Endohospital Bariatric Center

I am still surprised that I am already post op and have lost forty pounds so far. I was sleeved on November 17th 2012. I am so happy with my choice and do not regret one moment of my experience with Dr. Alvarez. I was impressed with the level of professionalism and compassion that everyone displayed. I would do it all over again. Travel was so easy and I felt safe the whole time. I recommend Dr. Alvarez to anyone who is considering weight loss surgery.

Since my health insurance made it impossible for me to qualify for WLS and required so many out of pocket expenses (starting with a $5000 deductible!), I looked for other options and discovered Mexico. There were several places available but decided on Dr. Alvarez after reading so many reviews that said how incredible he was.

Like so many others, it was the best thing I've done for myself and wish I had done it sooner! All the reviews are so accurate, my surgery was Dec 27 and it went exactly like they described: from coordinating with Susan, to the ride across the border with Rosie, to working with Jessica and the hospital staff and to finally meeting the "bariatric rockstar" myself!

There was one difference, though and it was right before I was wheeled into the OR. I didn't have time to get nervous about being put under in Mexico because the pre-op doctor, my friend and I were having so much fun and laughing so hard. Next thing I knew, it was time to gown up and go! I still remember giggling on the gurney.

Of course, I had my fears and didn't tell friends or family until I got home safely because I didn't want to hear any negativity. Now I'm proud to say where I went and would do it all over again in a heartbeat. People are amazed and intrigued and want to hear all about it.

The thing that pleased me the most was how brilliant, knowledgeable and competent Dr. A was; and he treated us with such ease and confidence, like we were old friends. He even had me email him to let him know I got home safely! He sent me regular updates on my post-op diet and answered my questions himself.
What doctor does that? Here in the US, you have to go through a nurse or office staff before you can actually talk to a doctor.

I am one month post-op, have lost over 40 lbs since the start of the liquid pre-op diet and have gone down several sizes. I couldn't be more pleased with how things are going. People at work are really starting to notice and it's only been 4 weeks. I can't wait to see what my future holds.

I am one month after my gastric sleeve surgery and I'm so glad I had this surgery. Dr guillermo Alvarez is a highly skilled surgeon. He greets you when you arrive at the hospital and talks to you in such a friendly way, just as if he has known you for awhile. He explains everything to you before the surgery is done and answers any questions you may have. His staff were all friendly as well. He has English speaking nurses also so there isn't a language barrier. Dr. Alvarez stresses your aftercare a lot, he wants you to be happy and healthy as well. To me Dr. Alvarez is an exceptional surgeon and person as well. This hospital is safe with no worries of going to Mexico.
a highly satisfied patient
Terrie M. from AR.

I am a Registered Nurse and elected to have a gastric sleeve done by Dr. Alvarez. I was very nervous about having surgery in Mexico-we've all heard the horror stories-and my peers were less than supportive about it. I researched Dr. Alvarez and ultimately decided to use him because he has done so many of these procedures with lower than average complication rates. Even on the day of surgery I was very nervous but he put my mind at ease. One of the other surgeons working on my case had undergone the same surgery with Dr. Alvarez a few years earlier as had his mother and sister in law. That surgeon came with me to get my chest xray and labs and helped ease my mind. I will admit that the hospital stay was interesting and the nurses and the interventions they did on my behalf were different from what we do in the states. For example, instead of putting inflatable leg squeezers on my calves to prevent blood clots, they wrapped my legs in guaze, IVs were taped down to my hand instead of using the clear window dressings that we use here. That being said, the hospital was clean and the staff was attentive.
Post op, I needed to ask Dr. Alvarez for help when I was back home and managing some diarrhea. I emailed him on a Saturday evening expecting to hear back from him on Monday. To my surprise he emailed me back that night and I was able to get rid of the diarrhea by trying the metamucil he recommended. I am so happy with the surgery and with the care I have received from Dr. Alvarez. I would recommend him to anyone else interested in having the vertical gastric sleeve procedure.

The three letters F A and T ruled my life. When I decided that it was time at the age of 45 to get rid of that label, I was crushed when my insurance said, "Go on a diet, gain weight, get diabetes and call us back in two years." I thought I was doomed to stay FAT. Then, my wonderful husband (who loves me at any size) found my life saver. Dr. Alvarez.

From the first email, his staff was amazing. Susan, the patient coordinator, was helpful and kind answering every question we had. She sent us a very professional, organized and patient-friendly packet that laid everything out for us. There have been NO surprises on this journey.

I won't lie. I was afraid to go to Mexico for surgery, but I was more afraid to die of the diabetes of was going to get someday. My dad was blind, demented, one-legged and on dialysis when he died of it. So we put down the deposit and waited to start the pre-operative diet. The instructions Susan gave us were easy to follow and I had no surprises at all. Other than the weather.

