Dr. Gabriela Rodriguez
Obesity/Bariatric Surgery
15+
Years of Experience
About Dr. Gabriela Rodriguez
Dr. Gabriela Rodríguez Ruiz, MD, PhD, FACS is a double board-certified bariatric and metabolic surgeon with more than 15 years of experience helping patients from the U.S., Canada and Latin America reach their goals of permanent weight loss and improved health in Tijuana, Mexico. She obtained her medical degree from the Autonomous University of Baja California (UABC) and her PhD in Molecular Biology and Genetics from the University of Texas Health Science Center in Houston. She is licensed in the United States and Mexico, and practices at VIDA Wellness and Beauty Center in Tijuana, which is only minutes from San Diego.
Professional Background
- Years of Practice: 15+ years
- Procedures Performed: 7,800+ successful weight loss surgeries: Gastric Sleeve, Gastric Bypass, Gastric Banding, and Revision surgeries.
- Certifications: Fellow of the American College of Surgeons (FACS); certified by the Mexican Council of General Surgery and the Mexican College of Bariatric Surgery and Metabolic Medicine (CMCOEM)
- Designations: Surgical Review Corporation (SRC) Master Surgeon of Excellence in Metabolic & Bariatric Surgery; Founding Associate of the Mexican College of General Surgeons.
Innovations & Contributions
- Proprietary Techniques: Double Buttress Technique (for reinforced staple lines during gastric sleeve surgery); Enhanced Gastric Sleeve protocol.
- Research Contributions: Co-authored published research on the Stomach Sparing Gastric Sleeve™ (Surgical Technology International, 2015); contributed to several peer-reviewed research projects presented at Digestive Disease Week (2009) on hepatocyte growth factor and liver malignancy markers.
Good to know
Speciality
Language Spoken
Awards
- • Master Surgeon in Metabolic & Bariatric Surgery
- • International Fellow
Lead Bariatric Surgeon
2011 - Present
Bariatric and Laparoscopic Surgeon
CosMed Clinic
2011 - Present
Hospital Affiliations
CosMed Clinic
CosMed Clinic offers medical tourism services from a specialized cosmetic surgery center in Tijuana, Mexico. The clinic provides aesthetic treatments for foreign patients who want to undergo cosmetic surgery abroad. It was founded by Dr. Alberto Lara Jimenez, who established this model as an international cosmetic surgery destination with a focus on delivering patient-centered, structured care through standardized surgical approaches. As such, CosMed Clinic has become one of many options that patients have when looking for places to get a cosmetic procedure performed in Mexico. ### Medical Specialties CosMed Clinic delivers cosmetic and plastic surgery procedures that include body sculpting (body contouring), breast surgery (including breast augmentation) and facial rejuvenation/aesthetics. Because these surgeries require advanced surgical methods and appropriate preoperative testing, CosMed's clinical philosophy emphasizes quality and consistency through careful, personalized preoperative assessment and treatment planning in addition to the delivery of all other aspects of preoperative preparation. ### International Patient Care As a result of its design for international patients, CosMed Clinic will provide the same level of care during the entire course of your treatment as you would receive at home. These services can include: - Preoperative evaluation/consultations prior to your travel - Coordination/treatment planning/ scheduling - Bilingual staff to assist with your needs ### Patient Experience Because we believe that your safety and comfort are important to us as much as they are to you, our goal is to make sure that you know what is happening at each step in the process. We also understand how stressful traveling for medical reasons can be; therefore, we strive to make this process simple and provide you with continuous care before, during, and after your trip.
Learn MorePerformed by Dr. Gabriela Rodriguez
Obesity/Bariatric Surgery
Bariatric surgery abroad covers gastric sleeve, gastric bypass, mini gastric bypass, gastric balloon, and revisional weight loss procedures performed by experienced bariatric surgeons. These life-changing operations are not limited to weight reduction alone, they resolve obesity-related conditions like type 2 diabetes, hypertension, and sleep apnea. The cost factor drives most patients toward bariatric surgery abroad. A gastric sleeve that costs $18,000 to $30,000 at home may be available for $4,000 to $8,000 abroad at equally accredited hospitals with board-certified bariatric surgeons and comprehensive pre- and post-operative programs. Leading international bariatric centers offer shorter waiting times, comprehensive nutritional and psychological evaluation, and dedicated aftercare support. Patients consistently report more structured preparation, individualized surgical planning, and thorough follow-up care than they received at home. The surgeon's bariatric certification and the program's aftercare structure are the most important factors to consider. Always confirm the program includes a dietitian, psychologist, and long-term follow-up plan for clarity with plan. Dietary compliance, supplementation adherence, and lifestyle changes after surgery are what ultimately determine long-term success.
