Dr. Miguel Angel Zapata
Dr. Miguel Ángel Zapata Martínez is one of the most trusted and highly regarded bariatric and general surgeons in Mexico. Dr. Zapata has over 30 years of medical experience and has performed over 9,000 bariatric surgeries since 1995. Dr. Zapata is recognized as a pioneer in advanced laparoscopic techniques based in Monterrey and Tijuana, Mexico.
Dr. Zapata’s collaboration with Dr. Elli spans back to 2009, making this reunion with MBC a significant professional honor. Dr. Zapata is eminently qualified to help you select the surgical procedure that is correct for you, RNY-Gastric Bypass or Sleeve Gastrectomy, also called Gastric Sleeve, and to provide the counseling and aftercare necessary to regain your health.
About Dr. Zapata
After losing his father to an early death and witnessing firsthand how obesity maims family members cell by cell, he vowed to dedicate his life to helping people overcome obesity through weight loss surgery. Dr. Zapata understands the pain of living in a body that doesn’t respond to traditional diet and exercise, while also recognizing that we each need to make sound choices about exercise, diet, and balance in our lives.
“I have seen the most amazing changes in the lives of my patients, and it is so gratifying to know that I have played a role in making these changes possible,” Dr. Zapata said.
As an SRC-accredited Surgeon of Excellence (SOE), Dr. Zapata is part of an elite tier of specialists in Monterrey, Mexico—a global hub for medical innovation. This designation recognizes his mastery of high-volume, rigorous safety standards and exceptional patient care. Dr. Miguel Zapata is the Director of Gástrica, a specialized obesity surgery center.
Bariatric Surgeries Performed
Dr. Zapata utilizes advanced incision techniques tailored to the patient’s preoperative preparation and diet. By focusing on minimally invasive surgery, he can offer specialized protocols including a single-incision gastric sleeve for eligible patients and a refined dual-incision approach for gastric bypass. These methods are designed to minimize scarring, reduce post-operative pain, and accelerate the recovery process by utilizing the fewest entry points possible.
Dr. Zapata’s Education and Expertise
Dr. Zapata has extensive international training and holds credentials from prestigious institutions:
- Medical Degree: Graduated from the Universidad Autónoma de Nuevo León (UANL) in 1988.
- Postgraduate Training: Completed fellowships in basic and advanced laparoscopic techniques at the Texas Endosurgery Institute in San Antonio, Texas.
- Advanced Specialization: Studied laparoscopic morbid obesity surgery at the European Institute of Telesurgery in France.
- Academic Role: He has served as an Associate Clinical Professor of General Surgery at the ITESM School of Medicine.
Why Choose Miguel Angel Zapata, MD?
When picking a bariatric surgeon, Dr. Zapata is the gold standard. His 30 years of medical experience and leadership in the field make him a premier choice for patients seeking safety and results in Tijuana and Monterrey, Mexico. If you are looking for a proven track record, look to the 9,000+ patients he has successfully treated since 1995, who now enjoy a renewed lease on life.
Dr. Miguel Angel Zapata offers a masterclass in surgical precision, ranging from Gastric Sleeve (Sleeve Gastrectomy) to Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass (RNY).
Professional Affiliations
He is an active member of several leading surgical organizations:
Am I A Candidate?
To begin your health transformation, the first step is completing our Health Questionnaire. This form provides Dr. Miguel Angel Zapata and his specialized surgical team with a comprehensive overview of your medical history. Using these details, Dr. Zapata conducts a rigorous clinical evaluation to determine the safest and most effective surgical path for your unique needs.
Eligibility Criteria
Dr. Zapata adheres to strict medical protocols to ensure patient safety and long-term outcomes. General candidacy is typically based on the following key factors:
Calculate Your BMI
Practice Locations
Dr. Zapata primarily performs surgeries at Hospital Azar®, a newly opened, state-of-the-art bariatric and plastic hospital in Tijuana, Mexico. He also works at Christus Muguerza Sur and Hospital Angeles, certified hospitals in Monterrey equipped with high-standard infrastructure for bariatric care.