French version reviewed by Dr Pierre Fournier
This document presents the Centre’s surgical assessment pathway, adapted to your situation, and lets you keep track of where you are. The team will tell you the order and content of your appointments.
The steps
1. Booking the appointment
Your request is received by the Centre’s appointments team, who will arrange the appointment with you. You do not have to check for yourself whether you meet the criteria.
2. The surgical assessment consultation
It covers your history, your health, what you have already tried and your expectations, then the options: medical treatment, medication, surgery.
3. The assessment, if an operation is being considered
The assessment is adapted to your situation. It includes, among other things:
- a blood test, including vitamin and mineral levels;
- a dietary assessment;
- a psychological or psychosomatic assessment;
- a gastroscopy, with testing for the Helicobacter pylori bacterium;
- a respiratory (pulmonology) assessment, depending on your situation (for example for sleep);
- a gynaecological assessment, depending on your situation;
- a cardiology assessment if needed;
- a dental check-up if needed.
4. Preparation time
There are at least three months between the first contact and an operation1. This time is used to complete the assessment, give you information and prepare you.
5. The decision
The choice of treatment is discussed with you and the multidisciplinary team. The decision is made collectively, taking into account your health, your expectations and your preferences. You receive written information and give your consent in writing1. You can take time to think, ask for another opinion or decide not to go ahead.
6. Insurance cover
The team checks the applicable conditions with you: see Insurance cover in Switzerland.
7. If the decision is to operate
The team gives you the information on preparation and the hospital stay. After the operation, follow-up is planned for life.
Where I am in the process
| Step | Date | My notes |
|---|---|---|
| Surgical assessment consultation | ||
| Blood test (vitamins, minerals) | ||
| Dietary assessment | ||
| Psychological or psychosomatic assessment | ||
| Gastroscopy | ||
| Respiratory assessment (depending on the situation) | ||
| Gynaecological assessment (depending on the situation) | ||
| Cardiology assessment (if needed) | ||
| Dental check-up (if needed) | ||
| Other tests | ||
| Discussing the decision |
The timetable
The timetable is adapted to your situation. If further preparation is needed, the team explains the reasons and organises the next steps with you.
My questions for the next appointment
Find out more
Medical review of the French version: Dr Pierre Fournier
Scientific sources and references
Sources accessed on 12 October 2026. Reimbursement rules and information on medicines change over time.
- Swiss Society for the Study of Morbid Obesity and Metabolic Disorders (SMOB). Directives pour le traitement chirurgical de l’obésité, in force from 1 July 2023 (in French). View source
- Author
- Prepared for the Centre from the sources cited
- References
- See “Scientific sources and references” on this page