Bariatric Surgery Pre-Op Care

As leading experts in bariatric surgery, our team of professionals at OCC knows that proper nutrition is the key to lasting weight loss. Our bariatric surgeons, nutritionists, and coordinators work together to create personalized pre-op nutrition plans for every patient to support their weight loss journey, and to ensure a successful post-op recovery. ^35-37

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What to expect before weight loss surgery?

At OCC, we understand that your health and wellness journey begins long before your weight loss surgery. Our goal is to get your body in the best shape possible before surgery, so you can enjoy a smooth and successful recovery. That means we must reduce your liver inflammation, minimize the level of carbohydrates in your system, and detoxify and replenish your body’s vital nutrients. ^30-32

Why choose us?

When you are under the care of our bariatric surgeons, you are being treated by world-renowned medical professionals who have pioneered some of the most advanced techniques available worldwide. We are located just 1 mile from the U.S./Mexico border, and our private luxury van will pick you up at San Diego airport, manage the border crossing, and transport you to our sparkling, modern facility, located in the exclusive Zona Rio area. OCC has achieved health and safety accreditations higher than many U.S.-based hospitals, and is designated as a Center of Excellence. ^30-32

The best pre-op program for weight loss surgery

Proper nutrition is the best pre-op step you can take to foster your body’s natural ability to heal itself after the procedure. While each person has their own objectives for choosing bariatric surgery — chronic health concerns, breathing problems, cosmetic issues, etc. — nutrition lays the foundation for long-term weight management.

Our nutritionist team is here to guide you.

To achieve the safest post-surgery outcome and optimize your weight loss results, the industry-leading bariatric team at OCC, which includes board-certified bariatric surgeon Dr. Ariel Ortiz®, chief nutritionist Lucía Chávez, CN, IFNCP, and bariatric coordinator Alma Lopez, MD, offer a personalized pre-op nutrition plan for every patient.

Obesity Control Center – Our personalized pre-op nutrition program

OCC, located just minutes outside of San Diego, recognizes that no two patients are the same, and neither are their nutrition plans. Some patients require year-long plans to achieve lasting weight loss, while others respond to a one-month plan. Most patients, however, need to follow a two-week pre-op plan before undergoing weight loss surgery. ^44-47

The three pillars of our pre-op surgical plan at OCC

While every pre-op nutrition plan is tailored to each patient, they all follow OCC’s three specific pillars of intervention to target nutritional imbalances. These three pillars are:

De-carb

De-carbing your system is an essential step in taking control of your health. Sugar is a naturally occurring soluble carbohydrate that has been linked to a broad range of serious health complications, including cardiovascular disease, diabetes, PCOS, high cholesterol, and even premature aging. The OCC pre-op plan aims to replace your carbohydrate consumption with healthier, more nutritious options.

De-tox

Toxins impact every aspect of your system, from your weight to your energy levels. Throughout life, your body constantly accumulates dietary, environmental, and lifestyle toxins that can negatively affect your overall health. In fact, a high toxic load can lead to organ damage, particularly in the gut, lungs, and skin. To detoxify your system, OCC removes toxic foods from your diet and replaces them with highly nutritious options, as well as vitamin-packed supplements.

Replenish

Replenishing your body with the vitamins, minerals, and nutrients that allow it to function efficiently is the final step in your personalized nutrition plan. By following OCC’s core nutrition principles, you can help repair your digestive system, repopulate your gut’s beneficial bacteria, and maximize the absorption of nutrients before undergoing bariatric surgery.

Preparing for your personalized pre-op nutrition plan

Located mere minutes outside of San Diego, OCC is dedicated to supporting their patients at every step of the weight loss process. After your initial consultation, the OCC team creates your personalized nutrition plan. In addition to pre-op testing, which includes a complete blood count (CBC), chemistry panel, urinalysis, and any other necessary tests, your OCC nutritionist will send you a Health Survey to complete as soon as possible.

Your custom nutrition plan – we treat you as the individual you are.

We use the information from your Health Survey to craft your customized nutrition plan, so it’s important to be as detailed and honest as possible when filling it out. Within 48 hours, our nutritionist will send you a comprehensive nutrition plan to follow. This email will include:

The goal weight determined by your bariatric surgeon team
Full details regarding your diet
A supplement purchase guide
Sample daily menus
Information on meal portion sizes
Helpful infographics
Links to useful blog posts and recipes
Information about routine check-ins

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Specialized pre-op nutrition plans

Every personalized nutrition plan also includes an extended pre-op, which you can follow before the 14-day pre-op. If you are a Special Care Patient (SPC), a revision patient, or if you weigh more than 375 lbs. or have a body mass index (BMI) over 50, your OCC coordinator may schedule a phone consultation to discuss your pre-op plan. ^44-47

Join the #OCCFamily

At OCC, you, and your journey to health matter to us.

If you’re struggling to maintain a healthy weight, bariatric surgery is the most effective solution for long-lasting weight loss. Obesity-related diseases, such as diabetes, make life more difficult. With our bariatric surgeons, nutritionists, and coordinators on your side, Obesity Control Center, just outside of San Diego, can help you achieve more optimal health with advanced bariatric surgery.

Meet Dr. Ariel Ortiz | Obesity Control Center

Our multifaceted approach to treatment

Obesity is a complex condition that requires a multifaceted approach to treatment. There are many varied factors that influence obesity, including hormones, dietary habits, and specific underlying conditions. As a result, outcomes can vary from patient to patient.

Preparing for a successful weight-loss journey

The best way to set yourself up for success is to stay motivated in reaching your weight loss goals. Following a pre-op nutrition plan not only improves your health before bariatric surgery, but it also gives you an opportunity to form healthy habits that you can build upon during the post-op recovery process.

Schedule your gastric procedure today!

If you’re ready to begin your weight loss journey today, call Obesity Control Center or email us here. Our US-based bariatric coordinators are always available to answer your questions about weight loss surgery at OCC.