As a teacher, I wanted to do this over my winter break. When DFW airport closed for two days of ice, I was sure I had done my liquid diet (during all of the holiday goodies) only to have to move surgery to spring break. I was so upset. We had to contact Dr. Alvarez on Christmas, because of our travel woes. We expected to hear something in the morning. Wrong. Dr. Alvarez answered us. TWICE on Christmas night. What American doctor would do that? None that I have ever met. He said it would be no big deal to move my surgery out a day. Imagine rescheduling a surgery here in the States.

Anyway, once we arrived to Eagle Pass, it was smooth sailing. Rosey picked us up with my sleeve sisters. We met Dr. A and he is a wonderful, kind, caring man. I was in surgery a few hours later. I had NO pain. I had NO nausea. His nursing staff stayed completely on top of my meds. I was up and walking a few hours later. And I have had NO PROBLEMS since then.

I just want to say don't be afraid to go his clinic. I had visions of something horrible in my head for a Mexican border town hospital, but I was so wrong. The hospital was SPOTLESS and peaceful. The decor was dated, I will say that, but the equipment was not. The staff were friendly and professional as well.

Now, the only Spanish I speak is what I picked up from my kids watching Dora (Vamanos!) but Dr. Alvarez has taken care of that. Jessica and Jesus were the two patient assistants who helped if we needed anything. They even made sure my husband had what he needed. They took him to places where he could buy meals and other things. This was good since his 1976 high school Spanish class was a but rusty.

Dr. A's bedside manner is wonderful. You can tell he cares about his patients and he has great pride in his surgery skill. We came home and the patient care continues. He emails me at every new part of the eating plan. He has emailed me when I have had concerns. I emailed a picture of my incision and he answered me immediately, setting my mind to ease. He also sends his patients home with a book that spells out the keys to success.

I tell everyone who will listen how wonderful he is. I would recommend Dr. Alvarez to anyone who wants to end their battle with weight once and for all. If you're ready to do that in your life, GO SEE DR. ALVAREZ!

Hello! January 22, 2013 was my 1 month sleeve anniversary and I'm down 24 pounds. hard to believe it's been a month already. I had surgery in Mexico with doctor Alvarez on December 22, 2012. when I told the few family members and friends of my plans to travel to Mexico by myself to get the gastric sleeve surgery they thought I was completely NUTS! all I heard from everyone "its not safe"! I did a lot of research before coming to this decision, which I am very happy with and wouldn't change a thing if I had to do it all over again. Traveling to Mexico I felt very safe - the hospital is just inside Mexico maybe a mile or less from the border. Rosie the driver picked us up (my sleeping sister and me) on Friday, December 21st at the airport hotel in San Antonio, Texas around noon and drove use to Eagle Pass, Texas where we stayed the night. The next morning Saturday, December 22nd Rosie picked us up to take us across the border into Mexico. When I arrived Dr. Alvarez and his assistant greeted us..they made us feel welcomed. My sleeve sister and I each talked with doctor Alvarez individually prior to surgery where he discuss the surgery and answered any questions that we had. surgery went well. I had a little nausea and heartburn, which is normal, but everyone is different and may not experience either. The staff was excellent and always checking in on me. Doctor Alvarez and/or his assistant which checkin on me a couple times today. I was released on December 24th and returned home the same day. upon being released from the hospital doctor Alvarez provided me with everything I needed, and went through my medications with me 1 by 1. Doctor Alvarez also provided me with his email and cell phone number in case I needed to reach him. I did email doctor Alvarez a couple times, which he responded promptly to my emails. I can't begin to think the entire staff for everything, from the coordinator Susan, the translators, nurses, doctor Alvarez and the other doctors. Thank You!!

If you're looking for a fantastic surgeon...Dr. Alvarez is definitely the way to go.

Deb

I am just over one month out from my VSG surgery with Dr Alvarez and his team in PN, Mexico. Let me tell you... this was an adventure! I was terrified of not only having surgery (I don't even go to the doctor unless I'm near death) but also having surgery in Mexico. However, like I told several people, I wanted someone who was highly skilled and qualified and Dr Alvarez fit the bill. From the moment I arrived at his office (actually before that, in the van with Rosie) I felt 100% cared for and catered to. They all make you feel as if they are there for YOU.

We sat in Dr Alvarez' office to discuss what would happen that day. All questions were answered completely, simply, patiently. Dr Alvarez has a warm personality, he's easy to smile and laugh, and I felt at ease (as at ease as a very nervous person could be) in his presence. I felt like I was in very capable hands. His staff? Friendly and efficient. They don't mess around! I believe I arrived at the hospital around 8am and I was sleeved by 10:30. No endless nerve wracking waiting. My procedure, I believe, took less than one hour.

