Guillermo Alvarez Bariatric Surgeon MD

After researching Lap-Band surgery and reading about the things that could possibly go wrong, I began to research having VSG surgery instead. While on my laptop late one night I began to read about having VSG surgery in Mexico. Since I would have to pay out of pocket for my surgery, I found the price of surgery in Mexico very appealing. I have health insurance but WLS is an exclusion on our policy. When I first thought of surgery across the border, I had some crazy thoughts of what that could be like. My daughter's boyfriend was raised in MX and as I spoke with him, he explained to me about medical tourism, how thousands of people cross the border each week to have dental work, medical treatments and surgeries.
As I began my research, I first thought of TJ because of the cost factor. For personal reasons, I decided that was not for me. That was when I found endobariatrics.com and Dr. Alvarez. I read every testimonial I could find about him. I knew in my heart, he was the right surgeon for me. He was closer to my home, I would not have to fly to California and back when I live in the Midwest. Piedras Negras is a safe border town, no worries about the safety of crossing there. When I read that they would transport my husband and I from San Antonio to Eagle Pass, TX and it was all included in the cost, I called Susan (the coordinator) and began the process of filling out the paperwork. Susan was so sweet and took the time to answer all my questions. I was approved for surgery within two or three days, Susan and I worked out the best time for me to make my trip and set the date.
I flew to San Antonio with my husband on 8/01, we called the hotel shuttle as soon as we arrived at the airport and they picked us up within 15 minutes. We went to the hotel, left our bags and decided to go to Walmart to get some things we forgot to pack. Called the shuttle and they took us back to hotel, my sleeve sister had arrived by then so we waited together in the lobby for Rosy to arrive to drive us to Eagle Pass.
Once we got there, Rosy checked us in to the hotel and told us what time to be ready the next morning. We went to our room for a nap, later walked down the road to Chop Chop and had a bowl of tasty egg drop soup for dinner. Back at the hotel, we sat by the pool and enjoyed a quiet evening.
Rosy picked us up the next morning at 7:20 and we took our ride across the border to the hospital. First we met Dr.Alvarez, he is the kindest man. He spoke with us individually and I felt completely at ease and confident that I had made the right choice. My husband said he felt the same way when we were in his office speaking with him. They take your "before" photos, weigh you in and then Jessica takes you upstairs to a room. The hospital is older, not fancy like the hospitals here, but do not let that scare you. It is CLEAN and the staff are very skilled and take really good care of you. Most of them do not speak English but Jessica interprets for them. Once in the room, you relax for a minute, then you are off to the lab and XRay. Once that is done, you go back to your room, get your gown on and wait for your IV. This is always the worst part of surgery for me! The nurse got it right the first time and I was so happy about that. It was about an hour, they came with the gurney and put me on it, they gave me something to "relax" me and I remember nothing else. That was about 10:30 AM, I woke up at 5:05 PM. I asked my husband first thing, did they not operate on me? I had NO pain. Seriously. I had imagined how painful this would be, I was so wrong! I got out of bed and went to the bathroom, in shock that I was not in severe pain. I had NO nausea, no severe gas pains, nothing. The first night, the staff are in and out so much it is hard to sleep so I walked the halls a couple of times during the night. My husband slept on a futon bed in my room and he slept well.
Day after surgery, you get ice chips. Yeah!! Your mouth is so dry, they taste so good! I did have some slight chest pressure when I was able to have ice, walking helped to ease that. Later in the day you get to sip room temp water. That caused a bit of heartburn, nothing bad though. They took my IV out that evening, gave me a sub lingual pain pill and a sleeping pill. I slept all night long.
Next morning, Dr.A and Dr. Gabe both come to see you, give you your instructions for home, your pain meds and antibiotics. You also get a yummy cup of grape juice for the drive back to San Antonio. After you say your good byes to the staff, Rosy loads you into the van and you begin the drive back across the border. There are 3 checkpoints crossing back in to the USA, the stops are very brief, they check your passports and they asked us our names. It was very quick and painless. The drive back to San Antonio is fairly bumpy, I would advise you to take a pain pill before you leave the hospital that morning. Rosy stops about half way at a small convenience type store so you can move around, use the restroom and get another drink. Once you get to the hotel at San Antonio you can go to Walmart on the shuttle for broth and jello. The rooms have microwave and mini fridge. The hotel shuttle took us to The Quarry so my husband could eat a meal and I could walk for a while. It feels good to move around after being in the van. The hotel is nice and the shuttle drivers were always so nice.
My husband and I flew home the next day. That was my hardest day, I think the air travel was stressful and I was so worn out by the time we got home that I had a low grade fever. I called Susan, She assured me it was from the stress of traveling and I would be fine. The next day I was!
I cannot express how grateful I am that I found Dr.Alvarez. Do not hesitate to go to him for this surgery, if you are considering surgery in Mexico. There are others that cost less but this is not about the money. He is a very skilled surgeon. He has many other patients that will tell you how good he is, not just me. My husband was totally impressed by him and that is something that never happens! Jessica took him out for lunch while i was in recovery, she even took him and I to the convenience store next door so I could get some candies for my daughter's boyfriend. I had a wonderful surgery experience, I cannot explain what it feels like to wake up and not feel pain immediately. His staff are all so kind and they take very good care of you. There is phone for patients to use to call your family while you are in the hospital. There is one of his staff at the hospital night and day that speaks English so you do not have to worry about that.
One month out from being sleeved, I have lost 21.5 pounds and many inches. My incisions are healed and I have had very little pain. Eating is a new experience! When he removed most of my stomach, he also removed my hunger. It is truly odd to cook for my family and not have the desire to eat. Every day gets easier, you learn what your new tummy likes and does not care for. I am looking forward to the months ahead. To no longer having to take meds for diabetes, cholesterol and blood pressure, no longer having pain in my joints. Being thinner is wonderful but leaving behind comorbities is awesome! Dr. Alvarez says he is changing lives, one sleeve at a time and that is true. He has changed my life for the better.

