I am from Birmingham, AL and found out about OCC through a friend and it was the best decision I ever made. From the pick up at the San Diego Airport, across the Mexican Border then arrival at our hotel was so smooth and trouble free. Our driver was awesome and gave us instructions for the border crossing then when we arrived at the hotel we were greeted by such friendly people. The surgery went so well. The medical staff at OCC is top notch and I highly recommend them to anyone wanting to have the Gastric Sleeve surgery. They walk you through every step, every phase of this process. They respond to emails timely, are caring and compassionate. Yes, Dr. Ortiz IS that good looking in person. =)))) He is also very professional and friendly and has time to talk to you and encourage you even though his schedule is crazy. The other doctors are also very caring and compassionate when you are there. They transport you to and from your appointments as well so you feel like a queen. Tijuana was just fabulous and everyone I met was so friendly. This was the best medical experience I have ever had so far and I am almost 50. I also bonded with the other four ladies that had the surgery the same day as me which is so important. I have a nutritionist I can email or call for questions. My Story: It was 1/4 the cost here in the states without all of the silly insurance hoops they make you go through. I mean seriously, you are having one surgery that will cure many medical problems and they don't cover it so that you can have less expense going forward on prescriptions, doctor visits, premature death, and just really expensive medical out of pocket expenses. I think Alabama is the worst on the major insurance provider. It is 7 months of weight loss visits to a doctor because the first one of 6 weigh ins doesn't count, a sleep study, psych eval, nutritional visit, and other things that cost money out of pocket. The out of pocket expense evened out using insurance by just going to see the great group of accredited doctors at OCC and getting a girls trip out of it to boot. I have a nutritionist, a family of other Sleevers, a new life plan where I am off processed foods like sugar, caffeine, (pot of coffee a day drinker here), and have lost 17 pounds from my top weight and 10 pounds since surgery which was 9/1. The sleeve surgery is a tool that will help you meet your goals quickly. I was diagnosed in November 2019 with arthritis in my right hip which had eaten my cartilage completely and my bottom 2 vertebrae were disappearing before my eyes from osteo-arthritis (refer above to my young age) and it was only going to get worse. I went into a deep depression ( I was diagnosed with clinical depression 18 years ago but had kept it under control until this) so I had to go back on an anti-depressant. I needed to lose the weight fast and safely. I had borderline diabetes and blood pressure plus I just felt horrible. I have been yo yo dieting and trying to lose weight since my mom took me to Weight W. when I was 9, now I have to prove for 6 more months that I can't lose weight in the traditional style and put my body through another 6 months of yo yo dieting just to prove a point. Insurance companies should be ashamed. I am now on Day 11 and since I have had my surgery, I have had no pain from inflammation since I am off of the sugar, processed foods and caffeine. I have not lost enough weight for it to impact my hip so getting of the foods that are inflammatory is so key. I am going to talk to my doctor about me getting off the anti-depressants and will get to drop one more prescription I have taken for years in about 2 months. If you are contemplating this surgery check out the great folks at OCC. It will be worth your health, your time and your money to just do it. What are you waiting for???? Take your best friend with you, you will have more fun!! I hope my story helps and that this review has helped someone make the decision like I have and hope you too MAKE A NEW AND BETTER LIFE FOR YOURSELF LIKE I HAVE WITH THE HELP OF OBESITY CONTROL CENTER. I cannot thank them enough for making this happen for me and for my sweet Mark who actually suggested it and helped me get through it and research it. My best friend Krystal who was my companion on the trip which I could not have imagined it without you. Melissa M. read more

