The Obesity Control Center is a world leader in gastric band (Lap-Band) surgeries. Our international team of surgeons have performed more procedures of this type than anyone else in the world. Our surgeons are not only among the most qualified in the world, but they also serve as instructing doctors having trained many of the leading American surgeons in this field. 16-18
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What is a Lap-Band adjustment?
An Adjustable Gastric Band is like a balloon wrapped up around your stomach. A gastric band should restrict eating to about a third of your pre-surgical food consumption. If you can eat more than a third, you may need a “fill” or adjustment of the band. You must eat only solid foods since the band’s design restricts only solids. If you are eating mostly soft or liquid foods, we cannot evaluate the need for a fill. 16-18
Did not lose weight with the Lap-Band? We can help.
Solid food will easily pass through the band even when adequately restricted. However, after a year, even when following all proper protocols, some patients may not lose weight. They require a small adjustment to “fine-tune” their band to resume weight loss. 16-18
Why can’t I lose excess weight?
For many people, losing weight isn’t as simple as starting a new diet or implementing a new exercise routine. All over the world, millions of people struggle to achieve weight loss for a number of reasons, both medical and psychological. 16-18
Patient Success Stories
Cameron
-185 lbs
I can never express enough how grateful I am for what OCC has done for me.
I was considered overweight and obese my entire life. At 35, after years of failed diets, therapy, and research, I realized that the only way for me to permanently loose weight was to have bariatric surgery. My doctors in the US wrote letters to my insurance, emphasizing the medical necessity of this surgery. But after a year of back and forth, my insurance turned me down. I thought all hope was lost until I heard about OCC from a friend. I’d never even heard of traveling to Mexico for surgery, but, after researching and talking to the OCC, I was all in. And I’m so glad I made this choice. The amount of guidance and care I received from OCC from the moment I called for information has been better than anything I’ve experienced in the US. The procedure was smooth—I felt safe and in good hands the entire time.
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Tricia
-100 lbs
It’s highly reputable reputation and accreditation’s.
I was sick of being sick. I suffered from type 2 diabetes and fatty liver disease. I have two small children and was sick of being tired all the time and sitting on the sidelines. I decided I didn’t want to live this life anymore. That’s when I reached out to OCC and it was the best decision I ever made. I am now actually living and making each day count.
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Celeste
-203 lbs
I needed a drastic change.
I had tried losing weight and failed on my own so many times before that I just knew I could no longer do it on my own. My health insurance benefits excluded weight loss surgery and I felt so defeated! I didn’t want the insurance companies to decide what I knew I needed. It wasn’t until I started searching for cash-pay costs that I ran across the OCC website (and several others). I looked at their testimonials and tried to find some of those people – I reached out to them on social media to get their thoughts. I started doing research on Dr. Ortiz. I researched the accreditations and certifications that the OCC held and was liking what I was learning. I looked into other facilities and Dr.’s, but none of them seemed to have as high of standards as OCC. After doing research and talking with others about their experiences both at OCC and at other facilities, I decided that it was time to get more information directly from OCC.
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Charlie
-155 lbs
OCC, you gave me not only my life back, you gave me my smile back…
I have struggled with my weight my entire life. In the long run it became not only emotionally, but also medically necessary to make a drastic change in my life. I was recommended by a family friend who is also a Nurse Practitioner and she recommended me to OCC, specifically Dr. Ortiz. Of course I was apprehensive of the thought of having surgery in Mexico but she reassured me that she took care of several of OCC’s patients right here in my hometown and that if anyone knew exactly what they were doing it was OCC. I researched OCC as well as others, both domestic and foreign, and came to the conclusion that OCC was without a doubt one of the best, if not the best. From the first call to the coordinator to the moment I left Tijuana headed back home, I was treated with support, kindness, compassion, and empathy.
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Jamie
-73 lbs
I did quite a bit of reading and felt OCC was the best choice and it was!
I have struggled with my weight for all of my adult years, my highest weight was 245 at one time. I maintained my weight loss around 165 lbs until about 2 years ago when my band started not holding any fluid and realized it had a leak. I started regaining weight and put on about 50 lbs. My experience with OCC and Dr. Ortiz was wonderful! I decided to revise to the gastric sleeve and everything was great, we stayed at a very nice hotel , and the staff there was just as good. I had excellent medical care from the start. I would absolutely recommend OCC to anyone who is struggling with their weight. I am now down about 80 lbs and have never felt better. I work out with a personal trainer and run 5ks!
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Elyse
-65 lbs
Safety, professionalism, knowledge, accreditation.
I was tired of being fat, and for most 215 isn’t that bad. But for me I felt disgusting. I’m use to bring the pretty sexy one. Not the chubby funny girl. I didn’t know that out of country surgery was even a possibility. I had a friend have it done in Mexico and I was like I want that. I booked with another company and after research I found that they had a death and complications. They also used drain tubes which did not sound like fun! Then I found OCC and saw all the great reviews, no deaths and no drain tubes. I was so nervous yet excited. My experience was nothing but positive. I even came home early I was doing so well. I have tried every diet, I exercised regularly and I just kept gaining. This tool has helped me so much. I still continue to eat healthy and exercise regularly but now I actually see results or my hard work. This isn’t the easy way out you still have to put the work in.
View all Before & After Patient StoriesMeet Dr. Ariel Ortiz | Obesity Control Center
Lap-Band adjustment FAQS
How do I prepare for gastric surgery?
Will I be on a diet before the adjustment?
Is getting Lap-Band surgery in Mexico safe?
Are there any complications for lap-band?
How do I prepare for gastric surgery?
Preparation is key for a successful outcome. Additional requirements may be suggested depending on your specific case. 35-37
Will I be on a diet before the adjustment?
Preoperative weight loss will detox your liver, making it lighter, and resulting in a quicker, safer weight loss procedure with less impact on your overall status. Even 5% of total body weight loss will result in a dramatic improvement in your ability to respond to surgical stress. 35-37
Is getting Lap-Band surgery in Mexico safe?
At OCC, we have over 26,000 patients that have traveled to our center. We are less than half a mile away from the international border to the U.S.A. Tijuana is now the second busiest medical destination for the traveling patient. At OCC, we are glad to be an essential part of this great reputation, as we have four full United States-based accreditations for health and safety in gastric revision surgery. 16-18
Are there any complications for lap-band?
A common occurrence for banded patients is the regurgitation of non-acidic swallowed food from the upper pouch, commonly known as PB’ing (Productive Burping). This is not to be considered normal. The patient should consider eating less, eating more slowly, or chewing their food more thoroughly. Occasionally, the narrow passage into the larger / lower part of the stomach may become blocked by a large portion of unchewed or unsuitable food. 42, 43
Schedule your Lap-Band tightening procedure today
Call or email us here to continue your weight loss journey. One of our US-based coordinators can show you how you can get the life you’ve always wanted with the help of the Obesity Control Center.
References
Click here to see how OCC compares to other facilities in terms of surgical rates, infection rates, mortality rates, and more.
