With the new clinic in Brig, Swiss1Chirurgie, under the leadership of Professor Dr. Jörg Zehetner, has now also found a location in the Upper Valais. With the specialisation in obesity surgery, the treatment of abdominal hernias and reflux diseases, the population in the region is thus provided with a medical service that is probably unique in Valais in this specialisation.
(from left) Dr. med. Urs Summermatter, Professor Dr. Jörg Zehetner
Until now, Professor Dr. Zehetner’s specialist medical services were related to the catchment areas of Bern and, more recently, Solothurn. With the engagement in the medical centre Praxis Dr. Summermatter in Bahnhofstrasse 1 in Brig, the specialised surgeon now also provides his professional services directly in the Valais. This seems to be quite necessary, as the provision of such specialised services was rather meagre to non-existent.
The work in the new medical centre is supported by the specialist colleague Alejandro Metzger, MD, who also specialises in obesity and abdominal surgery. In this way, a professional service can be established in Valais under the banner of Swiss1Chirurgie. It is also interesting to note that a specialist in cosmetic surgery and reconstructive surgery has set up shop directly in the medical centre. This can be a complementary component in many cases of obesity surgery, ensuring the restoration of the patient’s complete health and aesthetic well-being. It also makes sense that Dr. Summermatter’s clinic also offers special nutritional counselling services. This closes a circle of medical competencies that are evidenced above all by Professor Dr Zehetner and his colleague Dr Metzger.
(from left) Alejandro Metzger, MD, Professor Jörg Zehetner, MD, and David Kiermeir, MD.
The fact that the services offered by the specialists for bariatric surgery meet with a high level of acceptance, especially here in the Upper Valais, was already evident at the opening of the clinic with an open day. For a whole eight hours, Professor Dr Zehetner and Dr Metzger answered the questions of the interested visitors and the invited expert colleagues. This proves that there is definitely a great demand here for the specialised services of obesity surgery and the treatment of reflux diseases, which can now be satisfied in the new treatment rooms of Swiss1Chirurgie.
Alejandro Metzger, MD, and Professor Dr Jörg Zehetner in conversation
When medical services in Switzerland are awarded the “Leading Medicine Guide”, then professional colleagues and patients can be sure that this is a truly high-quality range of services.
The “Leading Medicine Guide 2019” was awarded to swiss1chirurgie under the leadership of Dr Zehetner. With its speciality in obesity surgery, abdominal hernias and reflux diseases, the group practice has dedicated itself to a discipline that is a true heartfelt concern for many Swiss people. Dr. Zehetner’s clinic has long since scored points not only with its specialised range of services, but above all with the professionalism of the specialist medical services with which Dr. Zehetner surprises not only the patients, but also the specialist colleagues.
After a long day of surgery in the clinic, Dr. med. Jörg Zehetner was able to accept the coveted prize on 30.06.2019. Justified pride is mixed with a healthy dose of self-confidence and the certainty that swiss1chirurgie will continue to provide services that are entirely dedicated to the well-being of patients. In addition to his work in the operating theatre, Dr Zehetner also addresses the concerns and needs of his patients in a large number of lectures and individual consultations.
For Dr. Zehetner, the focus is not on personal gain from his professional work, but rather on patient satisfaction. After all, problems with obesity, abdominal hernias and reflux diseases are no longer individual diseases, but have long been medical problem areas of our affluent society, in which obesity, for example, is no longer an isolated phenomenon due to a constantly available supply of food.
Beyond his work as a surgeon, Dr. Zehetner therefore also devotes himself to educating people about healthy nutrition and healthy lifestyles, which might cut off the great demand for surgical interventions, but are more than close to his ethical responsibility as a medical doctor. This means that the “Leading Medicine Guide 2019” award is certainly more than just deserved.
As part of an international project, Dr Zehetner from swiss1chirurgie has supported two new centres for the treatment of reflux disease in Saudi Arabia. In the process, the minimally invasive surgical technique known as LINX was also established there, which is one of the most successful and modern treatment methods for chronic heartburn worldwide.
