Guillermo Alvarez Bariatric Surgeon MD

I am beyond happy with my choice to go see Dr. A! He is the most sincere doctor I have ever had. He truly cares about his patients and their outcomes. Also his team is great and always there when you need anything, even once you're back home. I am recommending him to all my friends that are interested in the surgery because I believe he is truly the best! I am currently 5 weeks post op and I haven't felt this great in a long time. Surgery can be scary but with him and his team, I wasn't concerned at all. If you are reading this and considering surgery, I strongly urge you to contact Dr A's office and get more info. You will not regret it.

If you are looking for the best WL surgeon in the world and hoping for the most fantastic possible results...if you are a diva wanting to be pampered every step of your way...if you are terrified and want to have someone you can trust, along with a team of professionals, who will individualize your treatment and scrutinize every detail...if you are unsure that you have what it takes to follow this journey to reach your goal, and you need a support system before, during, and after your surgery...THIS IS THE DOCTOR FOR YOU! I was all of these things, and more. Now I am one month postop from my surgery date, forty pounds lighter, a thousand percent healthier/more active/able to LIVE my life again, and eternally grateful to Dr. a and the Endobariatric team. The whole process has been wonderful! My first visit to the website was terrifying (because I was FINALLY taking the steps I had thought about and dreamed of for so long), but I was immediately greeted by one of Dr. A's extraordinary staff and guided thru the initial.steps of being approved for surgery. I found communication at that time, and all through the trip, plus since returning home from surgery, to be struggle free. I was met at the hotel near the San Antonio airport by the sweetest lady, Rosie, who explained the process of entering Mexico (I had already read all of the materials Dr. A sent, but needed to hear it again as a pep talk before actually doing it), what to expect when re-entering the US, and lots of facts about the area (I talked her ears off with questions, LOL). Entering the country was stressful only due to my own fears, that were quickly proven to be unnecessary. Seeing the town of Piedras Negras for the first time was not a culture shock at all; there are very similar stores and ways of living that we experience in the variety of lifestyles around us in the US...I just couldn't read some of the signs. At the hotel in Mexico we were greeted by one of Dr. A's nurses who saw us to our rooms and offered to arrange a visit to the local market or the Endospa for us. After shift change for the nurses, the evening nurse recommended local eateries within walking distance, but my mother and I (along with my sleeve sisters and brother) chose to stay at the hotel due to being tired from our travels, so she helped us select items from the hotel's chef. We enjoyed an extremely tasty meal (even though mine had to fit the boundaries of my pre-op diet), then we were free to enjoy the hotel's amenities for the evening. The staff at the hotel spoke English very well (with the exception of a few, but there was always someone nearby to translate if needed). The pool was beautiful, and the rooms were extremely clean and comfortable. The only complaint we had was that the only channel we could find in English was CNN, but we were too tired and too excited about the trip to really watch TV. That evening we had our meet and greet meeting with Dr. A, another of his doctors on his team, and the evening nurse. Dr. A was amazing. Walking in to meet him was like coming home to see an old friend. He was so pleasant and charming. He talked to us about his experience, his techniques, his success rate, his life, and his motivation behind his passion to help others regain their lives through weight loss surgery. He took the time to answer every question we had. He was very reassuring and GENUINE! I couldn't have asked for a better meeting to calm my nerves! This meeting also confirmed that I had made the right decision when choosing who to place my trust in for my surgery. The next morning we were met in the lobby and transported to the hospital for prep and surgery. The doctors I met, the nurses, and the nurse assistants were all fabulous. The hospital was not what we are used to in the US, because it was an older building and the rooms seemed dated, but the surgical suite was state of the art. Cleanliness and concerns of that nature were not an issue at all. Surgery was quick and without complication. The aftercare in the hospital was top-notch! I pressed the nurse-call button during the night and heard the nurse literally RUNNING to my room! They made sure I was comfortable and that my every need was addressed. The feeling I got was that nurses are trained in very traditional, professional ways: nurses wore the traditional white uniform type clothing--no scrubs! The thermometers were real glass! The alcohol wipes were cotton balls soaked in alcohol, carried in a stainless steel container. And I NEVER saw meds taken out of a pocket as I've seen with nurses in the US...they were brought in on a tray, all laid out. I never for a moment doubted that I was receiving the best care! After discharge from the hospital, Dr. A, the other doctors from his team, and his nurses who stayed with us at the hotel, made sure we were comfortable and well. The next morning we were greeted by Dr. A and his group for a fond farewell. We had been given all the meds we'd need for the first week or so, so our only concern was the trip home and healing. Rosie drove us back into the US (not a problem at all!) and helped us check into our hotel in San Antonio for the night. We rested for the evening, woke the next morning, and headed out on our flight home. I honestly couldn't have asked for better treatment or a more precise, skilled surgeon. The hype I heard from others about being fearful of traveling to Mexico for surgery was unfounded in any way, and I have been sure to let each of them know how wrong their mindset is! On a side note, my 80 year old mother also traveled with me on this adventure. Dr. A and his staff went out of their way to make sure she was comfortable, well fed, and completely taken care in every way! She said it's the most pampering, peaceful, restful vacation she's been in in a long time and she's ready to go back! Don't hesitate to choose Dr. Alvarez and his team to help you change your life for the better. My only regret is that I didn't do this YEARS ago! Dr. A and Endobariatric rocks!

