Conflict of Interest Disclosure

A plain-language statement of the financial and organizational relationships that could influence our content — disclosed so readers can judge our information fairly.

Last reviewed: June 2026

Why We Disclose

Trust depends on transparency. Because our editorial team is affiliated with healthcare organizations in the bariatric field, we disclose those relationships clearly rather than hiding them.

Financial Relationships

This website is published by an editorial team affiliated with Hospital Cyntar and The Ariel Center for Cosmetic Surgery, part of the OCC & Ariel Center network. These organizations operate surgical facilities and may benefit when patients pursue care. This relationship is disclosed on every relevant page.

Sponsorships and Advertising

Where any content is sponsored or where advertising appears, it is identified as such. Sponsored placement does not change our editorial descriptions or our published methodology.

Referral Arrangements

If a patient chooses to contact a featured provider through this site, that provider may be within our affiliated network. Such referral or coordination relationships are disclosed and do not automatically determine how providers are described or compared.

How We Manage Conflicts

We manage conflicts through open disclosure, sourced and verifiable claims, a documented methodology, separation of commercial and editorial decisions, and clinical review of medical content.

References

Sources reviewed include:

  • ASMBS
  • IFSO
  • NIH
  • PubMed
  • Joint Commission International
  • Surgical Review Corporation
  • Global Healthcare Accreditation
View Evidence Library

Medical Review

Reviewed By

Dr. Ariel Ortiz, MD, FACS, FASMBS

Founder, Obesity Control Center

Last Reviewed: June 2026

This content is educational and does not constitute medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Treatment decisions should be individualized and made with a qualified healthcare professional. A medical evaluation is required. Results vary.