LINX as a minimally invasive surgical technique is mainly characterised by the insertion of a magnetic ring at the lower end of the oesophagus. Put simply, this magnetic ring ensures that the annoying acid regurgitation, which is one of the unpleasant phenomena of chronic reflux diseases, can be successfully and permanently prevented. Such treatment of reflux disease is important because the acidic gastric fluid that constantly rises into the oesophagus also permanently affects the oesophagus itself. Untreated reflux disease not only affects the general well-being, but can also change the mucous membrane of the oesophagus due to the constant acid attack, and in the worst case can also cause cancer.
Reflux disease is one of the unpleasant side effects of changing eating habits, especially in developed industrialised countries. Even though the main focus is on combating unhealthy, unbalanced diets and curbing obesity, chronic reflux disease accounts for a high proportion of this patient group in particular.
With the relatively new LINX treatment technique, it has now been possible to establish a gentle and permanently effective treatment approach. Dr. Zehetner is one of the most successful users of LINX worldwide. With a total of 150 LINX surgeries since 2015 and 50 corresponding surgical procedures in 2018 alone, Dr Zehetner positions himself among the top 5 in LINX surgeries in Europe. All in all, he has been one of the top surgeons in Europe for years and is always involved in making new successful surgical techniques known and establishing them beyond the borders of Switzerland.
Together with Johnson&Johnson, Dr Zehetner was in Saudi Arabia from 29.06.2019 to 03.07.2019 to introduce and successfully open the first two centres for LINX reflux surgery. We have attached a picture series to this article. In addition, Dr Zehetner supports the establishment of the LINX centres as a trainer for J&J Preceptor, for example, also in Germany. A total of 15 such centres have been established there in the last three years. From 10 to 12 July 2019, Dr Jörg Zehetner will be the speaker at an Expert User Meeting on reflux disease in Hamburg. We will also be happy to report on this in the blog
Johnson&Johnson called for a symposium and the gastro-esophageal reflux disease (GERD) specialists came. Also present was Professor Dr.med. Jörg Zehetner, who enjoys an exceptionally good reputation both in science and in the clinic as a globally recognised expert in minimally invasive surgical reflux methods.
Johnson&Johnson called for a symposium and the gastro-esophageal reflux disease (GERD) specialists came. Also present was Professor Dr.med. Jörg Zehetner, who enjoys an exceptionally good reputation both in science and in the clinic as a globally recognised expert in minimally invasive surgical reflux methods.
The symposium was all about gastro-oesophageal reflux disease, which often causes persistent or recurrent acid regurgitation, severe heartburn or unpleasant burning in the stomach in its chronic course and thus complicates patients’ everyday lives. A proven method for surgical intervention is the LINX Reflux System, which has now been used in the clinic for ten years. This is a small chain consisting mainly of titanium-coated magnets that is placed around the end of the oesophagus in a minimally invasive procedure. With this system, the regurgitation of gastric acid is prevented, while all other physiological functions such as food intake, regurgitation of air or even vomiting remain unhindered by the LINX system.
Dr. Jörg Zehetner is one of the top 5 reflux specialists in Europe and is one of the nine leading experts in the field at Johnson&Johnson. These alone were good reasons to invite Dr Zehetner to speak at the symposium in Hamburg. In front of more than 85 participants, the specialist explained the excellent possibilities of LINX in his lecture and continued these thoughts in the workshop “Complex cases and complication management in reflux surgery”.
For those who do not know what to make of the abbreviation EMEA, please note: EMEA stands for “Europe, Middle East, Africa” and thus summarises the regions in which Johnson&Johnson is particularly involved with its expertise and products such as the LINX Reflux System. Of course, the commitment also extends to the global arena and supports the scientific and practical efforts of the respective medical experts.
For Dr Jörg Zehetner as well as for the other participants at the 1st EMEA GERD Symposium in Hamburg, the occasion was a good reason to gather the best and latest experiences in reflux surgery and thus define further standards for the benefit of patients.
In the attached picture spread, we show the best moments of the intensive work at the EMEA GERD Symposium 2019 in Hamburg.
