
The Gold Standard for Metabolic Health & Weight Loss
Quick Takeaways: The TL;DR Version
- The “Gold Standard”: Combines stomach restriction (smaller pouch) with malabsorption (bypassing part of the intestine) for maximum weight loss.
- Best Candidates: Ideal for patients with Type 2 Diabetes (high remission rates) and Severe Acid Reflux/GERD (it stops reflux, unlike the Sleeve).
- Results: Expect to lose 60% to 80% of your excess body weight within 12–18 months.
- Hospital Stay: Minimally invasive (laparoscopic) surgery with a 1–2 night hospital stay.
- Commitment: Unlike the Sleeve, the Bypass requires a stricter, lifelong commitment to daily vitamins to prevent nutrient deficiencies.
A Message from Dr. Gabriela Rodríguez
Welcome. If you are reading this, you are likely looking for a solution that goes beyond simple dieting—you are looking for a metabolic reset.
As a surgeon with a background in molecular biology and genetics, I view obesity not just as a weight issue, but as a complex metabolic disease. While the Gastric Sleeve is an excellent tool for many, the Gastric Bypass (Roux-en-Y) remains the “gold standard” in bariatric surgery for a reason. It offers a powerful combination of restriction and metabolic therapy that can reverse conditions like Type 2 Diabetes and severe acid reflux (GERD) almost immediately.
With over 6,800 surgeries performed and my designation as a Master Surgeon of Excellence, my promise to you is safety, precision, and a procedure tailored to your unique physiology.
What is the Gastric Bypass?
The Gastric Bypass is a dual-mechanism procedure that helps you lose weight in two distinct ways:
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Restriction: I create a small, walnut-sized pouch at the top of your stomach. This limits the amount of food you can eat at one time, helping you feel full faster.
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Malabsorption: I then reroute a portion of your small intestine directly to this new pouch. This allows food to bypass the larger part of the stomach and the first section of the small intestine, reducing the calories and nutrients your body absorbs.
The Result: You consume less, absorb less, and—crucially—your body experiences a favorable shift in gut hormones that reduces hunger and improves insulin sensitivity.
Why Choose Gastric Bypass Over the Sleeve?
During our consultation, we will decide which procedure is best for you, but generally, the Gastric Bypass is the superior choice if:
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You suffer from Acid Reflux (GERD): Unlike the Sleeve, which can sometimes aggravate reflux, the Bypass is actually a cure for severe heartburn because it reduces upward pressure in the stomach.
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You have Type 2 Diabetes: The metabolic changes in the Bypass are often more aggressive against diabetes, with many patients seeing their blood sugar normalize days after surgery, even before significant weight loss.
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You have a Higher BMI: For patients with a BMI over 45-50, the malabsorptive component of the Bypass often provides that extra power needed to reach a healthy weight.
You have been fighting this battle for a long time. It’s time to put down the armor.
The Procedure: What to Expect
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Technique: I perform this surgery laparoscopically (minimally invasive). This means tiny incisions, less pain, and a faster recovery.
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Duration: The surgery typically takes about 90 minutes to 2 hours.
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Hospital Stay: You will stay with us for 1 to 2 nights, where my team and I will monitor you closely to ensure there are no leaks and that you are hydrating well.
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Enhanced Safety: Just like with my Sleeve procedures, I utilize advanced stapling technology and rigorous leak-tests to exceed international safety standards.
Recovery & Life After Surgery
Recovery is a journey we take together. Most patients return to light activities within a week and full normal routines within 3 to 4 weeks.
You can expect to lose 60% to 80% of your excess body weight within the first 12–18 months. But the scale is just one metric. The real victory is the “Non-Scale Victories” (NSVs)—tying your shoes without struggle, chasing your children without fatigue, and seeing your health markers improve.
Am I a Candidate?
You may be a candidate for Gastric Bypass if:
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Your BMI is 40 or higher.
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Your BMI is 35 or higher with obesity-related conditions (Diabetes, Hypertension, Sleep Apnea).
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You are committed to a lifetime of vitamin supplementation (essential for Bypass patients due to malabsorption).
Ready to Change Your Life?
Deciding to undergo surgery is an act of self-love and courage. I am here to answer every question and guide you from your first consultation through your long-term recovery.
There are many surgeons in Tijuana. Why choose me?
I am a woman in a male-dominated field. I understand the pressure society puts on us to look a certain way. I approach surgery with a “gentle touch” philosophy. I treat your tissue with extreme care to minimize bruising and pain. My Gastric Bypass technique is the result of years of analyzing how to give patients the safest, most durable results. I am Board Certified, and I treat every patient like a family member, not a statistic.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Will I need to take vitamins forever?
Yes. Because we are bypassing a part of the intestine that absorbs nutrients, taking a daily bariatric multivitamin, calcium, and iron is non-negotiable to prevent deficiencies.
Is the surgery reversible?
While technically reversible in emergencies, you should consider this a permanent change. It is designed to be a lifelong tool for weight management.
Can I get the Bypass if I already had a Sleeve?
Yes. This is called a “Revision Surgery.” If you had a Sleeve years ago and developed severe reflux or regained weight, converting to a Bypass is often the best solution.








