Why Traveling to Tijuana for Bariatric Surgery at Obesity Control Center Is Safe, Seamless, and Life-Changing

For many individuals struggling with obesity, the idea of traveling abroad for weight loss surgery can raise questions, especially when the destination is Tijuana, Mexico. While the benefits of bariatric surgery are clear, long-term weight loss, disease reversal, and  improved quality of life, choosing to have the procedure outside the U.S. is a major decision.  At Obesity Control Center (OCC), we understand those concerns. And we’re here to assure you that not only is traveling to Tijuana for your surgery with us safe, but it may be one of the most rewarding choices you'll ever make.

With more than 26,000 successful surgeries, full accreditation by Joint Commission International (JCI), and a complication rate below 1%, OCC is one of the world’s most trusted and advanced bariatric centers. Our patients come from across the United States, Canada, and beyond, often after years of researching the safest and most effective care available.

So, why is it safe? Let’s walk through what makes OCC the gold standard in medical tourism, and why your journey with us will be secure, seamless, and stress-free.

1. Internationally Accredited, World-Class Medical Facility

The biggest misconception about surgery in Mexico is that the standards don’t match those of U.S. hospitals. The truth at OCC couldn’t be more different.

Obesity Control Center operates within Hospital Cyntar Tijuana, a state-of-the-art facility located just minutes from the U.S.-Mexico border. This modern, private hospital is fully licensed and has achieved Joint Commission International (JCI) accreditation three times - a distinction awarded only to the most elite medical institutions worldwide. This means our safety protocols, infection control standards, and quality of care meet or exceed those of top-tier U.S. hospitals.

We’ve also earned certification as a Center of Excellence in Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery and Center of Excellence in Specialized Anesthesia for Obesity, further demonstrating our commitment to patient safety, innovation, and long-term results.

2. A Surgical Team That’s Redefined the Field

Our lead surgeon, Dr. Ariel Ortiz, is one of the world’s most recognized pioneers in bariatric surgery. He is a board-certified general and bariatric surgeon with more than two decades of experience, having performed surgeries in over 100 hospitals across the United States. Dr. Ortiz holds the distinction of being a Surgeon of Excellence in Bariatric and Metabolic Surgery, and is regularly invited to speak and train at international surgical symposiums, including the prestigious Oxford University Congress.

Dr. Ortiz and his team have developed breakthrough techniques like the Improved Gastric Sleeve® and Double Buttress Technique™, which minimize complications and improve outcomes. It’s this innovation, combined with unmatched expertise, that keeps our complication rate below 1% and our infection rate near zero.

3. Seamless, Door-to-Door Logistics - We Handle Everything

From your first phone call with our Personal Concierge Team to your final follow-up check-in, OCC makes the process simple and stress-free.

Your experience begins the moment you land at San Diego International Airport. A private OCC driver will meet you and escort you directly across the border to our luxury partner hotel just minutes from the hospital. You'll never have to navigate border crossings, taxis, or local transportation on your own.

Our all-inclusive concierge package includes:

• Roundtrip private transportation from the airport to your hotel and hospital
• English-speaking staff available 24/7
• Five-star accommodations at a nearby hotel
• Personalized nutrition and pre-op planning
• A 5-year post-operative support program

With our bilingual team guiding you every step of the way, your care will be as smooth and comfortable as possible. From booking to recovery, we’re here for you: before, during, and long after your surgery.

4. Addressing Safety Concerns: The Truth About Tijuana

It’s natural to feel uneasy when reading recent headlines about border tensions, immigration policy shifts, or deportation issues. While these stories are valid and newsworthy, they do not reflect the experience of OCC patients or the reality of visiting Tijuana for medical care.

Here’s what you need to know:

• Our facility is located in the Zona Río district, Tijuana’s most upscale and secure medical and business area. It’s only 20 minutes from the San Diego airport and just blocks from the U.S. border.
• Patients are never left to navigate Tijuana alone. Every movement is prearranged and guided - hotel, hospital, and transportation are all part of a secure OCC-managed loop.
• No interaction with immigration facilities or migrant camps is involved in your visit. The route is direct, private, and designed for the safety and comfort of international patients.

In fact, thousands of Americans safely cross the border daily for business, travel, and healthcare. Our patients consistently report feeling safe, cared for, and confident throughout their stay.

5. A Track Record of Excellence You Can Trust

The numbers speak for themselves:

• Over 26,000 successful bariatric procedures
• Less than 1% complication rate
• Over 250,000 pounds lost by patients
• Patients from 50+ countries, primarily the U.S. and Canada
• 4.9-star average rating from over 500 patient reviews

What truly sets OCC apart is our commitment to long-term care. We’re one of the only bariatric centers in the world to include five years of post-op support as part of your treatment. Through virtual support groups, a custom mobile app, nutritionist consultations, and dedicated patient coordinators, you remain a valued member of the #OCCFamily for life.

6. Patients Say It Best

“I traveled alone and was never afraid. The whole OCC team helped me from the moment I landed. I’ve had zero complications and have lost 90 lbs in one year. I would do it all over again in a heartbeat.”

“The moment I met the staff at OCC, I knew I was in a very special place. Everyone—from the drivers to the doctors—was professional, kind, and completely focused on my care.”

“I was worried about traveling to Mexico at first. But the experience was smoother, safer, and more luxurious than most U.S. hospitals I’ve been to.”

Your Journey Starts Here

If you’ve been waiting for a safe, trusted, and affordable solution for long-term weight loss, now is the time. Obesity Control Center is more than a surgical facility, it’s a global leader in medical excellence, compassion, and transformation.

We encourage you to reach out to our Personal Concierge Team to ask any questions you may have. We’ll walk you through every detail of your journey, from your consultation to your return home, and we’ll be with you every step of the way.

Start your journey with OCC today. Your health, your confidence, and your future are worth it.