Who doesn’t know them, the impressive pictures of Ironman Hawaii, which is considered the oldest triathlon in the world. Year after year, athletes meet here to determine their toughest and best in the triathlon of swimming, cycling and running.
Certainly a few numbers smaller but no less challenging, Ironman Zurich presents itself as a complete, internationally recognised Ironman Trial with the 3.8-kilometre swim course, the 180-kilometre bike course and the 42-kilometre run course. Anyone who wants to take part here as a hobby Ironman needs a long, good preparation, an iron will and of course the appropriate preparations.
A long journey always begins with the first step
Two years ago now, I discovered a video on YouTube about “Ironman motivation”. This video was the inspiration for me personally and probably the first step to try Ironman Triathlon myself. Of course, it was immediately clear to me that this could not go well from a standing start. But: Anything is possible!
After all, I had already gained a few years of experience on the mountain bike and the road bike, so at least the bike course shouldn’t be an insurmountable challenge. I can also swim and running is almost part of my daily programme. With a slightly above-average level of fitness, it should therefore be no problem to complete the Ironman 70.3 half-distance triathlon. So, after a year of training, in June 2018 I embarked on the Ironman adventure in the slimmed-down version. 1.9 kilometres of swimming, 90 kilometres of cycling and finally 21 kilometres of running brought me to my first intermediate goal on the way to the big Ironman. But the half-distance is not the whole Ironman and so I set a new goal in summer 2018. I wanted to tackle Ironman Zurich 2019.
Training, motivation, renunciation
Regardless of whether you are a professional or a hobby participant, if you want to complete the Ironman in its full internationally recognised distance, you have to expose yourself to regular and hard training. The only question is when and how. The recommendations speak of at least 10 to 15 hours a week, with all three disciplines equally represented if possible. That means at least two hours of training every day. And that alongside family, work, conferences, congresses and emergency missions.
It takes a lot of motivation, which can only be maintained over time if you know what you want and have the necessary support from your family. And, of course, this motivation also means overcoming your inner pig dog every day and removing the small and large obstacles in your self-motivation. Only if this succeeds is good and regular training possible. And of course it takes time.
And it was precisely the time for training that was a point where, in the end, it was not possible without renunciation. I didn’t want to give up life with my family and I didn’t want my patients to have to give up anything when it came to my professional commitment. All that was left was to give up sleep. And surprisingly, this works quite well despite or even because of the active sport.
In the preparation phase for Ironman Zurich 2019, I got up three times a week between half past four and five in the morning, set about cycling training, which I then also liked to repeat on the weekend as a 3-5 hour activity. Swimming for one and a half hours twice a week in the morning and running whenever possible in the evening. And that at any time of year, in any weather and in almost every place I have been in the last twelve months.
A balanced training always includes the appropriate rest days, which I limited to one or two days a week, depending on my workload and family plans. In the end, I felt better and better prepared for the big triathlon in Zurich and felt what good individual training can mean even for such big challenges as the Ironman.
21 July 2019, Zurich – The Big Day
After almost exactly one year of training, the time had come on 21 July 2019. The Ironman Zurich 2019 in the full distance was coming up and now there were no more doubts for me after the registration. I had to and would pass Ironman Zurich. The preparations are ready, wetsuit, bike and food are prepared. Here we go.
I didn’t feel any nervousness at the start itself, I just felt well prepared. After an early start of the day at five o’clock and the impressive start procedure for the professionals, it is then the turn of the amateur athletes. So also me. It all starts with the rolling start at the swim course, so that every few seconds five to ten swimmers start the race. Quickly a few nice words to the comrades-in-arms on the left and right, then we’re off. „See you at the finish line!“
With steady strokes I complete the 3.8 kilometre swim in the fresh Lake Zurich, then get out of the water dripping wet, almost directly onto the bike, which is now to be my friend for 180 kilometres on the ride along Lake Zurich, out of the city, through lush green meadows and small villages. Then it’s off to the running course, which runs four laps through the historic old town, and then it’s done. „You are an Ironman!“
After a total time of 10h31m58s I cross the finish line exhausted but happy and now I know one thing: I am an Ironman. And that’s thanks to good, consistent training, thanks to the support of my family, colleagues and friends and, above all, thanks to the motivation to achieve something that is exceptional. Now it’s time to relax! And, of course, time for the joy of my own performance, which was also always a journey to myself.
