I am a Registered Nurse and I have researched weight loss surgery for quite some time. A co-worker told me about Dr. Alvarez so I started researching his work. The cost in the States was a big factor hindering my ability to have surgery done. Dr.Alvarez's services are so cost effective I could not pass it up. Of course, I was nervous about having surgery in Mexico but I had talked to so many who used him I took the plunge. Best decision I have ever made. He had performed so many procedures he and his staff have the whole process down to a science. My VSG went flawlessly, the whole process from drive there and home was seamless. I highly recommend Dr. Alvarez as a weight loss surgeon.
I can't thank Dr Alvarez and his team enough for changing my life and health!! When you use them for your team they treat you like your the most important person there - the hospital is spotless - and I love how Dr Alvarez and his staff keep in touch with you as you go through each phase. AWESOME and thankful to Dr Avlarez, Susan and his caring skillful team!!!!!
Where do I even start, my journey starts with always having weight issues since a young child. I would lose weight and gain weight, my scale was always up and down. As the years went by it was getting more difficult to keep the weight off and maintain it. I tried every diet possible, nutritionists, weight centers you name it I did it! I heard about Dr. Alvarez from several friends who have had the Gastric Sleeve procedure done. After seeing their transformation I started doing some research myself and decided I wanted to do it. There was this one GLICH, it was in Piedras Negras, the fear of being across the border and that's that I am from Eagle Pass the border town of Piedras Negras. I still had that thought of "what if? and so did my father and my husband. After my mother and aunt took me to my first consultation, we were bought out! His office, his staff, the hospital just THE WHOLE TEAM itself are 100% SATISFACTORY!! Thank you so much again Dr. Alvarez
Dear Dr. Alvarez
The first time that Liron, my husband, mentioned your name I was a little bit skeptical because of having the surgery in Mexico.
But Liron asked me to check everything and I did it.
I called to your office and I had Susan on the phone, extremely nice and helpful, she was very patient, answered all my questions and made me feel comfortable.
After some short research we decided that we are going to do it with you!!!
We are more than happy that we choose you, everything was organized perfectly!!!
Beginning from the scheduling of the flights, Hotels and the entire schedule until we were back home, everything was taken care of by Susan.
When we landed on TX, we had the pleasure of meeting Rosy, the driver was very nice and a pleasure to be around, she also organized perfectly the reservation at the hotels and crossing the border.
Than we met you, we found a Doctor with a big smile on his face and light on his eyes that made us feel relaxed and comfortable.
After that, we met the 2 amazing, helpful, nice and efficient girls who were Anali and Brenda!!
They were with us all the 3 days that we were in the hospital, took care of ALL of us, beginning from Liron, me and our family that join us on this journey.
The surgery was fast and good, Dr. Alvarez checked Liron every day and the rest of the Doctors, Dr. Gabe & Dr. Garza were checking Liron every few hours.
The rest of the nurses including Anali and Brenda made sure that the room was clean and we had everything that we needed.
This is the place to come for anyone that is considering doing the surgery with Dr. Alvarez. DO NOT BE SCARED and don’t hesitate to do it.
Liron was even sent home with all the medication that he needed and Dr. Alvarez made sure that Liron would not have any pain.
Dr. Alvarez and his team are really caring of their patients even after the surgery was done; they keep in touch via email, by mail and by phone.
Thank you very much, Dr. Alvarez, Susan, Rosy, Anali, Brenda and the nurses.
Gili and Liron Avneri
This review is actually for my husband who had surgery 10/21/2015. I had previously had surgery 2 years ago with Dr. A., and also took my niece to have surgery with Dr. A last year.
According to Dr. A. , my husband Jack has been his oldest sleeve patient. He is 74 years of age, and handled the surgery like a champ! Jack is a heart patient, so had to have clearance from his cardiac doc in the U.S. He has already lost 40 pounds in about 6 weeks and is feeling great !
Our experience on this trip was as wonderful as my previous times before. This surgical team has become like family to us…Dr. A, Dr. Gabe, Dr. Sanchez…etc…are all highly skilled physicians. My husband has told many many people about the quality of care he received being the best in his entire life, and how he "never got this kind of care in any U.S. hospital".