HI

My name is Susan Ferris and iam from nova scotia canada, to say iam a big wimp is an understatement. My friend went to Dr Alvarez a year and half ago she has lost 130 pounds. She runs she looks amazing and is such an encouragement to me. So when I asked about the doctor and she said you will not believe the professional staff and how sweet they are. So i started my research and to my surprise when I went it was exactly like the video even the driver Rosie it is really her. So when you arrive you feel like you know them. No surprise,s at a time like this is a good thing. I know you can do this cheaper but I highly recommemnd Dr Alvarez because your health is precious. I followed all the rules and never had a hitch. Iam down 35 pounds and off of one blood pressure pill and everyone is giving me so many compliments. I feel lighter on my feet already. So excited for my furture. thank thank thank you to all the team. ...........keep up the good work!!!!!

Dr. Alvarez and his staff was more personable and more profesional than I had hoped for. The facility was very clean and well managed. This was by far the best experience in a hospital stay or surgery that I have ever experienced. I feel like I have joined a family!!! It was nice to finally find a Dr. who cares about you as a person!!! The surgery went without any problems. To my surprise, I had zero pain. And now my life is forever changed. I am seeing fantastic results and not out of surgery two months yet. To date I have lost 75 lbs. Thank God for Dr, Alvarez!!!! There is positively nothing negative I could say about the entire process! Again, Thank God for Dr. Alvarez!!!

Doctor Alvarez is the best surgeon I have ever had the pleasure of dealing with. His office staff is nice, informative and helpful - reguardless if you are pre-op or post-op.
The entire trip was a snap! ALL YOU HAVE TO DO IS SHOW UP!!!!
(They take care of the rest) It was like a mini-vacation!
Dr. Alvarez and his staff have everything streamlined. He and his team checked on me several times thru out the day, the hospital suite was nice. The staff spoke english, they were also sincere and quick to respond to my calls.
I have nothing negative to say - this was a 5 STAR EXPERIENCE!!!

I had VSG surgery performed by Dr. Alvarez on July 26, 2012. I spent several months researching all my options and found that Dr. Alvarez was the best doctor in Mexico who performs this surgery. My experience was exceptional. I have to admit, my husband and I were both nervous about journeying to Mexico to have major surgery, but financially it was my only option. We traveled with friends of ours, where the wife also had surgery. The experience was incredible. From Rosie picking us up and transporting us, to Jessica, Dr. Alvarez's care coordinator, everything was great. My surgery went very well. I spent two nights in the hospital and traveled home afterwards. Dr. Alvarez and his associate Dr. Gabriel are two very gentle, carrying men. They came and visited me 2 or more times each day while I was in the hospital. Jessica made sure all my needs were attended to. The hospital is under reconstruction, and although an older hospital it was very clean and very nice. The care I received their beat or matched any care I had in the US. The doctors bedside manner was better than any American Doctor I have seen. I would highly recommend Dr. Alvarez for this surgery. The great news is, I am only 4 and 1/2 weeks out and have lost 40lbs already. If you are considering doctor Alvarez do not hesitate, you will not regret it!! And finally, I never once felt unsafe in the area we went in Mexico. The day before surgery we went into Mexico and went to this nice little market and shopped. I never once felt unsafe.

Ok brace yourself - this is going to be a looonng review. When I first found dr Alvarez I was immediately like, "Mexico? No way." After researching more US doctors I kept finding them siting papers written by dr Alvarez. I went to some local seminars in my area and was very unimpressed by the information and the pedantic, patronizing way they spoke to the patient community. When I contacted dr Alvarez's patient coordinator, Susan, she returned my email within minutes. She was frank and informative and even after I asked some pretty insane questions, she made me feel like the most important patient on earth.

