Dr. Zapata understands first hand the pain of living in a body that doesn't respond to traditional methods of diet and exercise and provides expert surgical intervention while also emphasizing the need to take responsibility for making wise choices in every aspect of our lives. Dr. Zapata has excellent credentials but equally important, his life has been affected by morbid obesity. After losing his father to an early obesity-related death and witnessing how obesity maimed other family members cell by cell, he vowed to dedicate his life to helping people overcome obesity through weight loss surgery. Dr. Zapata not only speaks about obesity from personal experiences, he leads by example - running daily and eating a healthful diet etc. Dr. Zapata is eminently qualified to help you select the surgical procedure that is correct for you (Inamed Lap-Band®, RNY-Gastric Bypass or Sleeve Gastrectomy) and is available to provide the counseling and aftercare necessary to regain your health.