7 Shocking Facts About Obesity Control Center Tijuana: Is It The World's Safest Bariatric Destination?
Deciding to undergo bariatric surgery is a monumental life decision, and choosing the right surgical center is the single most critical step. As of late 2025, the Obesity Control Center (OCC) in Tijuana, Mexico, continues to dominate the conversation for international patients seeking high-quality, safe, and cost-effective weight loss surgery. The center has established itself as a global leader, not just for its volume of procedures, but for its pioneering surgical techniques and rigorous safety protocols that often exceed those found in the United States.
The OCC’s reputation is built on decades of experience, a team of world-renowned Master Surgeons, and an unwavering commitment to patient outcomes. This deep dive will explore the seven most compelling facts, from their unique dual-surgeon approach to their impressive track record of over 26,000 successful surgeries, providing you with the most current and essential information for your weight loss journey.
The Pioneer and Master Surgeon: Dr. Ariel Ortiz Lagardere Biography
The foundation of the Obesity Control Center’s international acclaim rests heavily on the shoulders of its Medical Director and founder, Dr. Ariel Ortiz Lagardere. His career is marked by pioneering advancements in the field of bariatric and metabolic surgery, making him one of the most recognized weight loss surgeons globally.
- Full Name: Dr. Ariel Ortiz Lagardere, MD, FACS, FASMBS
- Role: Medical Director and Founder of Obesity Control Center (OCC).
- Education: Received his medical degree from the prestigious Universidad Autónoma de Baja California.
- Training: Completed his surgical residency at a leading institution in Mexico.
- Pioneering Status: Internationally recognized as one of the leading authorities in the surgical treatment of obesity and metabolic diseases.
- Experience: Has performed over 20,000 weight loss procedures in the past 25 years.
- Certifications: Holds the elite certificate of Master Surgeon of Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery, a designation shared by only a select few surgeons worldwide.
- Other Roles: Also the Director of the highly acclaimed Ariel Center for Cosmetic Surgery and a Professor of Surgical Education.
Dr. Ortiz’s dedication to advancing the field has cemented the OCC’s reputation as a center for innovation and excellence in Tijuana, Mexico. His commitment to surgical education ensures that the center remains at the forefront of minimally invasive techniques.
7 Undeniable Facts That Define OCC's Safety and Success
When patients consider medical tourism for bariatric surgery, safety is the primary concern. The Obesity Control Center has systematically addressed this by implementing a unique set of standards and practices that distinguish it from many other centers in Mexico. These facts are central to understanding why OCC is often called the "gold standard" for weight loss surgery.
1. The Dual-Master Surgeon Approach on Every Patient
Perhaps the most significant differentiator for OCC is their policy that two Master Bariatric Surgeons oversee and participate in every single patient’s surgery. The team, led by Dr. Ariel Ortiz and including Dr. Arturo Martinez, both hold the Master Surgeon certification. This dual-surgeon model provides an unparalleled layer of safety and expertise, ensuring a second set of highly trained eyes is involved in every critical step of the procedure. This practice is extremely rare in the bariatric field, even in the U.S., and directly contributes to their low complication rate.
2. Over 26,000 Successful Bariatric Surgeries Performed
Experience is a non-negotiable factor in surgical safety. The OCC team boasts over 50 years of combined experience, with a staggering track record of more than 26,000 successful bariatric surgeries. This high volume of procedures translates directly into refined techniques, efficient protocols, and an ability to manage various patient complexities with confidence. Patients can take comfort in knowing they are entrusting their care to one of the world’s most experienced surgical teams.
3. Holding US Safety Certifications and SRC Center of Excellence Status
The OCC facility is located within Hospital CYNTAR in Tijuana and is one of the few centers in Mexico to hold multiple US Safety Certifications. Furthermore, the center has been an SRC-accredited Center of Excellence in Metabolic & Bariatric Surgery since 2010. This accreditation from the Surgical Review Corporation (SRC) is a testament to their adherence to the highest international medical safety standards, which are meticulously dictated by both Mexican law and leading U.S. oversight bodies.
