Board-Certified General & Bariatric SurgeonMérida, Yucatán

Bariatric Surgeon in Mérida, Minimally Invasive Specialist

Dr. Mario Ruvalcaba is a board-certified general and bariatric surgeon by the Mexican Board of General Surgery. He specializes in bariatric and metabolic surgery, as well as minimally invasive (laparoscopic) surgery, offering patients safe, effective treatments with the least possible invasion.

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23 verified reviews

Board Certified

Mexican Board of General Surgery

5+ years

Experience as Surgeon

Dr. Mario Ruvalcaba — Board-Certified General & Bariatric Surgeon

Why Choose Bariatric Surgery

Transform Your Health, Transform Your Life

Bariatric surgery is not just an operation — it's the start of a comprehensive transformation. Thousands of patients have regained their health, mobility, and confidence through minimally invasive procedures backed by decades of clinical evidence.

Meet the Doctor

Proven Results

60–80% excess weight loss in the first year, with sustained long-term results backed by thousands of patients.

Improves Medical Conditions

Remission of type 2 diabetes, hypertension, and sleep apnea in most patients, comprehensively improving quality of life.

Minimally Invasive

Advanced laparoscopic techniques with incisions from 3 to 12 mm, faster recovery, less pain, and virtually invisible scars.

Specialties

Our Procedures

Surgical solutions customized to each patient's needs

Gastric Sleeve

The gastric sleeve (vertical sleeve gastrectomy) reduces the size of the stomach by 75% to 85%, limiting food intake and decreasing the production of ghrelin, the hunger hormone. It is the most requested bariatric procedure worldwide due to its effectiveness and safety.

Significant weight loss
Improvement of comorbidities
Minimally invasive procedure

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Gastric Bypass

Roux-en-Y gastric bypass combines stomach size restriction with an intestinal bypass that modifies nutrient absorption and produces powerful hormonal changes. It is considered the gold standard procedure for patients with severe obesity and metabolic diseases.

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Intragastric Balloon

The intragastric balloon is a silicone device placed inside the stomach endoscopically, without the need for incisions or surgery. It occupies space in the stomach, producing early satiety and helping the patient reduce portion sizes and adopt healthy eating habits.

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Minimally Invasive Surgery

Minimally invasive surgery uses advanced laparoscopic techniques to treat various abdominal conditions through 3 to 12 mm incisions. It includes cholecystectomy (gallbladder), hernia repair, appendectomy, and fundoplication for reflux, among other procedures.

Less postoperative pain
Minimal scarring
Accelerated recovery

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Diastasis Recti Surgery

Diastasis recti is the separation of the rectus abdominis muscles, common after pregnancy or in cases of obesity. Surgical repair restores the integrity of the abdominal wall, improving both function and appearance of the abdomen.

Functional restoration
Cosmetic abdominal improvement
Lower back pain relief

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Emergency Surgery 24/7

Emergency surgical care available 24 hours a day. Dr. Ruvalcaba handles emergencies such as acute appendicitis, cholecystitis, complicated hernias, bowel obstruction, and other abdominal emergencies with speed and expertise.

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All Our Procedures

Bariatric Surgery

Gastric SleeveGastric BypassIntragastric BalloonIntestinal Transit BipartitionSADI-SRevision SurgeryConversion Surgery

Minimally Invasive General Surgery

Laparoscopic CholecystectomyLaparoscopic AppendectomyFundoplicationAchalasia SurgeryVentral Hernia SurgeryInguinal Hernia SurgerySingle-Port Surgery

Calculate Your Body Mass Index

Find out if you're a candidate for bariatric surgery

Enter your measurements

Use accurate values for a precise result.

This tool is for informational reference only. Results do not replace a professional medical evaluation.

BMI Scale

Underweight< 18.5

Normal18.5 – 24.9

Overweight25 – 29.9

Obesity Grade I30 – 34.9

Obesity Grade II35 – 39.9

Obesity Grade III / Morbid≥ 40

The Body Mass Index (BMI) is a reference measure. Always consult a doctor for a complete, individualized evaluation.

Are You a Candidate?

Who qualifies for bariatric surgery?

According to international criteria, the following patients may be candidates for bariatric surgery:

BMI ≥ 40 (severe obesity)

Patients with a body mass index of 40 or higher, even without associated diseases.

BMI ≥ 35 with comorbidities

Type 2 diabetes, hypertension, obstructive sleep apnea, dyslipidemia, degenerative joint disease, or non-alcoholic steatohepatitis.

BMI 30–34.9 with poorly controlled type 2 diabetes

Patients with grade I obesity and type 2 diabetes who cannot achieve adequate metabolic control with medical treatment (metabolic surgery).

Failed previous treatments

Patients who have tried to lose weight through diet, exercise, and/or medications without sustained results for at least 6 months.

Favorable comprehensive evaluation

Multidisciplinary assessment (nutritional, psychological, medical) confirming the patient as a suitable candidate committed to lifestyle changes.

The final indication should always be made individually by a board-certified bariatric surgeon, taking into account the complete medical history, patient expectations, and associated risks.

Reference: Eisenberg D, Shikora SA, Aarts E, Aminian A, et al. 2022 American Society of Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery (ASMBS) and International Federation for the Surgery of Obesity and Metabolic Disorders (IFSO) Indications for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery. Obes Surg. 2023 Jan;33(1):3-14.

What Our Patients Say

“I went in for a second opinion and felt very confident in the way he explained my condition. I could tell he really knows the subject. I had my surgery with him and I recommend him without hesitation.”

MCR

Doctoralia

“The care was top quality, he was punctual and professional. I highly recommend him.”

Alejandra Reyes Coronado

Doctoralia

“Excellent care, clear and easy-to-understand explanations. Very professional doctor.”

AMDC

Doctoralia

Trust & Endorsement

Certifications & Medical Society Memberships

Consejo Mexicano de Cirugía General, A.C.
Certification
International Federation for the Surgery of Obesity and Metabolic Disorders (IFSO)
Association
Asociación Mexicana de Cirugía General (AMCG)
Association
Asociación Mexicana de Cirugía Endoscópica (AMCE)
Association
Colegio Mexicano de Cirugía para la Obesidad y Enfermedades Metabólicas (CMCOEM)
Association