I did even more research on medical travel, and without boring you with the politics and details, basically discovered that all the fear out there is perpetuated by the US medical establishment. (I recommend the book _Patients Beyond Borders_)

My next step was getting my husband on board. This was a tricky proposition, but after setting up a Skype meeting with dr Alvarez and reading his book, my husband was tentatively comfortable with the idea.

I thought I'd be freaking out the days before surgery but Susan did such a great job helping me get prepared that I was calm and serene the day of surgery. My husband was VERY nervous. Dr Alvarez did an amazing job talking to him and easing his anxiety. Seriously, I wish my primary care doctor had 1/10 the people-skills and bedside manner.

Long story short, I'd go to dr Alvarez again in a heartbeat. Dr Gabriel and his assistants (almost all of them are bilingual) are excellent. The level of care exceeded my expectations. I'm a month out as I write this review, and have healed flawlessly. I was never in pain or nauseous at any time. I'm down 30-ish pounds.

Peidras Negras is a cute little town and very safe. It has a great little market where I bought a bunch of souvenirs the day before my operation. Jenni is one of dr Alvarez's staff who is sort of a "fixer." she acts as interpreter, advocate and took the husbands for lunch while I was undergoing the brief surgery. ( yes I said husbands, me and a friend went down together for surgery.)

As far as aftercare, both susan and dr Alvarez are available via email or phone post-surgery 24-7. (full disclosure, I never needed to contact them as I didn't have any problems.) but they have been checking in and sending email reminders when I am able to move on to the next dietary phase.

Dr Alvarez is not the least expensive but I firmly believe he is the best. When it comes to your body and well-being you will not be in better hands anywhere in the world.

Dr Alvarez is the most sincere and knowledgeable Doctor I have ever had. While in his hospital, I was visited by him and his staff more in two days than I have been in the states in a week. His staff is very courteous and they are just great to meet. The amount of time Dr Alvarez has invested in his practice is plain to see when you experience such expertise. I would suggest to anyone if you are contemplating having a gastric sleeve. Dr Alvarez is your man. I have been monitored more by e-mail than I would normally have been by my own local Doctor.

Dr A was GREAT! The staff was awesome too! When I arrived at the hospital I was alittle suprised as it's an old building in a older neighborhood. The hospital staff was nice but reserved. The van ride from the airport to the hotel (Eagle Pass) was OKAY. The hotel at Eagle Pass is located in the middle of no-where. We had to take a $20 cab around the block in order to get some food and drinks (water). There are plenty of hotels in the heart of Eagle Pass in which the stores and restaurants would have been in walking distance! That is my only complaint about my WLS experience.


No regrets!
Kelly

I don't really know how to start this other than saying if you are thinking about going to Dr. Alvarez for A VSG - DO IT!!!! I was very impressed with how easy the whole process was. From getting information, getting approved and having the surgery. I learned about Dr. Alvarez from my sister who had the VSG by him 5 years ago and has kept off 90 pounds.

My surgery was 5 weeks ago and I am down 28lbs. I was required to do a 1 week pre-op liquid diet and lost the first 7lbs during that week. Don't be worried about the liquid diet part. A few weeks of liquid is minor compared to the rest of your NEW life at a healthier weight.

I am now onto regular food and it is great. I eat a little bit and just stop because I get full and am satisified. It is amazing to just be able to taste whatever I want without guilt because I know I physically cannot overeat. This has NEVER been the case previously. Seeing the results so quickly is also very motivating. I am exercising now, I have more focus at work, I sleep better and generally just feel better. Plus it's only going to get better.

The hotels you stay at on the 1st and 4th nights of your trip are great. The 2 nights in the Mexican hospital are great. There is an english speaking nurse on staff at all times. I have to add the air conditioner in my room worked great and I actually got cold which I loved. I had surgery in July and it was HOT.
I had no pain from surgery. Sure there was some discomfort to a degree but nothing close to real pain. I didn't have any nausea either.
When I read reviews about Dr. Alvarez before I had surgery I thought to myself how can anybody be so great and how can all these people be saying the same thing. Well, it's all true. You won't find a better surgeon. It's also true you have personal access to him via email for any questions or concerns or to just let him know how great you are doing.

I have to give credit to the other players in this process as well. Susan, Dr. Alvarez's coordinator - very prompt and informatitive. Rosie, the transportation queen - it cannot be easy doing all that driving every day. Jessica, Dr. Alvarez's nurse - awesome awesome awesome. So nice and hardworking. I wanted to put her in my pocket and take her home. Dr. Gabe, assistant surgeon - very nice and attentive.

My Name is Laurie and I live in Oregon. I have lost 119 pound from gastric sleeve surgery with Dr. Alvarez. I had my surgery in June of 2011. Best thing I ever did for my self!!! Dr A does a great job and I have had no complaints or complications!!! If you are considering it DO IT My only regret is that I did not do this sooner