Key points
For most people, a recognised centre close to home is the right choice: obesity is treated over the long term, and regular follow-up is easier when the centre is easy to reach.
A university or specialist referral centre is only needed in certain situations, defined by Swiss guidelines. In that case, a primary centre can arrange the referral and continue to follow you.
Two levels of recognised centres in Switzerland
In Switzerland, obesity surgery covered by basic health insurance is performed in a centre recognised by the SMOB (Swiss Society for the Study of Morbid Obesity and Metabolic Disorders). The list of recognised centres is public and distinguishes two levels:
- Primary centres perform standard procedures, such as sleeve gastrectomy and gastric bypass, and meet the SMOB’s requirements for multidisciplinary assessment, quality assurance and follow-up.
- Specialist referral centres also handle special situations: complex or revisional procedures, BMI over 50, under 18 or over 65, and so-called metabolic surgery (BMI of 30 to 35 with type 2 diabetes).
In French-speaking Switzerland, the specialist referral centres are in Geneva, Lausanne, Neuchâtel and the Chablais region, among others. Primary centres are spread across the different regions.
Do you need a large centre?
Not necessarily. If your situation calls for a standard procedure, a primary centre has the same recognition and follows the same guidelines. A university hospital is not necessary when your situation does not call for one.
Being close to home matters: preparation takes several months and follow-up after surgery continues for life. Consultations, blood tests and nutritional or psychological support are easier to keep up when they take place near where you live.
When your situation calls for a specialist referral centre, the centre that follows you arranges this. You do not need to work it out yourself before your first appointment.
Useful criteria when choosing
- Recognition: is the hospital where operations take place on the SMOB list?
- A multidisciplinary team: obesity medicine, surgery, dietetics, mental health and physical activity.
- All the options: does the centre also offer medical follow-up and medication, not only surgery?
- Long-term follow-up: who will follow you after the operation, how often and where?
- Access: distance, transport, waiting times and the language of consultations.
- Coordination: does the centre work with your GP and send them a report?
Questions to ask at your first appointment
- What options are possible in my situation, with or without surgery?
- Does my situation call for a primary centre or a specialist referral centre?
- Who will follow me before and after any operation?
- How is the decision made, and with whom?
Questions to ask before obesity surgery
The Centre de l’Obésité et du Métabolisme de la Côte
The Centre in Nyon sees people from La Côte, the Geneva area and the canton of Vaud. The team’s operations take place at Hôpital de Nyon, a primary centre recognised by the SMOB.
You can be seen and supported at the Centre in Nyon, including when your BMI is over 50. Assessment, preparation and follow-up can be organised there. If your operation requires a specialist referral centre, we coordinate this step with the appropriate hospital. Wherever possible, and in agreement with the receiving centre, Dr Pierre Fournier performs your operation himself.
The Centre’s expertise and recognition
Sources and references
Sources accessed on 17 October 2026.
- Swiss Society for the Study of Morbid Obesity and Metabolic Disorders (SMOB). List of recognised centres, as of 1 May 2026. View source
- SMOB. Guidelines for the surgical treatment of obesity, in force since 1 July 2023 (French version). View source
- SMOB. Established and non-established surgical procedures in Switzerland (SMOB website). View source
- Author
- Unsigned draft prepared for the Centre from the sources cited