Meet Dr. Gabriela Rodríguez: Double Board-Certified Bariatric Surgeon
Meet Dr. Gabriela Rodríguez
MD, PhD FACS
”Every person who comes to me seeking change carries a unique story—one filled with challenges, goals, and hope. My mission is to provide more than just safe surgery. I’m here to guide you through a complete transformation, one that restores your health, energy, and confidence. Together, we’ll create a personalized plan that respects your body, your time, and your goals. You’re not alone in this journey—I’ll be with you every step of the way.
Dr. Gabriela Rodríguez Ruiz
- Medical Title: Double Board-Certified Bariatric Surgeon (FACS, CMCG)
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Accreditation: Master Surgeon of Excellence (Surgical Review Corporation)
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Experience: 15+ Years | 7,800+ Successful Surgeries
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Safety Record: 0.020% Complication Rate (Audited)
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Facility: AAAASF (QUAD A) Accredited Surgical Center
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Anesthesia: Board-Certified MD Anesthesiologists Only (No CRNAs)
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Languages: Fluent English & Spanish
When you’re trusting someone to permanently alter your anatomy, you want more than just credentials on a wall. You want to know who they really are, how they think, and why they’ve dedicated their life to this specific type of surgery.
I’m Dr. Gabriela Rodriguez Ruiz, I am a double board-certified bariatric and metabolic surgeon practicing in Tijuana, Mexico. I hold an M.D. and PhD, am a Fellow of the American College of Surgeons (FACS), and have achieved the designation of Master Surgeon in Metabolic & Bariatric Surgery. I specialize in laparoscopic gastric sleeve surgery, gastric bypass, revision bariatric surgery, and metabolic procedures for Type 2 diabetes. Let me tell you my story.
Why I Chose Bariatric Surgery
Early in my surgical career, I watched general surgery colleagues treat the same patients repeatedly: diabetics with foot ulcers, heart disease complications, joint replacements in 40-year-olds. The root cause was almost always obesity, but we were just managing symptoms.
Then I observed my first gastric bypass at the University of Texas in Houston. The patient was off insulin within a month. Their sleep apnea disappeared. They went from barely walking to running 5Ks. That’s when I knew: this is how we actually change lives, not just extend them.
I completed my fellowship there, learning from pioneers who developed many techniques we still use today. But technical skill is only part of the equation. What makes bariatric surgery successful is understanding each patient as a whole person, not just a BMI to fix.
The Enhanced Sleeve Protocol: Safety & Precision
Every surgeon has their style. Mine is methodical, perhaps to a fault. My OR team jokes that they could perform my surgeries blindfolded because I do everything the exact same way, every single time.
This consistency matters. When you standardize technique, you minimize variables. Fewer variables mean fewer complications.
For gastric sleeves (my most common procedure), I’ve developed what I call the Enhanced Gastric Sleeve protocol:
- Double reinforcement of the staple line with buttressing material
- Systematic check for hiatal hernias (found in 30% of patients)
- Repair of any hernias during the same operation
- Drain-free approach that reduces discomfort and infection risk
These aren’t flashy innovations. They’re careful refinements based on thousands of cases and honest evaluation of outcomes.
Verified Safety Stats: 0.020% Complication Rate
Let’s talk numbers, because they matter:
Overall complication rate: 0.020%
Leak rate for sleeves: 0.012%
Average excess weight loss at 18 months: 72%
These aren’t marketing statistics. They’re audited outcomes reported to the Surgical Review Corporation.
My most serious and ONLY complication? A gastric leak three years ago in a revision patient. Caught it early, managed it aggressively, and the patient recovered fully. She’s down 140 pounds now and runs marathons.
The complications that keep me up at night aren’t the dramatic ones. They’re the patients who don’t lose enough weight because they can’t follow the program. Technical success means nothing without life change.
Board Certifications & Global Accreditations (FACS, SRC, PhD)
Yes, I have a few letters after my name. Here’s what they mean, in plain English:
FACS (Fellow of the American College of Surgeons). This is earned through rigorous peer review, verified ethics, and ongoing education. It signals adherence to recognized surgical standards.