With the completely newly developed Swiss1Chirurgie app, the Centre for Bariatric Surgery headed by Prof. Dr. Jörg Zehetner convinces patients and interested parties alike. The free app is located in the area of health and family and is provided by F1rst GmbH from the Swiss Valais.
The Swiss1Chirurgie app is primarily designed for patients of the private clinics of Swiss1Chirurgie in Bern, Solothurn and Brig. Of course, all others interested in the topics of overweight surgery, gastric bypass, hernias in the abdominal area or reflux diseases (chronic acid reflux) can also use the app conveniently for their own information needs.
The app, which is now available free of charge in the GooglePlay app store for Android operating systems from version 4.4, and is also available in the Apple store for iOS operating systems.
Advantages for patients and clinics
The Swiss1Chirurgie app offers advantages for patients and Swiss1Chirurgie clinics alike. For patients and those interested in the medical specialties offered, the app opens up simple and direct access to the specialist medical services of Swiss1Chirurgie. Here, the focus is particularly on the informative aspect. Those who are already undergoing treatment in one of the Swiss1Chirurgie clinics benefit from direct access to the specialists with individual information before, during and after the operation. In addition, questions can be asked and answered quickly and easily or appointments can be made at one of the clinics in Bern, Brig or Solothurn.
The new Swiss1Chirurgie app is also a concrete gain for the physicians around Dr Jörg Zehetner. This is particularly evident in the simplified and individualised communication with patients and in the facilitation of making appointments. It is also practical that patients can be provided with concrete individual information on the further course of treatment and supportive measures. This saves time in personal consultations and thus opens up new capacities in the treatment of people suffering from reflux diseases, abdominal hernias or in preparation for obesity surgery.
The offer is supplemented by an informative newsfeed and an event calendar, which informs all interested parties about specialist topics and special events of Swiss1Chirurgie.
Sensitive data securely protected
As is always the case with apps in the health sector that also deal with individual topics, data protection is also professionally brought to the fore in the Swiss1Chirurgie app. This way, every user of the app can be sure that their personal data is securely protected and will only be used for communication with Swiss1Chirurgie.
The Swiss1Chirurgie app is now available on Google Play and in the Apple App Store.
For more information on the Swiss1Chirugie app, please visit::
With the completely newly developed Swiss1Chirurgie app, the Centre for Bariatric Surgery headed by Prof. Dr. Jörg Zehetner convinces patients and interested parties alike. The free app is located in the area of health and family and is provided by F1rst GmbH from the Swiss Valais.
The Swiss1Chirurgie app is primarily designed for patients of the private clinics of Swiss1Chirurgie in Bern, Solothurn and Brig. Of course, all others interested in the topics of overweight surgery, gastric bypass, hernias in the abdominal area or reflux diseases (chronic acid reflux) can also use the app conveniently for their own information needs.
The app, which is now available free of charge in the GooglePlay app store for Android operating systems from version 4.4, and is also available in the Apple store for iOS operating systems.
Advantages for patients and clinics
The Swiss1Chirurgie app offers advantages for patients and Swiss1Chirurgie clinics alike. For patients and those interested in the medical specialties offered, the app opens up simple and direct access to the specialist medical services of Swiss1Chirurgie. Here, the focus is particularly on the informative aspect. Those who are already undergoing treatment in one of the Swiss1Chirurgie clinics benefit from direct access to the specialists with individual information before, during and after the operation. In addition, questions can be asked and answered quickly and easily or appointments can be made at one of the clinics in Bern, Brig or Solothurn.
