costs. Discuss them with your doctor.

Is a gastric balloon an option? A balloon placed in the stomach by endoscopy allows temporary, moderate weight loss. It is not considered a lasting alternative to surgery for severe obesity.

The procedures

What are the main procedures? Gastric bypass and sleeve gastrectomy are the most commonly performed in Switzerland. Other procedures exist, such as the gastric band, now rarely used, or more complex techniques reserved for certain situations.

What is a sleeve gastrectomy? It is the removal of about two-thirds to three-quarters of the stomach, which takes the shape of a tube. It reduces the amount of food eaten and lowers the hunger hormone. See our page on the gastric sleeve.

What is a gastric bypass? It is the creation of a small stomach pouch connected directly to the small intestine, bypassing part of the stomach and the beginning of the intestine. It acts on the amount eaten, absorption and hormones. See our page on gastric bypass.

What is a gastric band? It is an adjustable band placed around the top of the stomach. It is now rarely used in Switzerland, because of poorer long-term results and frequent complications. See our page on the gastric band.

Which procedure should I choose? The choice depends on weight, associated conditions, notably reflux and diabetes, medical history, eating habits and the patient's preferences, after discussion with the team.

Are the procedures performed by laparoscopy? Yes, almost always, through small incisions and a camera, which reduces pain, length of hospital stay and abdominal wall complications.

How long does the operation take? Generally one to three hours depending on the procedure and the patient.

How long do you stay in hospital? Often two to four days, depending on the procedure, health and the centre's organisation.

Are the procedures reversible? The sleeve is not reversible, as part of the stomach is removed. The bypass is theoretically reversible, but this is rarely done. The band can be removed.

Sleeve or bypass: which leads to more weight loss? The bypass often gives slightly greater weight loss and a better effect on reflux and diabetes in the long term; the sleeve is technically simpler and does not bypass the intestine. The choice is individual.

Can the procedure be changed later? Yes, a sleeve can be converted into a bypass in the event of significant reflux or weight regain, and a band can be replaced by another procedure. These revisions are more complex.

Is robotic surgery used? Some centres use a surgical robot for certain procedures. Results depend mainly on the team's experience rather than the tool.

Preparation and pathway

What happens before the operation? Consultations with the surgeon, an endocrinologist or specialist doctor, a dietitian and a psychologist or psychiatrist, blood tests, gastroscopy, sometimes a sleep study, and information sessions. The pathway often lasts several months.

Why a psychological assessment? To make sure the patient understands the procedure and its consequences, to screen for disorders that need treatment, and to prepare for the significant changes that follow the operation.

Why a gastroscopy? To examine the oesophagus and stomach and look for a hiatus hernia, inflammation, a bacterium to treat or other abnormalities that may influence the choice of procedure.

Must I stop smoking? Yes, smoking increases the risk of complications, notably ulcers after a bypass. Stopping is strongly recommended, often required, before the procedure.

Do I need to follow a particular diet just before? Often, a low-calorie, low-sugar diet is requested for one to three weeks before the operation to reduce the size of the liver and make the procedure easier.

How long does preparation take? Generally several months, the time needed to complete the assessment, prepare for dietary changes and obtain the insurer's approval.

Do I need to attend information sessions? Yes, most centres organise group or individual sessions to explain the procedures, eating after the operation and follow-up.

Do I need a sleep study? Often, because sleep apnoea is common in severe obesity and increases the risks of anaesthesia. A device may be needed before and after the procedure.

Does psychological follow-up continue afterwards? It is recommended, as the physical, dietary and social changes are significant. Some patients need it more than others.

What should I prepare at home? Food suited to the first few weeks, small containers, a blender, bottles of water, and help organised for the first few days.

After the operation

How do you eat after the procedure? In stages: liquids for the first few days, then puréed and soft textures, and finally normal food over a few weeks. Meals are small, eaten slowly and chewed well, with drinks taken separately from meals.

Do I need to take vitamins for life? Yes, particularly after a bypass, vitamin and mineral supplements are needed for life to prevent deficiencies. After a sleeve, they are also recommended. Regular blood tests guide the doses.