Just so you know, when I had my surgery 2 years ago, he was dead set against my going to Mexico. He was afraid of border towns and all the horrible things you hear about Mexico. But Piedras Negras is different. It's a sleepy town across from Eagle Pass in the U.S. If you want to know the truth, Piedras Negras is so much cleaner and nicer than Eagle Pass on the U.S. side.
If you are still concerned about crossing the border, just remember that you are escorted by Dr. A's staff (Rosie), directly to the hospital and back when you return to the U.S. It is a small border crossing, nothing like the masses you see going back and forth in places like Tiajuana, etc.
So I have been down there a total of 4 times…first to have my band removed, then to have my sleeve done, then to take my niece (she has lost 100 lbs), and lastly to take my husband Jack. Each experience has been consistently excellent.
Terry Lively
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Had my band removed Oct 1, 2013 and then went back Jan 13, 2014 for my sleeve. Dr. Alvarez and Dr. Rosales were amazing. No pain after either surgery, no nausea or heaves from anesthesia. (When I first told the anesthesiologist I had gotten sick from anesthesia in the past, he assured me I would NOT get sick and he was right).
Both docs plus the intern checked on me several times a day after surgery. I had a little acid stomach at one point, and Dr. Rosales took care of that immediately. I am 3 weeks out and doing great. Been very active and already walking 2 miles a day (I heal very quickly).
I am taking my niece for surgery this Spring. Would not hesitate to highly recommend Dr. Alvarez and his team. If you would like to read more details of my experience, my blog is at www.band2sleevejourney.com
Terry Lively
1 person found this helpful
Dr. A and his team are amazing. Going to Mexico can seem scary for many. There is absolutely no reason to worry. My trip was safe and super easy. Fly in/out of San Antonio and they take care of the rest. Piedras Negras is a cute city with shopping and restaurants near the hospital.
You can go by yourself or have a friend/family member go with you.
I was sleeved on a Saturday and back to work the following Wednesday. (Slept as much as possible when not working)
If your insurance doesn't cover bariatric surgery or you just don't want to wait to jump though the insurance company hoops--- then call Dr. A today!! You will be making a great decision!!
This surgeon and his team are top notch! I received BETTER care than in the United States. Dr. Alvarez made sure I was well taken care of. My comfort and care at this facility could not have been better. I am very happy with the results and after care. I was concerned about aftercare being that I left the United States, but dr Alvarez gives you his personal information and sends you periodic emails to check on your well being.
This surgeon is safe, you receive awesome care for an experienced team, the price is fair, your every need including hotels is handled for you, I couldn't be more pleased.
Making the decision to have weight loss surgery is a big step but I can say it is truly worth it. I received the most professional care from Dr. Alvarez and his team, starting with the journey to Eagle Pass, the two nights in the hospital and the trip back to San Antonio. Going to Mexico for this weight loss surgery is the best thing that I have done for myself to improve my health and confidence.
Dr Alvarez performed my gastric sleeve surgery on October 1 , 2015. All aspects of pre and post surgery were efficient and professional. His team and the hospital were excellent. I have lost 30 lbs post op in 37 days and 44 from my high weight. Pain was minimal and I returned to work after a week. My blood pressure is declining, joint pressure is improving and I am extremely grateful for the blessing of this surgery.
I highly recommend this gifted surgeon and his caring team of professionals.
64 year old male. SW 264 CW 234 HW 276
I spent two years researching the vertical sleeve procedure. I scheduled to have the surgery last fall here in the States. At the last minute I backed out. I know what it is to jump through hoops to be approved by your insurance company! With all you go through you end up feeling like a failure because you should be able to eat less, exercise and lose wait. After another year of frustration with my weight, I talked to my health care team and several people in my community that had been to Mexico for surgery. I made the decision to go to Mexico. I had such peace with my decision and wasn't nervous even on the day of surgery. Dr. Alvarez and his team made me feel safe and that I had made the right decision. They are not judgmental but very caring. I told Dr. Alvarez my story and asked him, "Are you sure this is going to work for me"? He took my hand and said, "You've done your research or you wouldn't be here and yes this will absolutely work for you". You are checked on 3 times a day by Dr. Alvarez or one his surgical team. That doesn't happen in any hospital int he States that I've been in or had family in. Rosy put our group at ease crossing the border and takes very good care of you during the travel to and from Mexico. If you are considering weight loss surgery, I recommend Dr. Alvarez. I'm 6 weeks post op, I feel great and have lost 40 lbs.