Highly recommend OCC Dr. Ortiz and his entire staff were amazing. As soon as I step foot inside the facility everyone was very welcoming, helpful, warm and genuine. I was so pleased to have met Nutritionist Dr. Lucia Chavez who specializes in bariatric weight loss and nutrition along with thyroid and hormonal balance. She was who I kept in contact with at all times with my weight, questions, and other concerns. Inside the the rooms was so clean and sterile. Very private where you can have a friend or a loved one can stay with you until 4pm. Beds are so comfortable, tv with NETFLIX and other streaming. Nurses are always alerted when you need them with a push of a button. When surgery time came, I was so prepared mentally, physically and spiritually and the staff rooting for me and how confident that made me feel. i had the IGS (improved gastric sleeve). I had no complications and nurses were making sure I was doing just fine. That made me feel so good to know how much they cared. My scars are not very noticeable however I will not exposed them to the sun to prevent from getting darker. Transportation was provided to me for FREE from the USA to the office and from the office to the Hotel back and forth. The hotel was The Marriott and it is a 5 start hotel. Love everything about this place. Also includes, beef broth, chicken broth, popsicles, waters. The next day I went for my follow up and Dr. David and DR. Ortiz gave me a drink and illuminated on the screen how my stomach was so small and were to leakage. it was so amazing how I was able to see my stomach passing that liquid. I recommend this facility to all my friends and family. By far my one and only experience and so glad I chose OCC for my IGS. My surgery date was 3/3/2020 and I am painless. read more

Well, I had my surgery this last Tuesday (1/21/20). So far I'm feeling really good. Thank goodness I haven't had much in the way of any side effects. I am kind of curious, if anyone my know. How long after surgery do we have to wait before we're able to drink through a straw again? Last November when I started this new life changing journey, I weighed in at 350lbs. When I arrived at OCC the first day, I weighed in at my goal weight of 310lbs. This morning 3 days after my surgery, I'm at 306lbs. This new journey , to better me and my health for the rest of my life is very exciting to me. I find myself going to "YouTube" and other sources, researching so many different ways of being able to eat healthy, and exercise. To become the new/old me that I use to be many years ago. Except this time, much,much healthier. I want to thank my dearest friend/brother Brett Taylor for being with me through this entire journey thus far. He has been a great inspiration and help through, not only guiding me in the right direction, answering a billion questions, and hanging by me through this entire process. Despite the fact that he caught a terrible cold on our trip down to Tijuana. Thank you Brother, for all your love , support, and kindness!! I also want to give a BIG GIANT "SHOUT OUT" to Dr. Ortiz and the entire OCC Staff. They have all been beyond AWESOME!! OCC has exceeded all, if any concerns or expirations I might have had before hand. Everyone at OCC has been very kind, courteous, but most of all very professional in every way. I will most definitely be recommending OCC to everyone that I come in contact with that needs help. Thank you Dr. Ortiz, and your entire staff. You have all been so wonderful!! read more

I did my research and OCC is everything I thought it would be and more. They make the entire process seamless. From the time you contact them they are very responsive and run a super organized program. From the airport to hotel and hospital you always know what's coming up next. If you forget just ask. Day of surgery was impressive. Everyone involved in your case come in and meets with you, even Dr. Ariel Ortiz. They tell you what to expect coming out of surgery, they contact someone for you after surgery to let them know how it went. Then your up and walking after about 2 hours. I didn't have the heavy gas pains just slight tenderness around incisions. The night staff was excellent, they were constantly checking vitals and making sure I were comfortable. Oh let me not forget the hotel they put you at. They assist with medical shuttles and they are fabulous. I definitely would recommend OCC. They give you 5 years post op follow up and if you experience any difficulties when you go home they want you to call them first unless it's an emergency. They send out daily emails and videos explaing what you should be experiencing. If you need further clarification just call or email them. Absolutely a wonderful experience. G. Healy Patient # 24607 read more

When I finally made the decision that I was ready for surgery I did my research for months ! I could have had my insurance cover the cost in the U.S. but none of the reviews for surgeons in California were as good as what I had read about Dr. Ortiz and the OCC team. I first came into contact with Ora who is a surgery coordinator. She was so friendly and professional and helped ease all of my worries. She set up a day for me so that I could tour the facility and when I saw how clean the office was and the state of the art techonology they used , i was convinced that this is where i wanted my surgery to be. Dr. Ortiz and his entire staff were all so professional from begining to end. OCC is the definition of 5 star service. At first , my family members were concerned about me going to Mexico for cosmetic surgery, but now that i look great and have shared my wonderful experience, they are asking me for business cards. Don't be afraid to have your surgery done in Tijuana Mexico with OCC. You will be in good hands, trust me. read more