Couldn't have asked for a better surgeon. Dr. Alvarez and his team were top notch. When my husband was searching for a Diet Coke while I was in the hospital, one of the team went to the store and brought him 3! Everyone was so friendly and helpful.

Best thing I ever did. My only wish is that I knew about Dr Alvarez sooner. Staff, Dr Alvarez, his surgery team, hospital, hotel....all top notch. 5 star treatment. Better than any American doctor I've been to. Thank you Dr. Alvarez I owe you so much.

I would like to share my experience with Dr. Alvarez.
I had researched this Dr. for 2 years. It was the best decision I have ever made in regards to my health. The only regret is that I waited so long to have better health.
Dr. Alvarez has a team of Surgeons that are the best in the VGS.
I promise when I tell you, that I have never had the care here in the US as I did with Dr. A and his team.
My greatest fear was traveling to Mexico. That fear was obsolete and wasted many years of a new lifestyle. You are in perfect care and never left to be alone without a translator, nurse, or surgeon for that fact.
I highly recommend Dr. A and his team of professionals for your new lifestyle. I am 33 days post op and all is very well. If I have any questions, even post op, I am taken care of within 5 minutes. Dr. A also works with your doctor here n the states.

Overall: Have no fear, because it is Mexico, have no fear of the procedure, have no fear of the distance, have no fear of the Doctors. It is so worth it.

Good luck to you in the future!

Best experience ever. Dr. Alvarez and his team in Piedras Negras, Mexico is top notch. They are professional, knowledgeable, experienced and kind. I recommend them highly for anyone considering a gastric sleeve.

My surgery was on June 17, 2017 and I am down 28 lbs and no longer on antidepressants or blood pressure medication.

It's a journey, but the reward at the end is worth the effort. Going to Dr. Alvarez and having this procedure was life changing and the best choice I could have made for myself.

Dr.Alvertez is absolutely wonderful. My boyfriend and I traveled to Mexico to have the surgery done, everything went great. From the time we were picked up at the airport till after the surgery was complete we were treated the very best by Dr.Alvertez and his team. We were so comfortable with the hospital staff and staying at the hotel they provided for us. Everyone welcomed us throughout our stay and took extra care of us. I cannot say enough about Dr.Alvertez and the surgery, everything went great and I could not be happier. I would recommend Dr.Alvertez and his team to anyone, you are treated like royalty the entire time you are there. Thank you so much Dr. Alvertez for changing my life in such a positive way. Your the greatest!