Post surgery-- no pain. Pain management is superb. The nurses and other staff are checking on you very frequently, managing any nausea, gas, pain you may be having. His assistants that are onsite to help you communicate with the nurses and walk you through the few days you're on site--- ANGELS. Loved them all.

I don't have ONE complaint about my experience- okay one but it was about a restaurant where I couldn't get broth.:) Rosie was great, the hotels were comfortable and accommodating, Jessica and Jesus (I think that was his name!), all the nurses, the anesthesiologist and Dr A's partner are all just the nicest, warmest people. The facility is clean and decked out with television and wifi... uh, most TV is in Spanish, so... hahaha. That was fun.

My tips-- relax, you're in great hands. Bring something to read or to do for you and whomever you're with. You won't be in pain and on Day 2 you'll be walking a lot so bring something to occupy your time and really... get ready for an adventure and a whole new LIFE post surgery!

I do have to say that I am pleased that Dr Alvarez still keeps in touch with his patients. They love him and rightly so. He's a great doctor, skilled surgeon-- he'll get it done and he'll do it right. Worth every penny and then some!

The first week of November 2012 I had gastric sleeve surgery performed by Dr. Alvarez. It has been 3 months since I started the pre-op liquid diet and I have lost 50lbs. I have only a few more pounds to go to be below 200lbs. That will be a first in over 20yrs. The whole experience with Dr. Alvarez and his staff was great. Jessica, his interpreter, was especially nice and helpful. My friend went with me for the procedure and Jessica kept her busy and fed the 2 days we were there. Dr. Alvarez made me feel very comfortable as well as the rest of his staff and partners. I have recommended this whole experience to several people I know. There is nothing to be afraid of by going south of the border when you know that Rosie will be there to help you get across to Mexico and back home again.
I have had no bad side effects from surgery. I haven't had any vomiting or other undesirable conditions. And when I did have questions I felt comfortable to contact Susan or Dr. Alvarez to get the answers I needed. Overall the decision to go to Dr. Alvarez for the gastric sleeve procedure was one of the best decisions I have ever made. Now I am waiting to loose all I need to and then have the follow up tummy tuck for my 50th birthday next year. You are never too old to be happy with yourself.

I have been over weight for 12 years. At age 11 I started to gain weight rapidlly,by 13 I weighed 230lbs! I spent the next years dieting and loosing weight but gainig it back. I had an abnormal appetite for food.It was a cycle of madness and depression!!!last year I was done! fed up of being over weight unhappy and depressed. I can never buy the shoes I want because they hurt from my weight. I can never dress up and feel comfotable in public. I always looked at other women with envy becuase they are able to dress in whatever way they want. I started looking for WLS options and found the sleeve.I also found Dr.Guillermo Alvarez! He had hundreds of reviews, I couldnt find a single bad one lol. He had many videos on youtube of testimonials and the actual surgery, dozens of pics on facebook of before and after surgery, an awesome coordinator Susan that answered every question I needed.vertical sleeve, It was the best thing I have done for my self. I have lost 33 lb in 4 weeks! and am very happy And excited about the months to come. I have great restriction and have had no complications.Im greatfull that I found a renound ,excellent and affordable surgeon like Dr.Alvarez. I can't wait till summer to show off my new body.thanks Dr.A

My first impression of Dr. Alvarez was that he was a very well spoken, intelligent individual and that he was in tune with his patient's needs. Dr. Alvarez has only strengthened my initial impression of him as time has passed. In the US I work as a medical device rep. I sell many of the instruments that are used in the VSG procedure. I have seen several of these surgeries in person, done on other patients. I chose to have my surgery with Dr. Alvarez for two reasons. One, the VSG procedure constitutes well over 90% of his surgeries. He has an excellent track record in over 2700 VSGs. And two, in my experience working with doctors for 12 years, I have a good sense of who cares about the quality of their work and care of their patients. Dr. Alvarez is one of those surgeons. You're not just another patient to him. I cannot stress enough how extremely pleased I am with the quality of surgery I received from Dr. Alvarez and his excellent bedside manner.

Dr. Alvarez's staff is there to help you before, during and after your surgery and they do a really good job. Dr. Alvarez lets you know the most important part of the surgery is post-op. He wants you to leave the stomach as he left it in the O.R. His post-op diet instructions are more conservative than other doctors. I think this is a wonderful thing. I'm 4 weeks post-op right now and have no severe side effects. I experienced a short lived soreness at the 12mm incision site and I had to learn how to not overfill my new stomach. Plus I was a little tired for the first couple of weeks. That's it. I already feel better than I have in years.

If you're worried about going to Dr. Alvarez's facility because it's in Mexico, don't. I felt very safe the whole time. The staff is friendly and helpful and the facilities are as good as what you get in the US.

I know the instructions for this review state that I should include negative comments too. I simply don't have them. My future is as bright as ever and I have Dr. Alvarez to thank!