I am Dr. Cristóbal Garza, a bariatric and metabolic surgeon in Piedras Negras, Coahuila. Here I answer the questions I hear most often during consultations. If you don't find yours, write to me on WhatsApp at +52 878 115 7532 — the first valuation is free of charge.
How do I know if I am a candidate for bariatric surgery?
Generally, you can be a candidate if your body mass index (BMI) is 30 or higher, especially if you also have type 2 diabetes, hypertension, sleep apnea, or joint pain. More than 90% of people with type 1 and 2 obesity are candidates for some bariatric surgery.
As a general guide: with a BMI of 40 or more, surgery is usually indicated on its own; with a BMI of 35 to 40, it is recommended when associated diseases already exist; and with a BMI of 30 to 35, it is evaluated on a case-by-case basis, especially if there is difficult-to-control diabetes. We also evaluate your medical history, your previous attempts at weight loss, and your willingness to change your habits.
The surest way to know is with a medical evaluation: in my office the first evaluation is free. As a first step, you can use the BMI calculator or the Bariatric surgery test from this site.
How much does a gastric sleeve cost in Piedras Negras?
The cost depends on each case: the technique indicated for you, your previous studies, and the specific needs of your treatment. That is why I do not charge a single rate.
One tip when comparing prices: always ask what is included (fees for the entire team, hospital, anesthesia, tests and follow-up consultations) and who will perform the surgery. A «cheap» surgery without certified equipment or follow-up care can end up costing a lot in terms of health.
In the free valuation, I provide you with an exact, clear and no-obligation quote that includes everything your treatment involves. This way, you can compare it with all the information at your disposal.
What is the difference between the gastric sleeve and the gastric bypass?
The gastric sleeve reduces the size of the stomach to a small tube: it limits how much you can eat and reduces the hunger hormone. The gastric bypass, in addition to reducing the stomach, connects it directly to the small intestine, so it also changes the way your body absorbs food and the way your hormones are regulated.
Which is more suitable? It depends on your case. Gastric bypass is usually more convenient for patients with reflux and for those living with type 2 diabetes, since its metabolic effect is more potent. The gastric sleeve, on the other hand, is an excellent option in many other cases: it is a simpler surgery, does not alter the intestinal tract, and has a lower risk of vitamin and mineral deficiencies.
None of them is «better» overall: the ideal technique depends on your BMI, your medical history, and the diseases you live with. That is exactly what we defined together in the assessment.
Is bariatric surgery safe?
Every surgery has risks, but today bariatric surgery is a safe procedure when performed by a certified and experienced team. I perform it using laparoscopy: small incisions, less pain, and a faster recovery.
Risks—such as bleeding, infection, or leakage—are rare with expert hands, and we know how to prevent and resolve them: that’s why we operate in a hospital, with a certified anesthesiologist, and complete pre-operative studies. In fact, for many people, it’s more risky to continue living with obesity and its associated diseases than to undergo surgery.
I have been doing this for more than 10 years, with more than 3,500 surgeries performed. In my consultation, I explain the risks and benefits clearly for your specific case, without using small print.
How much weight will I lose with the surgery?
It depends on the technique and your process. As a reference, with the gastric sleeve many patients lose between 60% and 70% of their excess weight in the first 12 to 18 months; with the bypass the loss can be somewhat greater. For example: if your excess weight is 40 kilos, the reference with the sleeve would be to lose around 24 to 28 kilos in that period.
Results vary from person to person and I don’t promise guaranteed results: the best results come when we follow the plan as a team, with the nutritionist and psychologist by your side. And as important as losing weight is maintaining it—that’s where follow-up care makes the difference.
How long does the surgery take and how is the recovery?
Gastric sleeve surgery usually takes between 30 and 45 minutes. The hospital stay is short: 1 night (2 days), and most of my patients return to work within 1 week.
Pain is controlled much better than most people imagine: since it is a laparoscopy, most patients are able to walk on the same day of the surgery. Food is introduced gradually during the first few weeks—starting with liquids, then soft foods, and finally solid foods—always under the guidance of our nutritionist, who accompanies you through each change.
Does bariatric surgery help control diabetes or hypertension?
Yes, in many cases. That is why it is also called metabolic surgery: in addition to weight loss, it can help control — and even reverse — diseases such as type 2 diabetes, hypertension, and sleep apnea.
This happens due to hormonal changes that occur after the surgery, not just because of the weight loss: it improves the way your body handles sugar, and in many patients it is noticeable from the first few weeks. In the case of type 2 diabetes, gastric bypass is usually the most effective technique.
Results vary depending on each patient, the years the disease has been present and their current control; in the assessment we evaluate what you can expect in your case.
Do they treat patients from the United States?
Yes. My practice is in Piedras Negras, Coahuila, a few minutes from the international bridge with Eagle Pass, Texas. We see patients from Texas and from other parts of the United States. We speak English — we speak English.
Write to us on WhatsApp before your trip and we will coordinate everything — the valuation, the studies and the dates — so that you can make the most of your visit and the process is simple and secure.
How to choose a good bariatric surgeon in Piedras Negras?
I recommend that you check three things from any surgeon, including: first, that they are certified and a member of associations such as the CMCOEM; second, their actual experience in bariatric surgery; and third, that they work with a complete team of nutrition and psychology professionals, because surgery is only one part of the treatment.
A practical tip: you can verify the credentials of any specialist in Mexico on the official page of CONACEM (www.conacem.org.mx), The organization that validates the certifications of medical specialty boards. A serious doctor won't mind if you verify their credentials — on the contrary.
In my case, my certifications are public and verifiable: I am Specialist in Bariatric Surgery with a current certification valid until July 16, 2030 y Specialist in General Surgery with a current certification until April 27, 2029, Both of these certificates were granted by the Mexican Council of General Surgery, A.C., and are endorsed by CONACEM. You can verify this yourself at Official directory of doctors with current certification from the CMCG, Searching for «Garza Torres». Professional ID 6835631 and specialty ID 10417843 (SEP).
I trained as a doctor at the University of Monterrey and as a specialist in surgery at the Autonomous University of the State of Mexico. I am a member of the CMCOEM, I have been dedicated to bariatric surgery for more than 10 years with more than 3,500 surgeries performed, and I work in team with a nutritionist and a psychologist.
What does the follow-up after surgery include?
Surgery is the beginning, not the end. The follow-up includes check-ups with me, a step-by-step nutrition plan with the nutritionist, and emotional support from the psychologist.
We also guide you with vitamin and mineral supplements based on your technique, and you can write to us if you have any questions. Surgery gives you the tool; team follow-up is what helps you use it well and maintain the long-term results.
Where is the consultation room and how do I schedule a free assessment?
We are at the Specialist Clinic, Av. Emilio Carranza 1017, Office 302, Col. Burócrata, C.P. 26020, Piedras Negras, Coahuila.
You can schedule it via WhatsApp or by phone at +52 878 115 7532, or from the contact page. The first valuation is free and we respond within less than 24 hours.