The new Swiss1Chirurgie app is also a concrete gain for the physicians around Dr Jörg Zehetner. This is particularly evident in the simplified and individualised communication with patients and in the facilitation of making appointments. It is also practical that patients can be provided with concrete individual information on the further course of treatment and supportive measures. This saves time in personal consultations and thus opens up new capacities in the treatment of people suffering from reflux diseases, abdominal hernias or in preparation for obesity surgery.
The offer is supplemented by an informative newsfeed and an event calendar, which informs all interested parties about specialist topics and special events of Swiss1Chirurgie.
Sensitive data securely protected
As is always the case with apps in the health sector that also deal with individual topics, data protection is also professionally brought to the fore in the Swiss1Chirurgie app. This way, every user of the app can be sure that their personal data is securely protected and will only be used for communication with Swiss1Chirurgie.
The Swiss1Chirurgie app is now available on Google Play and in the Apple App Store.
For more information on the Swiss1Chirugie app, please visit::
“Are you fat man!” This or similar is the sound of derogatory remarks that people with morbid obesity have to deal with time and again. In a public lecture, Dr. med. Jörg Zehetner from Swiss1Chirurgie will show where the causes of morbid obesity lie and what medical options and surgical interventions can be used to counteract the unpleasant accompanying symptoms. Personal questions will also be answered.
Date/Location: Wednesday, 11.09.2019, 6:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m., Marzili conference room at Salem Hospital, Schänzlistrasse 33, Berne, admission free, registration not required
Protein, carbohydrates, fats. These are the essential components of our diet. At the protein information event, nutritionist Deborah Beyli, BSc BHF, explains the role of protein in our nutrition system and the effect of both an undersupply and an oversupply of protein on the body. Free admission. The information event is only open to a limited number of participants. Therefore, registration is requested.
Date/Location: Thursday, Sept. 19, 2019, 7:15 p.m. to 8:15 p.m., Bariatric Surgery Center. Seilerstrasse 8, 3rd floor, Bern
Registration with surname, first name, mobile phone number by e-mail to bc@hin.ch
The opening of the new Swiss1Chirurgie clinic in Brig was a real highlight for the guests, professional visitors and of course also for the team around Dr Jörg Zehetner. In a short speech, the medical specialist for abdominal surgery and reflux treatments praised the great achievements of the builders and was pleased with the successful implementation of the design ideas in the treatment rooms. Great praise for this also came from the visitors to the opening event, who were very enthusiastic not only during the tours of the rooms.
Those present were particularly interested in the medical services offered in the Swiss1Chirurgie clinic in Brig. It was above all Dr. Jörg Zehetner who went from one conversation to the next and did not simply inform about the range of services, for example, in the surgical treatment of obesity. This is how the first individual questions came, combined with the first diagnoses and the scheduling of the upcoming consultations and interventions.
For all those who were able to attend the opening of the Swiss1Chirurgie clinic in Brig on 26.08.2019, it was both an interesting and informative event. This is not least because a new medical service has been created in Brig, which has already met with great acceptance at the other Swiss1Chirurgie locations in line with a growing need.
Have you completed your training as an MPA with further training as a medical practice coordinator in a practice management direction, do you have professional experience and are you looking for a job where you can use your knowledge on a daily basis? Then you should definitely read on:
In our centre, located directly at Bern railway station, we care for and advise our patients in a team with doctors, nutritionists and a psychologist before, during and especially after bariatric surgery procedures. We are actively supported in this work by five medical practice assistants.
As our clinic coordinator is unfortunately leaving us, we are looking for a new team leader for our well-established team for personnel management and planning, practice organisation and administration with, among other things, financial control, marketing, quality management and support for the electronic systems.
You can look forward to an appreciative and collegial working environment with well-structured work processes. We rely on the fact that you like to work independently and are responsible with the organisation of the practice.
If the positive development of the centre and a courteous and professional approach to patients, the team and external partners is as close to your heart as it is to ours, then we look forward to receiving your electronic application directly as an email to ramona.oberholzer@zfbc.ch and meeting you soon.
Mrs Gasser, senior physician, or Mrs Oberholzer, our current practice coordinator, will be happy to answer your questions.
