Medical Tourism& Bariatric Surgery
It is completely safe to travel to Mexico and have bariatric surgery with us at Obesity Control Center. Over 100 people from the USA come to Mexico every single month to have surgery with Dr. Ortiz or Dr. Martinez and their team of Master Surgeons.
Global Health Accreditation
Obesity Control Center has Global Health Accreditation. That means we meet strict standards for patient confidentiality, making sure you have all the information you need to make a well-informed decision about your surgery, travel, and scheduling, and to make sure that everything concerning Medical Tourism is accessible. Obesity Control Center offers the only hospital in Mexico with US collaboration, further adding to its stringent safety and wellness regulations.
Worldwide Reputation
In today’s mobile society, patients no longer need to settle for the medical resources and services available in their home communities. In many cases, the best medical care is one flight away. Citizens of many countries are increasingly seeking their surgical opportunities worldwide and discovering that the best care, hospitals, and surgeons can be found in places they hadn’t first considered. The term for this growing phenomenon is “medical tourism.” Medical tourists choose not to be captive to limited options, excessive regulatory restrictions, or arbitrary insurance mandates. They are informed, educated consumers who take health care decision-making seriously. They are seeking the best care at a reasonable price that doesn’t compromise on standards or safety.
A private, luxury journey
- We even take care of patients by shuttling them between the hotel and hospital, as well as across the border – it takes only about 30 minutes in our private van, as we are only 1 mile from the border. Plus, there are plenty of fun and safe family activities in the area.
No go-between, no broker
- Because you never deal with a middleman or a broker, we are with you every step of the way in your weight loss journey. We have passed the most rigorous US and International accreditations and now display a list of Awards and Designations of Quality bestowed upon the Hospital and the Surgeons.
Is it safe to have surgery in Mexico?
The only way you can trust the claims made are through third-party verification. This means there should be an organization that verifies the information and then certifies it to be truthful, accurate, and not misleading. Accreditations are the only way to be completely confident in your decision. This is why Obesity Control Center, and our bariatric surgeon have the honor of holding multiple accreditations from US-based organizations.
CDC Travel Recommendations
The CDC Yellow Book 2024 advises medical tourists to consult a travel medicine specialist 4-6 weeks before travel for personalized guidance. This helps ensure they are current on routine vaccinations, receive any necessary additional vaccines based on their destination, and are strongly encouraged to get hepatitis B immunization if not already vaccinated.
OCC: The Highest Standards of Safety
We have been fully accredited by Joint Commission International for two 3-year periods. JCI partners with hospitals, clinics, academic medical centers, health systems and agencies, government ministries, academia, and international advocates in over 100 countries to promote the strictest and highest standards of care. We have obtained the Golden Seal awarded by the Joint Commission International.
We are also a Center of Excellence in Bariatric and Metabolic Surgery, and our surgeons are designated as Surgeons of Excellence in Bariatric and Metabolic Surgery.
A rare level of patient health and safety in Mexico
The (ASMBS) American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery has released a Position Statement on Global Bariatric Healthcare directed to patients seeking Bariatric Surgery outside the United States. This statement urges any patient traveling abroad to seek centers accredited by JCI (Joint Commission International) and SRC (Center of Excellence Designation). We display these vital accreditations proudly on our website.
Safe, Seamless Journey at OCC
Our center offers more than lower cost bariatric surgery
Only a handful of international hospitals have been awarded these health and safety accreditations. When shopping around for surgery, price is not the most critical issue. By traveling outside your country, you are already saving a substantial amount, not because the quality of care is lower, but because the cost to deliver quality care is lower. Ensure you choose a center that you can trust to adhere to the most stringent health and safety protocols – OCC.
Do you follow US standards for health and safety?
Our standards are world-class, literally! We have passed the most rigorous accreditations and now display a list of Awards and Designations of Quality bestowed upon the Hospital and the Surgeons. For Obesity Control Center to be awarded the various distinctions and designations by third party quality accreditation organizations, we had to go through rigorous, year-long reviews that examined every aspect of our practice, including the staff, surgeons, and facilities. We are one of only a few international hospitals to be awarded these designations, that even many U.S. hospitals do not have.
A full-service journey to weight loss and a happier, healthier life
Our team takes care of you from your arrival at the San Diego Airport through the entire weight loss surgery experience. Someone is always available to answer your questions, address your concerns, and explain what to expect.
Our advanced technology at OCC
We use the latest and the greatest. In fact, Dr. Ortiz and Dr. Martinez are well known for Research and Development collaborations with the top manufacturers in the industry. This is why a hospital such as Obesity Control Center can deliver the newest technologies in the market first!
How are the facilities?
Our facilities are state-of-the-art. We maintain the highest standards of cleanliness and efficiency in our weight loss surgical center in Mexico. Most patients are actually surprised and mention that our facilities are much cleaner than those in their hometown. We are proud of our modern, sparkling facility, and you will be impressed!
Talk to us about your questions and concerns
If you have a question or concern about traveling to Mexico for bariatric surgery, please contact Obesity Control Center. A member of our team would be happy to speak to you personally about what you can expect during your weight loss surgery experience.
Great location, easy access
Prospective patients are pleased to learn that Obesity Control Center is a top destination for many medical tourists. OCC is located in Tijuana, Mexico, just blocks from the San Diego International Border, and often requires only a short flight. Once you arrive in San Diego, our team at OCC will take care of you from there, with a first-of-its-kind, world-class facility, 5-star hotel, all ground transportation, and an amazing team including our surgeons, medical staff, nutritionists, a support team, and a one-of-a-kind, five-year follow-up program.
Will I have supportafter surgery?
- We pride ourselves on our post-operative care program. We have aptly named it The OCC Tracking and Education Program which is software-based and links in real-time to our center. This tracking program not only tracks the patient’s weight and general wellbeing, but also reports in real-time 24/7 to our staff, facilitating contact and communication at all times.
Only a phonecall or email away
- You’re only a phone call or email away. The education segment is video and slide-based and is automatically delivered as you reach every milestone in your weight loss journey. Dr. Ortiz, Dr. Martinez, and their team of innovators have developed an app that puts everything in the palm of your hand.
Mexican customs and border patrol
Mexico Customs and Immigration now requires an FMM form completed and stamped as you cross into Mexico. Please complete this form online for the land border crossing at El Chaparral. You can simply put in the Obesity Control Center on Leona Vicario when asked to fill in the address.
Please use this link to complete the form and then fax a printed copy of the FMM form to OCC along with a copy of your passport within the next 24 hours.
The documents you need for travel to OCC
- You must bring your passport and the printed FMM form with you, and you must get the FMM form stamped at customs to be allowed into Mexico. Mexico also requires that you keep your passport and stamped FMM form with you at all times.
Carry your documents when in the country
- Failure to have the completed and stamped FMM form and passport with you could cause issues during your stay in Mexico or you could have entry denied when you try to enter Mexico. Patients with dual nationality must bring and send OCC a copy of their Mexican ID (Passport or IFE) or Permit of Residence in Mexico. Patients will not be admitted for surgery without this completed form.
- If your passport or passport card is expiring within six months you will be unable to complete this form online, please get your passport renewed and fill out online, otherwise, your entry into Mexico will be delayed while you fill this out at the Mexico Customs Office.
Complete your form online
- The online FMM form can be completed within 30 days of your actual surgery date, so if you are scheduled more than 30 days in advance, please take care of this once you are within 30 days of your surgery date.
Your travel companions
- These rules also apply to your companion(s). Please make sure they have a valid passport and complete the FMM form and return to OCC with a copy of their passport.
Additional References