OCC experience was outstanding. I am a RN and believe high standards for care. I chose the facility due to having Joint Comission certification that majority of US hospitals follow for the highest quality of care. I had a gastric sleeve on 12/11/17 and travelled alone because my family would have been bored just watching me drink fluids. I can tell you that every detail from arriving and departing was exactly what they explained. Cost was very low for the all inclusive surgery and accommodations. The only thing I was disappointed about was that I never met Dr. Ortiz. I knew that he was busy with a patient post-op due to nausea when I was brought back to the surgical suite. The facility is very clean with infection control being very evident. I am 4 weeks post-op and averaging half pound a day for weight loss. Can't wait to be back to my pre-marriage weight which should take about 9 months. If you choose OCC you will not regret it. read more

I had the best experience here at Obesity Control Center. I arrived at the San Diego airport and was quickly transported through the boarder and dropped off at the beautiful Marriott hotel. Everyone at the hotel was friendly and accommodating. Upon arriving at the hotel I was given information on where to meet for my surgery the next day. The next I went in for my surgery and needless to say everything went smoothly and quickly. I woke up with no pain and was able to start walking shortly after. I had mild discomfort from gas (level one or two out of 10) but the walking caused that to quickly dissipate. My nurses and doctors were all very attentive and kind. This was the cleanest and medical facility I have been too, period. I also received a level of care that supports their JCI accreditation! If you are thinking about going to OCC, DO IT! I am very happy with my choice. read more

In 2015 my primary care physician suggested I consider weight loss surgery. I was sort of devastated (and obviously in denial as I weighed in at 206 pounds), but he had just diagnosed me with diabetes and I could no longer avoid the fact that my weight was killing me. I researched my options and decided on OCC. It was the best decision of my life. I'm almost 5 years out and have not regretted it a single day since. I lost over 70 pounds and feel like I got my life back. The experience was great and having it done in Mexico was a non-issue. The clinic is beautiful and the staff is extraordinarily helpful at every step of the journey. Two months after I had my surgery (at age 55), I took my 70-year-old mom to OCC to have her sleeve done. They treated her like a queen. I wish I could get the kind of care I received at OCC here in the USA! I can't recommend them highly enough. read more

All my life I had fighting my weight issues. I retired in 2006 and my weight was going up to where I was after high school, which was scary. I did my homework and was referred to the OCC by the company that made the lap-band. Inamed told me that the OCC was benchmark for weight loss surgery and I wouldn't be disappointed. I can tell you that this was one of the best decisions I had ever made. Right after Christmas 2006, I made the phone call and was greeted by the friendly and ever so helpful OCC surgery coordinator named Lori. Moving forward, having made the revision to the sleeve in 2014, I haven't regretted having the surgery. My motto is that it's never too late to go this route and knowing what I know today, the OCC is hands down the surgery center for WLS.. Dr. Ortiz and Dr. Martinez are innovators in WLS, your in good hands when choosing to go with the OCC. read more

First class experience across the board. It was better than I could have even expected given the gravity of the life changing decision I was making. The facility was top notch, clean and organized. The staff made me feel safe and secure and treated me with such respect. The program sets you up from beginning to end with the pre op set up to the day of surgery and through all post op procedures with utmost care and ease. What else can I say about Dr Ortiz? The man changed my life. My health is better at age 50 than it has been in my whole life. Dr Ortiz listened to my issues and provided a life altering solution. Will be forever in debt to what Dr Ortiz and the whole Obesity Control staff have done for me. Would highly recommend this service to anyone. The pride they take in their clinic is second to none. read more

OCC was the best thing that ever happened to me! I choice to get the gastric sleeve after years of struggling with Polytheistic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS). During my struggles I found myself at 260 lbs and unable to have conceive a child. I was referred to OCC by a friend who had the surgery and started my own research. Turns out there are lots of cases where the gastric sleeve helps to elevate the symptoms of PCOS. I had my surgery in November of 2018 and have since lost 110 lbs. I started ovulating monthly (in which I never was regular). I now find myself 8 months pregnant with my first child. I owe all the credit to OCC for the outstanding job they did. The team there is wonderful and have changed my life for the better in so many ways. I will forever be grateful. read more