When can I return to work? Often after two to four weeks for office work, longer for physical work.

When can I resume sport? Walking from the first few days, then gradually increasing activity after a few weeks. Regular physical activity is essential to maintain weight loss and muscle mass.

How much weight can be lost? Generally, a significant share of the excess weight is lost during the first twelve to eighteen months, with differences depending on the procedure and the patient. Partial regain is possible in the long term.

Is follow-up lifelong? Yes. Regular follow-up, at least annually after the first few years, is essential to monitor weight, deficiencies, associated conditions and general health.

Can I drink alcohol after the procedure? With great caution: alcohol passes into the blood more quickly, particularly after a bypass, and the risk of dependence increases. It is advisable to limit consumption strongly.

What is dumping syndrome? It is feeling unwell after a meal rich in fast-acting sugars, mainly after a bypass: palpitations, sweating, fatigue, diarrhoea. It is prevented by avoiding fast-acting sugars and splitting meals.

Can you eat everything after the operation? Eventually, most foods are possible, in small amounts. Some, such as dry meat, fresh bread or fizzy drinks, may be poorly tolerated. Fast-acting sugars should be limited, especially after a bypass.

Are medicines absorbed normally? Not always, particularly after a bypass. Some medicines must be adjusted in dose or form. Always tell your doctors and pharmacists about your procedure.

Can I take anti-inflammatories? They are not advised, especially after a bypass, as they increase the risk of ulcers. Always ask your doctor's advice.

Results and risks

What are the health benefits? Frequent improvement, or even remission, of type 2 diabetes, lower blood pressure, improvement in sleep apnoea, joint pain, fertility and quality of life and, in the long term, reduced mortality.

What are the risks of the procedure? As with any surgery: bleeding, infection, leakage at the staple lines, thrombosis and complications of anaesthesia. They are rare in experienced centres, but real.

What are the long-term risks? Nutritional deficiencies, reflux after a sleeve, ulcers or bowel obstruction after a bypass, gallstones, weight regain and sometimes psychological difficulties.

Is weight regain common? Partial regain is common a few years after the procedure. Follow-up, physical activity, diet and sometimes medical treatment or a new procedure help limit it.

Can diabetes disappear? In a significant proportion of patients, type 2 diabetes improves considerably or goes into remission, especially if it is recent. It can reappear years later, hence the importance of follow-up.

Is excess skin a problem? After significant weight loss, excess skin is common on the abdomen, arms, thighs and breasts. Reconstructive surgery can be considered after weight has stabilised, sometimes covered according to the criteria.

Can you have a child after obesity surgery? Yes, fertility often improves. However, it is generally advisable to wait twelve to eighteen months after the procedure, the period of rapid weight loss, before a pregnancy, with suitable follow-up. See our page on pregnancy after a gastric sleeve.

Does surgery change social life? Yes, meals, body image, how others see you and sometimes relationships change. These changes are often positive, but may require a period of adjustment.

Should I be afraid of dying from the procedure? The risk of death linked to the procedure is low in experienced centres, comparable to that of other planned abdominal surgery. It must be weighed against the risks of untreated severe obesity.

Insurance and costs

Is obesity surgery reimbursed in Switzerland? Basic insurance can cover the procedure when the medical criteria are met and it is performed in a recognised centre. The deductible (franchise) and co-payment (quote-part) apply. The precise conditions should be checked with the centre and the insurer.

Is a cost approval request needed? Depending on the situation, the centre sends a request to the insurer or ensures that the criteria are met and documented. It will inform you of the procedure.

How much does the procedure cost without coverage? The cost depends on the procedure, the length of hospital stay and the centre. We express it as relative indices on our prices page.

Are vitamins reimbursed? Some preparations may be covered on prescription, others not. Ask the centre and your insurer.

Is reconstructive surgery reimbursed? Some procedures, such as correction of a large abdominal apron causing medical problems, may be covered after a request. Purely cosmetic corrections are paid by the patient.

Is follow-up reimbursed? Medical follow-up consultations and tests are generally covered by basic insurance, subject to the deductible (franchise) and co-payment (quote-part).

How much does dietary follow-up cost? Dietetic consultations on medical prescription may be covered under certain conditions. Ask the centre and your insurer.