4. Comprehensive Range of Advanced Bariatric Procedures
The OCC is not a one-size-fits-all clinic. They offer a full spectrum of advanced weight loss procedures, allowing the Master Surgeons to tailor the best surgical option for each patient's specific health profile and weight loss goals. Their procedural expertise includes:
- Laparoscopic Vertical Sleeve Gastrectomy (Gastric Sleeve): The most common procedure, offering significant weight loss by reducing stomach size.
- Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass: A more complex procedure for patients with higher BMIs or severe metabolic conditions.
- Mini-Gastric Bypass: A simpler, shorter, and often reversible alternative to the traditional bypass.
- Gastric Banding (Lap Band): A restrictive procedure that uses an inflatable band to create a small pouch.
- Robotic Bariatric Surgery: Utilizing robotic-assisted systems for the most advanced, minimally invasive approach to surgery.
- Revisional Surgery: Procedures to correct or modify previous bariatric surgeries that have failed or resulted in complications.
5. The Experienced and Dedicated Surgical Team
Beyond Dr. Ortiz and Dr. Martinez, the OCC physician team is a multidisciplinary unit committed to comprehensive patient care. Key members include Dr. Oscar Uribe Núñez, Dr. Alma Lopez, and Dr. Hector Acosta. This team structure ensures that patients receive continuous support, from the initial consultation and pre-operative preparation to the post-operative recovery and long-term follow-up. Their collective expertise creates a seamless and supportive patient experience.
6. Streamlined Logistics and Patient-Focused Experience
For international patients, the logistics of having surgery abroad can be daunting. OCC offers a highly streamlined process, often managing to schedule surgery within 4-6 weeks, significantly faster than the 6-12 month wait times often experienced in the U.S. or Canada. The center provides all-inclusive packages that typically cover hospital stay, surgeon fees, anesthesia, and ground transportation from the San Diego area, simplifying the medical tourism experience.
7. Consistently Positive Patient Testimonials and Reviews
Current patient sentiment remains overwhelmingly positive, with many testimonials from platforms like Reddit, RealSelf, and ObesityHelp praising the center's professionalism, the quality of care, and the excellent bedside manner of the surgeons. Many patients, including those who are medical professionals themselves, highly recommend OCC, often citing the meticulous attention to detail and the low incidence of complications as key factors in their decision.
Understanding the Bariatric Surgery Options at OCC
Choosing the right procedure is a collaborative decision between the patient and the surgical team. At OCC, the Master Surgeons leverage their vast experience to recommend the most appropriate intervention based on the patient's Body Mass Index (BMI), co-morbidities (such as type 2 diabetes or hypertension), and lifestyle factors.
Gastric Sleeve (Sleeve Gastrectomy)
The Gastric Sleeve is the most frequently performed bariatric procedure globally. It involves removing about 75-80% of the stomach, leaving a narrow, tube-like sleeve. This restriction limits food intake and, crucially, removes the part of the stomach that produces Ghrelin, the "hunger hormone," leading to a significant reduction in appetite. OCC is a leader in advanced, minimally invasive sleeve techniques.
Gastric Bypass and Mini-Gastric Bypass
The Gastric Bypass (Roux-en-Y) is a more complex procedure that re-routes the small intestine to a smaller stomach pouch, reducing both food intake and nutrient absorption. This procedure is highly effective for severe obesity and for resolving metabolic diseases like diabetes. The Mini-Gastric Bypass is a simplified version, offering similar benefits with a shorter operative time. The OCC team are leading authorities on both of these procedures in the region.
Why OCC Tijuana Is a Top Choice for International Patients
The convergence of world-class surgical expertise, stringent safety accreditations, and cost-effectiveness makes the Obesity Control Center an undeniable leader in the medical tourism sector. Patients from the U.S. and Canada often find that the total cost of their surgery at OCC—which includes a highly experienced team, a dedicated facility, and comprehensive aftercare—is a fraction of the price of the same procedure domestically, without compromising on safety or quality. The dual-surgeon oversight and the Master Surgeon certifications provide peace of mind that is difficult to find elsewhere, solidifying OCC's position as a premier, safe, and highly successful destination for life-changing weight loss surgery.
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