I had the gastric sleeve surgery done on September 29th and all I can say is that Dr. Ortiz, Dr. Martinez and the entire team at the OCC are absolutely amazing! I was so unsure about having surgery done in Mexico but after researching, asking a lot of questions and follow the OCC group of Facebook I booked my appointment. The Marriott Tijuana Hotel and the OCC have such a well organized relationship caring for each patient before and after surgery. I highly recommend anyone looking for the answer to help with your metabolic symptoms to reach out to the OCC for a consultation. I was on prescription medications before surgery for numerous issues and I am not even a week post surgery and my blood sugar, blood pressure, migraine and other meds have not been needed. read more

So unbelievably happy with my choice to do my surgery at OCC. I have had crazy experiences at my local Clinics and Hospitals. Going to the OCC after checking their stats and reading reviews and hearing from family members who also used OCC I knew it was the right choice. Every single person I came in contact with was VERY kind and helpful. The Hotel was beautiful and clean. As I read in many post, I wish I would have done it sooner! Thank you OCC for giving me my health back. I would have never been able to climb up Humbug Mt. 3 miles with an elevation climb of 1740 and pray Thank you for your help if I hadn't found you. My surgery was April 16 2024 and I have lost 115lbs so far with no problems what so ever with my surgery. read more

I can't say enough about Dr. Ortiz and the staff at the OCC. Being Canadian, I had some hesitation leaving the country, but it was single-handedly the best decision I have made and have since sent well over 250+ friends, family and clients to see him. My sleeve procedure was just over six years ago and I STILL keep in touch with Dr. Ortiz and the staff. The amazing nutritionist is always available to chat if I need help with food choices. It's the best investment I have ever made in myself. Their professionalism is outstanding and all patients become family. My only regret is that I live too far away to visit and say thank you in person for changing my life in a way I didn't even know was possible. read more

I had surgery in Feb 2018 after having done extensive research. The OCC, Dr. Ortiz and his associates have better credentials than most hospitals and surgeons in the US. I had no complications, healed wonderfully and have lost more than I had ever hoped for. I know many who have had the surgery elsewhere and have not had as good results. I am a nurse of over 30 years with ICU experience and work for a top graded hospital, the OCC is clean and very professional. Please read all reviews here carefully if using to make your decision, its easy to see through their inconsistent "stories". I owe my life to the OCC and would recommend to any of my family and friends. read more

I researched as much as possible on the surgery and various places to do the procedure. OCC was a place that a friend of mine went to and she invited me to join the FB support group. I read literally all the posts and comments and results and was 100% sold. I just got back from my procedures, no pain, no complications, nothing! Everybody from Dr. Ortize to Lucia to Dr. David, Lorena, Pablo, etc. They were all so nice, patient and professional. I was well taken care of, the Marriott for the rest of my stay was very much in sync with the OCC center in terms of transportation and food (broth & popsicles!) and I highly recommend this place! read more

Where do I start?! The level of care & follow up are BEYOND the care you'd receive in the U.S.! The facility is immaculate. The doctors and nurses are kind and sincerely care about your well being. They have the process down to a science. Any & every question is probably already answered in a video or online resource. But if you have a question, they're super kind & helpful. The amount of resources available at your fingertips is amazing. Dr. Ortiz is THE BEST bariatric surgeon around. The recovery was speedy and I was back to work in just a few days. I highly recommend OCC & Dr. Ortiz! read more

I highly recommend OCC to anyone who either need a bariatric surgery or just want to have plastic surgery (which was my case) I had the best experience and I couldn't be more happy with the results. Dr. Ortiz is definitely the BEST but the most important part is the team of doctors and the staff who not only are excellent professionals but great human beings. I was impressed how clean and neat they keep this clinic, something that many USA hospitals failed. Once again thank you so much to everybody at Obesity Control Center for the amazing job, you guys are the best!! read more

I had Gastric Sleeve surgery on Sept. 13, 2016. So glad I changed my surgery to OCC. I was originally scheduled with a different Tijuana Clinic but after further research and investigation, I opted for OCC. Best decision I could have made. The level of care and professionalism, the surgery center, and the staff is exceptional. I received much better care after surgery than I've ever experienced in any US hospital. I had a much easier recovery than I expected, zero issues or complications, and have lost 25lbs since surgery 4 weeks ago. I highly recommend OCC! read more