Is coverage possible in another canton? The choice of hospital and coverage under intercantonal rules depend on your insurance and the facility. Check with your insurer before committing.

Practical information and centres in Switzerland

Where can I have surgery in Switzerland? In recognised obesity surgery centres, found in university and cantonal hospitals and some private clinics, in most regions.

How do I choose my centre? Check the centre's recognition, the team's experience, the presence of a multidisciplinary team, the organisation of long-term follow-up, proximity and language.

Can I be followed up in French in German-speaking Switzerland? In the major cities, many centres see patients in French or English. Mention it when booking.

Can Medespoir direct me? Yes. Tell us your height, your weight, any associated conditions and the treatments already tried. We will direct you to a recognised centre in your region and language. Free, confidential and without obligation.

Should I be followed by a centre near home? It is preferable for long-term follow-up, which requires regular consultations over several years.

Do centres offer support groups? Many centres organise discussion or peer groups for patients who have had surgery, useful before and after the procedure.

How long is the wait for a first appointment? From a few weeks to a few months depending on the centre. In the meantime, your GP can start documenting your pathway.

Is obesity surgery a miracle solution? No. It is a powerful treatment, but it requires lasting changes in diet and physical activity and lifelong follow-up. The results also depend on the patient's commitment.

Can I have surgery if I have already had abdominal surgery? Often yes, but adhesions can make the procedure more complex. The surgeon assesses the situation during the work-up.

What happens if I have a hiatus hernia? It is often repaired during the procedure. A hernia with significant reflux may point towards a bypass rather than a sleeve.

Does surgery improve sleep apnoea? In many patients, yes; apnoea decreases markedly with weight loss. The night-time device can sometimes be stopped, after review by a sleep specialist.

Does surgery improve high blood pressure? Blood pressure often falls with weight loss, allowing some medicines to be reduced or stopped, under medical supervision.

And joint pain? Weight loss often relieves pain in the knees, hips and back, and makes any later joint replacement easier.

Does surgery improve fatty liver? Yes, excess fat in the liver generally decreases after weight loss, with improved liver tests.

Can you lose too much weight? It is rare, but excessive weight loss or severe deficiencies can occur, especially if follow-up is not respected. Regular follow-up allows them to be detected.

Is support needed after several years? Yes, follow-up remains necessary for life, as deficiencies, weight regain and late complications can occur long after the procedure.

Can you have surgery after 60? In some cases, yes, after careful assessment of benefits and risks. The aim is then mainly to improve associated conditions and quality of life.

Do men and women have the same results? Results are broadly comparable. Women, however, make up the majority of patients who have surgery.

What should I do if I have abdominal pain years after a bypass? Consult promptly, mentioning the procedure: bowel obstruction linked to the bypass can occur years later and requires urgent care.

Can I eat in restaurants? Yes, choosing small portions, eating slowly and avoiding drinking during the meal. Some restaurants agree to serve half-portions.

Does surgery change taste? Some patients notice changes in tastes or cravings, for example less attraction to fatty or sugary foods.

Is hair loss normal? Temporary hair loss is common between three and six months after the procedure, linked to rapid weight loss. It is generally reversible; sufficient protein intake and monitoring of deficiencies help.

Is a garment or binder needed after the operation? It is generally not necessary after laparoscopic bariatric surgery. Follow the centre's instructions.

Is surgery possible with depression? Stabilised, monitored depression is not necessarily a contraindication. The psychological assessment helps judge the right time and the support needed.

Can the surgery be done in a public hospital? Yes, many recognised centres are in university and cantonal hospitals, others in private clinics.

Do I need a GP for follow-up? They play an important role, in liaison with the centre, in monitoring associated conditions and deficiencies and adjusting treatments.

Does the centre provide a meal plan? Yes, dietitians provide detailed instructions for each stage after the procedure and ensure follow-up.

Should I tell my employer? It is not compulsory. The sick note does not mention the nature of the procedure.

Tell us your height, your weight, any associated conditions and the treatments already tried. We will direct you to a recognised obesity surgery centre in your region and language. Free, confidential and without obligation.