Linda Cardona, BS, RD
Licensed Bariatric Dietitian & Functional Nutritionist
- Experience: 16+ Years
- Patients Treated: 15,000+
- Specialty: Bariatric & Functional Nutrition
Tijuana Bariatrics knows that surgery is just the first step. Long-term success relies on how you fuel your body. That is why we partner with Linda Cardona, a renowned Licensed Dietitian-Nutritionist with over 16 years of experience helping more than 15,000 patients navigate their nutritional journey before and after weight loss surgery.
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Meet Linda Cardona
"Returning to Nature, Listening to Our Bodies"
Linda’s passion for nutrition began in her kitchen, experimenting with ingredients and intuitive cooking. This early fascination led her to a career dedicated to understanding how food impacts the body. She believes that the core of nutrition is “returning to nature, to what our organism communicates to us, and the relationship we establish with our food.”
Her approach goes beyond calorie counting. Trained in Functional Nutrition and Mindfulness, Linda provides personalized counseling that addresses the root causes of chronic illness, helping patients build habits that strengthen their organism and align with their lifestyle.
- License Number: 5714459
- Languages: Fluent English & Spanish.
Nutritional Expertise
Specialized Bariatric Support
Linda has specialized in the integral management of the bariatric patient for over a decade. She understands the unique metabolic shifts that occur after gastric sleeve or bypass surgery and guides patients through every phase:
- Pre-Op Preparation: Reducing liver size and preparing the body for surgery.
- Post-Op Progression: Guiding the transition from liquids to solids safely.
- Long-Term Maintenance: Preventing nutritional deficiencies and weight regain.
- Chronic Disease Management: Nutritional therapy for Diabetes, Hypertension, and Kidney Disease.
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Education & Advanced Training
A Global Perspective on Health
Linda’s academic background combines scientific rigor with holistic understanding and training in top institutions across Latin America.
Degrees
B.S. Nutrition and Food Science: Universidad Iberoamericana, Tijuana (2002–2008).
Chronic Diseases Specialist: Instituto de Nutrición y Tecnología de los Alimentos (INTA), University of Chile (2007–2008).
Specialized Training
Functional Nutrition: Trained by the Institute for Functional Medicine (IFM/AFMCP).
Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR): UC San Diego (2018).
Bariatric Nutrition: ASMBS Nutrition Therapy Courses (2012, 2017, 2019).
Clinical Trials Administrator: Intensive Course at UC San Diego (2010).
Validated Excellence
Linda is an active member of the most respected nutrition organizations globally, ensuring her advice is always based on the latest scientific evidence.
CMN
Certified by the Mexican College of Nutritionists (Colegio Mexicano de Nutriólogos - REGNC240797).
ASMBS
International Member of the American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery (Since 2008).
AND
Member of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics.
DIFM
Dietitians in Integrative & Functional Medicine.
Climate Shaper
Certified by the FAO and Future Food Institute (FFI) for Sustainable Diets.
Patient Care Philosophy
Conscious, Functional, and Personalized
Linda’s philosophy centers on “Lifestyle & Wellness.” She does not believe in cookie-cutter diets. Instead, she empowers you to create a sustainable relationship with food that respects your environment and your body’s unique signals.
Whether you need to manage a chronic condition like diabetes or ensure you are getting enough protein after surgery, Linda provides the expert guidance you need to thrive.
Start Your Healthy Lifestyle with Linda