Weight Loss Program
Medical weight loss programs abroad offer medically supervised, evidence-based weight management combining nutritional therapy, GLP-1 pharmacotherapy, behavioral coaching, exercise medicine, and body composition monitoring. Programs are designed for sustainable, healthy weight loss — not short-term dieting — and address the metabolic and psychological drivers of obesity. Comprehensive medical weight loss care is expensive and fragmented in many countries. A medically supervised weight loss program that costs $8,000 to $20,000 at home may be available for $2,000 to $6,000 abroad at equally qualified medical wellness centers with physicians, dietitians, and behavioral coaches. Leading international medical [weight loss](https://curemeabroad.com/treatments/obesity-bariatric-surgery/weight-loss-medications) centers offer thorough metabolic and hormonal assessment, personalized nutrition and pharmacotherapy plans, and structured exercise programs with ongoing monitoring. Patients consistently report more individualized, science-based weight management than they found through commercial slimming programs at home. The physician's expertise in metabolic medicine and the program's long-term support structure are the most important factors. Confirm the program includes a clinical dietitian and behavioral health support. Sustained lifestyle changes in eating habits, physical activity, sleep quality, and stress management are the essential foundation for maintaining weight loss results long-term.
Laparoscopic Surgery
Laparoscopic surgery abroad covers minimally invasive keyhole procedures for abdominal and pelvic conditions including cholecystectomy, hernia repair, appendectomy, bariatric surgery, and gynecologic operations. Small incisions, a high-definition camera, and precision instruments replace large open cuts, resulting in less pain and faster recovery. Laparoscopic surgical costs differ substantially between countries. A [laparoscopic procedure](https://curemeabroad.com/treatments/fertility-treatment/laparoscopic-hysteroscopy-and-sonohysterography) that costs $15,000 to $30,000 at home may be available for $2,500 to $7,000 abroad at equally accredited hospitals with experienced laparoscopic surgeons performing high-volume, low-complication procedures. [Leading international laparoscopic centers](https://curemeabroad.com/) offer shorter waiting times, single-incision surgical options, and structured same-day or next-day discharge protocols. Patients consistently report receiving more streamlined, efficient surgical experiences than they found at home. The surgeon's laparoscopic case volume and the hospital's minimally invasive surgical accreditation are the most critical factors. Confirm the surgeon regularly performs your specific [laparoscopic](https://curemeabroad.com/treatments/laparoscopic-surgery/laparoscopic-hiatal-hernia-repair-procedure) procedure. Following postoperative wound care, activity limitations, and dietary instructions directly influences healing and outcomes.
General Surgery
General surgery abroad covers hernia repair, cholecystectomy, appendectomy, thyroidectomy, colorectal surgery, and abdominal procedures using minimally invasive laparoscopic and robotic techniques. These procedures address common surgical conditions with high precision, minimal scarring, and rapid recovery. General surgical costs vary greatly between countries. A [laparoscopic](https://curemeabroad.com/treatments/laparoscopic-surgery) cholecystectomy that costs $15,000 to $25,000 at home may be available for $2,000 to $5,000 abroad at equally accredited hospitals with board-certified general surgeons performing high-volume, low-complication procedures. [Leading international surgical centers](https://curemeabroad.com/) offer shorter waiting times, advanced laparoscopic and robotic capabilities, and streamlined pre-operative and post-operative care. Patients consistently report receiving more attentive surgical planning and recovery support than they experienced at home. The surgeon's laparoscopic experience and the hospital's accreditation are the most important factors. Confirm the surgeon's annual procedure volume and complication rates. Following postoperative wound care instructions, activity restrictions, and dietary guidelines directly influences recovery speed and long-term outcomes.
General Medicine
General medicine consultations abroad provide access to experienced internists and general physicians for thorough diagnostic evaluations, second medical opinions, chronic disease reviews, and specialist referrals. International hospitals deliver comprehensive medical assessments with same-week appointments and fast-tracked investigations. Accessing a thorough [general medicine](https://curemeabroad.com/treatments/general-surgery) evaluation in many countries involves long waits and high costs. A comprehensive internal medicine consultation and workup that costs $2,000 to $5,000 at home may be available for $500 to $1,500 abroad at equally qualified hospitals with experienced general physicians. [Leading international medical centers](https://curemeabroad.com/) offer same-day blood work, imaging, and multi-specialty consultations coordinated through a single physician. Patients consistently report more thorough and unhurried consultations than they received at home. The physician's breadth of clinical experience and their ability to coordinate specialist referrals are the most important factors. Bring all previous medical records and investigation results to maximize the value of your consultation. Acting on the physician's recommendations promptly and maintaining regular follow-up are essential for managing health concerns effectively.
Chronic Diseases
Chronic disease management abroad offers comprehensive, multidisciplinary care for diabetes, heart disease, autoimmune disorders, COPD, kidney disease, and inflammatory conditions. International centers provide integrative treatment programs combining specialist consultations, advanced diagnostics, pharmacological management, and lifestyle medicine. Ongoing chronic disease care in many countries involves long waiting times and fragmented specialist access. A comprehensive [chronic disease evaluation](https://curemeabroad.com/treatments/chronic-diseases/diabetes) and management program that costs $5,000 to $15,000 at home may be available for $1,500 to $5,000 abroad at equally accredited hospitals with experienced internists and subspecialists. Leading international chronic disease centers offer same-week specialist access, comprehensive panels in a single visit, and dedicated chronic disease coordinators. Patients consistently report more thorough evaluations and coordinated care than they received through fragmented healthcare at home. The treating physician's subspecialty experience and the hospital's multidisciplinary infrastructure are the most important factors. Confirm the center has specialists in your specific condition. Long-term adherence to medications, dietary changes, [exercise programs](https://curemeabroad.com/treatments/ayurveda/exercise), and scheduled monitoring is what ultimately determines disease control and quality of life.
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