Master Surgeon in Bariatric Surgery (SRC). An independent audit of outcomes, safety protocols, and program quality. This designation is based on documented results and comprehensive standards, not a simple membership.
Master Surgeon in Metabolic Medicine. Because weight-loss surgery is about health, not just pounds. The focus is improving metabolic disease, including diabetes, sleep apnea, and cardiovascular risk, when clinically appropriate.
Certification by the Mexican College of Surgery for Obesity and Metabolic Diseases (CMCOEM). Obesity is a chronic disease with genetic, hormonal, and environmental drivers. This certification reflects training to treat it medically and surgically, with a multidisciplinary approach.
PhD in Genetics and Molecular Biology. Brown Foundation Institute of Molecular Medicine, Center for Cardiovascular Genetics, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston. Advanced research training that informs patient selection, risk assessment, and long-term outcomes.
Honestly, the credential I value most is the trust of more than 7,000 patients who have allowed me to be part of their journey.
My Commitment to You
If you choose me as your surgeon, here’s what I promise:
- I will evaluate you honestly and only recommend surgery if it’s right for you.
- I will perform your surgery myself, not hand you off to a resident or partner.
- I will be available throughout your recovery, including nights and weekends.
- I will support you long-term, celebrating successes and troubleshooting challenges.
- I will treat you with dignity regardless of your weight, background, or circumstances.
The Personal Side
Outside the OR, I’m a mother of two, a terrible cook (ironic for a bariatric surgeon), and an avid reader of mystery novels. I’ve struggled with weight myself, though never to the point of needing surgery. I understand the shame, frustration, and desperation obesity brings.
I chose to practice in Tijuana not for the medical tourism industry, but because this is home. My family is here. My community is here. The fact that I can provide excellent care at accessible prices to international patients is a bonus, not the goal.
Why Choose Dr. Gabriela for Your Surgery in Tijuana?
You’re not just choosing a surgeon. You’re choosing a philosophy of care, a support system, and a partner in transformation. The letters after my name matter less than the commitment behind them.
Bariatric surgery is my calling, not my job. Every patient teaches me something. Every surgery reminds me why I chose this path. After 15 years and thousands of surgeries, I still feel privileged to be part of each journey.
Frequently Asked Questions About Dr. Gabriela Rodríguez
Is Dr. Gabriela Rodríguez Board-Certified in the United States?
Yes. Dr. Gabriela is a Double Board-Certified bariatric surgeon. She holds the prestigious FACS designation (Fellow of the American College of Surgeons), indicating she meets rigorous US standards for education, training, and surgical competence. She is also fully certified by the Mexican College of Surgery for Obesity (CMCOEM).
What is Dr. Gabriela’s surgical safety record?
Transparency is a core value of our practice. Dr. Gabriela maintains an audited complication rate of just 0.020% and a leak rate of 0.012% for gastric sleeves—statistics that are significantly lower than the international average. She has been designated a Master Surgeon of Excellence by the Surgical Review Corporation (SRC) based on these outcomes.
Does Dr. Gabriela use Nurse Anesthetists (CRNAs)?
No. For maximum patient safety, Dr. Gabriela’s surgical team exclusively uses Board-Certified MD Anesthesiologists. Unlike many clinics in Tijuana that utilize nurse anesthetists to cut costs, we believe a medical doctor should manage your sedation and airway at all times.
How many bariatric surgeries has Dr. Gabriela performed?
Dr. Gabriela has successfully performed over 7,800 bariatric procedures in her 15+ years of practice. Her high-volume experience allows her to handle complex cases and anatomical variations with precision.
Does Dr. Gabriela perform the surgery herself?
Absolutely. Dr. Gabriela is not a “ghost surgeon.” She performs your consultation, your surgery, and oversees your recovery personally. She limits her daily caseload to ensure she is fresh, focused, and attentive to every patient.
What makes Dr. Gabriela’s “Enhanced Gastric Sleeve” different?
Unlike standard sleeves, Dr. Gabriela’s Enhanced Gastric Sleeve Protocol
includes three safety layers: Double-Buttress Reinforcement (Seamguard) to prevent leaks, active Hiatal Hernia Repair to prevent reflux, and a Drain-Free Technique using TAP blocks for a painless recovery.
