At Obesity Control Center (OCC), we consider surgery as the starting line, not the finish. With 26,000+ successful bariatric procedures and a 5-year follow-up program, our team partners with you across recovery, weight loss, and long-term stabilization so you can feel energetic, confident, and in control. Below is your evidence-based playbook for what to eat, how to move, and how to truly thrive after surgery.
Phase-Based Eating: What It Is and Why It Matters
Your nutrition plan will progress gradually. This helps protect healing tissue, keep lean muscle, and avoid complications.
Here’s what that may look like for you:
- Liquids → soft/puréed → regular textures (timing individualized by your OCC care team)
- According to the American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery (ASMBS), most patients begin with liquids and gradually advance to solids while drinking ~64 oz (1.9 L) of fluid daily and prioritizing protein
- Aim for at least 60 g/day of protein and up to 1.5 g/kg of ideal body weight
- Dehydration is the #1 readmission driver after bariatric surgery, so sip constantly and separate fluids from meals to prevent dizziness, constipation, kidney stones, and fatigue
When you’re on solids, keep the following in mind:
- Protein first (lean meats, eggs, Greek yogurt, cottage cheese; plant proteins as tolerated), then non-starchy vegetables, then high-fiber carbs
- Always chew thoroughly and eat slowly
- Your OCC dietitians will tailor texture, portion, and timing to your procedure and tolerance
Lifelong Vitamins & Labs
Anatomy changes mean your micronutrient plan must be proactive. Here’s what we may suggest based on ASMBS recommendations:
- Multivitamin (bariatric-specific)
- Calcium citrate 1,200–1,500 mg/day (in divided doses, away from iron)
- Vitamin D3 commonly ~3,000 IU/day until serum 25-OH-D ≥30 ng/mL (then individualized)
- B12 and iron, as indicated by labs and procedure type
Rest assured, your OCC team orders periodic labs and adjusts dosing to make this step as effortless as possible for you.
Movement That Accelerates Results (and Feels Good!)
Activity starts gently and builds methodically, as SOARD expert guidance supports structured, progressive programs tailored to your surgery and recovery status. For example:
- Baseline target: Per the CDC, adults benefit from ≥150 minutes/week of moderate-intensity aerobic activity plus 2+ days/week of muscle strengthening.
- Bariatric-specific nuance: In the early weeks, focus on walking, breathing exercises, and mobility; resistance training is then layered to preserve bone and lean mass.
Your OCC exercise plan is phased to your recovery and may include wearable-guided step goals, resistance bands, and low-impact cardio. And because consistency is key, we’ll help you find the most sustainable mix for your lifestyle.
Mindset, Support, and Follow-Up: The OCC Difference
Obesity is a chronic disease, and structured follow-up improves outcomes; according to ASMBS, patients benefit from frequent visits in year one and annual visits for life.
When you partner with OCC, we’re here to support you by providing the following:
- Five years of guided follow-up with multilingual coordinators, online groups, and rapid access to your surgical team
- Concierge logistics (border guidance, hotel, transport) designed to reduce stress so you can focus on recovery and healthy routines
- Procedure-specific pathways that personalize nutrition, labs, movement, and supplements to your anatomy, tolerance, and goals
Meet Your Experts
Dr. Ariel Ortiz®, FACS, FASMBS
- Medical Director and internationally recognized pioneer in bariatric surgery
- Featured on The Oprah Winfrey Show
- A consultant who has trained hundreds of surgeons worldwide
- Holds the distinction of Master Surgeon of Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery
- Contributed groundbreaking techniques such as the IGS Improved Gastric Sleeve® and the Stomach Sparing Gastric Sleeve®
Dr. Arturo Martinez, FACS, FASMBS
- Chief of Surgery with over 25 years of advanced laparoscopic and bariatric surgery experience
- Trained at leading institutions in Mexico and Spain
- Also a Master Surgeon of Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery
- Respected educator, lecturer, and contributor to scientific publications in the field
Your Next Steps With OCC
The first step to transforming your life with bariatric surgery is to consult with some of the nation’s top surgeons. Collectively, our surgeons have over 50 years of combined experience, along with international fellowships and published innovations that have influenced modern bariatric practices. Unlike other centers that depend on brokers or low-cost teams, patients at OCC are always under the direct care of highly trained and internationally credentialed surgeons.
Obesity Control Center's medical team is accredited by the Joint Commission International, representing the same gold standard awarded to elite hospitals in the United States. Our center also holds multiple international designations of excellence, ensuring you receive the best care possible.
You bring your commitment; we provide world-class safety, innovation, and five years of support. Schedule your consultation today and experience the #OCCFamily difference.
