Mexico City - Mexico's President Enrique Pena Nieto is recovering well after having his gallbladder removed in the early morning hours of Friday, June 26, his office said in a statement on Sunday.

The 48-year-old president had the operation after experiencing "intense discomfort," on Friday, when doctors said it was the only option. The illness forced Pena Nieto to cancel his plans to travel to Guatemala for a regional summit of national leaders.

The President was released from the Central Military Hospital at midday on Sunday, telling the press he was feeling "very good" and thanking doctors and nurses for their professional care. He said has been advised to lower his fat intake going forward and to limit exercise over the next few weeks.

Pena Nieto is now back in office and maintaining his normal schedule, including receiving a visit from Spanish King Felipe VI on Monday.

This was his second surgery since taking office in late 2012. In July 2013, he underwent surgery to remove a thyroid nodule, which showed no signs of malignancy.