I had my annual well-woman exam and uterine cancer was discovered. After my hysterectomy, my oncologist said he could fix the cancer but he really wanted me to fix my weight, and he recommended surgery in Mexico as our BC/BS would not cover VSG for me. At first, medical work in Mexico was just not my first choice. But I started doing the research, and found Dr. Alvarez with Endobariatrics (endobariatric.com) in Piedras Negras, Mexico. His communication with me was very informative, and I began to seriously consider this option. His record of excellence was impeccable, and I decided to place my trust in him. I liked the idea that I could drive almost to his hospital door. His practice is just a mile inside Mexico, and the town of Piedras Negras had a safe reputation. Access was easy, and within just minutes we crossed the border from Eagle Pass, Texas to the Hampton Inn in Piedras Negras. The first afternoon we met our sleeve sister, and explored the local market. That evening, we met Dr. Alvarez and I felt my choice was completely confirmed. The next morning, his staff picked me up to go to the hospital. The hospital itself was satisfactory. Each doctor and nurse we met (and there were plenty) was well-trained, kind, compassionate, and an expert in his/her task. Language was not a barrier. If one person did not speak fluent English, someone next to him/her did. I never felt that I did not understand what was going on. Once I was in Dr. Alvarez's care, I knew that he was absolutely going to insure my safety and support my decision. He is very skilled, charismatic, and absolutely confident in his team. I had no pain, even though he said my stomach was one of the largest he'd seen! That's not an award I wanted to win! I had very little/brief nausea and was kind of amazed at how little stress I experienced. I was released back to the hotel the next day, his staff checked on me during the day, we went shopping that afternoon, and Dr. A. came to the hotel to check on me that evening. The next morning, he visited me again and I was released to go home. The hotel was up to the standards we'd expect of a Hampton Inn in the US. The care I received was outstanding. I would encourage others to take the plunge. I'm six weeks out and 41 pounds down...I have had no complications or issues. It's just a matter of developing a new relationship with food and with your own body! If you are considering a trip to Mexico for this surgery, this is the doctor and company you want to trust. When you do the research, there are many clinics/doctors in Mexico as well as in the US that do not have the level of expertise you want for this life-changing surgery. Dr. A is actually building a brand new facility in PN, and the issues relating to the hospital's age will disappear. He's hired the best staff, and they've worked with him for a long time. Another aspect about this surgeon that appealed to me was his dedication to helping weight-loss patients over the long haul. I've heard from him repeatedly since returning home, and I have all the support I've needed. He's even having a reunion for his patients in Memphis this fall! I think every person considering this surgery needs to take their time and reflect on the many changes that will have to be made, but I believe that nothing I want to eat will taste or feel as good as being slim and fit will feel. At 61, I am cancer-free, and within the next year, I know I will reach my goal of being "fat-free" as well. I am on my way, and it's all thanks to Dr. A.

I had surgery with Dr. Alvarez on June 6, 2017. I researched him for over a year. I was so nervous that I cancelled and rescheduled. Susan was patient and reassuring. I'm so thankful that I didn't back out. The pain was minimal (nothing like a c-section). I even had my gallbladder removed and a hiatal hernia repaired at the same time. I've had no complications whatsoever.
I recommend Dr. Alvarez and his staff- they're the best.
High weight 283 pre-op
Surgery day 268- June 6
Current 246-July 12

Dr. Alvarez, Susan and his team are true professionals.

The attentive nature of each member genuinely shows that they care about your well being. Every step of my surgical journey was exactly as it was presented to me prior to the surgery which made me feel safe and reassured. Any prior concerns or hesitation I may have felt were gone. If you are considering this procedure please choose Dr. Alvarez, you will NOT be disappointed!

If you have ANY concerns about travelling to Mexico via Texas, please rest assure that this process is part of the premium care that you will experience throughout the entire 4-5 day journey and is very safe. At times during our stay in both Texas and Mexico, my boyfriend and I felt that we were on a mini vacation and truly enjoyed!

Sincerely,

A grateful recent patient Cristina Speciale and perhaps 'Canada's nest future Spokesperson'