Guillermo Alvarez Bariatric Surgeon MD

Gastric Sleeve done on April 1, 2016. In Piedras Negras, Mexico.
I have only the best regard for Dr. Alvarez and his team of surgeons, medical staff and assistants. As a registered nurse, I feel confident in stating that the care I received by this amazing team was the best available for this procedure. I researched local doctors as well as doctors abroad to find the most qualified doctor for this procedure. Dr. Alvarez and his team are simply the most qualified you will find. Competency is matched equally with care and attention to your needs. The team is able to anticipate your needs based on their experience. There is a particular quality that sets the Endobariatric team apart from other teams in Mexico. The care and support that is received as a patient is done by a caring staff that is very emotionally supportive as well as medically qualified.
As a single parent and provider for disabled children, I was very nervous to leave my children, go to Mexico and put my very life and the livelihood of my children at risk. But I needed to make a decision to care for myself so that I would be able to care for my children as a healthier and more physically capable provider. In order to assure the best outcome for myself, I had to trust a stranger with not only my life, but the life of those so dear to me. The former patients were able to explain what my experience was going to be like from beginning to end. The doctors are accessible before and after the procedure. Susan, the nurse coordinator is readily available. The entire team was compassionate and I felt the my outcome was important to them!
The entire experience was very well organized from the moment I sent in my health history to the moment I boarded the plane to go home. The team was extremely personable and watchful over the patients through the wholeprocess. I did not bring a travel companion with me, but I felt completely safe and secure the entire time I was traveling and through the hospital stay.

As a side note. My sister and helper had to have non emergent, but unexpected gall bladder surgery 19 days after my surgery. Even though her surgery occurred 3 miles from our home, she had very little contact with her surgeon. There were complications that were not explained well to her and she had to schedule an appointment to talk to her doctor. He was not available to even talk to her after surgery! She had more pain and a longer initial recovery period than I did. She felt like was a procedure and a chart number instead of a person with a life outside of the procedure she was having. Such a different experience from my own!
My professional and personal opinion is that Quality care is not only earmarked by competence, but integrity and compassionate concern for the person receiving care. I received that from every staff member.
I have already recommended the procedure by Dr. Alvarez to my dear friend. I would not recommend anyone else. No one else has the teaching, support, competence and caring that "Dr. A's" team provides! I am very grateful for an amazing experience with no complications, and amazing recovery!!

everything was perfect, exactly like everyone say's... VIP all the way. I have NEVER been treated better at a hospital and was even better healthcare than in Missouri. I would do it again and if you need this sleeve then Dr. Alvarez is the person who you can trust.

Lots of contact before surgery, assurances of safety in Mexico, given lots of information including Utube videos, lots of TLC. Dr Alvarez and his whole crew are wonderful and caring. I'd never had surgery or spent a night in a hospital before and they made this easy! Would recommend Dr. Alvarez and Endobariatrics to anyone.

My experience with Endobariatric and Dr A was wonderful. The care and professionalism was outstanding. I never once felt unsafe or in danger being in Mexico. My mother traveled with me and she was very skeptical at first, but was pleased with the overall experience. I would recommend Dr A to any of my friends and family.

I had the gastric sleeve surgery on March 8, 2016 and couldn't be more pleased. When I decided to have this operation, I initially visited my local doctor. I went through the pre-surgery process with him but as I continued to do research on this surgery, I kept reading wonderful reviews and great success rates about Dr. Alvarez. Traveling to Mexico became a non issue after doing research about Dr. Alvarez. My friends and family were very hesitant about me going to Mexico, but I had a peace about the decision I made. In fact, I sent them all links about the research I had done about having Dr. Alvarez doing the surgery and there was nothing they could say. They agreed that he was the most qualified. Once arriving in San Antonio, the process was easy. Endobariatrics staff and doctors have the process down. All the accommodations were nice, getting across the border and back into the U.S. was easy but most of all the surgery and care afterwards was great! My operation went smoothly and I was up and walking my 10,000 steps the next day. I have not had any pain and have been losing weight ever since. My stats are: Highest weight - 253lbs, Pre-op diet weight - 250lbs, Surgery weight - 237lbs, current weight 216lbs. My BMI was 42 and now is 37. In addition to the surgery being easy and successful, Dr. Alvarez and staff keep you updated with new phases of the diet. Also, they are very easy to reach via email, phone, and snapchat. Dr. Alvarez also believes in educating everyone about the gastric sleeve surgery with very informative videos and Ask Dr. A videos. These are very helpful in the research process and to revisit when needed.

I am a 30 something Canadian, that had gastric sleeve surgery with Dr. Alvarez in Mar 2016. I own a nursing practice in Canada, and would like to share my perspective on my experience with Dr. A., so my fellow Canadians know exactly what to expect from the process, and his team.

Like many my main point of contact was Susan, a very kind lady that helped me make all of the arrangements. She is very organized, and helpful, even after the surgery when I needed an itemized receipt ect. She is there to help, and she really does! They pick you up in San Antonio, and take care of you the entire way to Eagle Pass, and across into Mexico. No issues, no safety concerns, smooth.

When you drive into Mexico, it is a typical small city in Mexico. They drive you straight to Dr. A's office which is a specialists office complex connected to the hospital. This portion of the building is a newer build, it is modern, clean, and professional. Once you meet with Dr. A., you will be put at ease. I am not a high maintenance person, and traveled alone to do this surgery, and have never had any type of surgery in my life, aside from dental. Dr. A. had a plan to contact my family back home as soon as the surgery was complete, which put my family at ease. The other people in my group were great, and were checking on me and supporting me through my recovery, along with Dr. A., the other surgeons, and all of the nurses.

I had my own private room, with a bathroom and shower. The room was decent, I would say that it is a bit dated and worn out, but spacious, with a tv, couch, ect. My dorm room in university in was in worse shape. The main hallway of the ward we stayed on was updated, but some other parts of the hospital were older. But for the most part anywhere we spent time in was modern. Although dated, this hospital was clean! I did not feel that it was an issue or concern. In fact the only reason I bring it up is to be 100% transparent, so you get the entire picture.

The medical care was very good. After meeting with Dr. A. they take you for a chest x-ray, and blood work, then up to your room. The nurse gave me clear instructions of how to get ready, then the Anesthesiologist came in and got me ready for the OR. I was unconscious before I left my private room, then woke up in my private room. I felt groggy, but they had given us instructions before had on what to do once you awake. I followed the instructions, and then went to the washroom. I had 5 small incisions, but no pain that was not managed by medication. The first day I felt rough, like a mild hangover. I did experience 2 brief periods of nausea. I had some dry heaving, which made me nervous because I thought I may injure my stomach or incisions. I was given some some medication, and within the 24 hours any nausea was completely gone. They make you walk a lot, which is good for the gas, and helps make sure you do not have complications ect. ***They do the leak test when you are in the OR!*** So unlikely patients that have surgeries elsewhere, you do not have to force yourself to drink some horrible liquid the day after surgery.

There was an english speaking nurse on duty with us day and evening, with other spanish speaking nurses administering some medications ect. I was check on several times by Dr. A., and the other surgeons each day. I would estimate I had a surgeon examine me at least 3 or 4 times per day, and the nurses were always nearby. Direct patient contact/care was higher with Dr. A, than in Canada. My spouse recently had two back surgeries in two years, and was lucky to see the surgeon or doctor once or twice at most. Here I felt like they were always monitoring me, and I did not even have any serious concerns. Before leaving the hospital, they give us medications, care instructions. It is straight forward and simple.

Why would I recommend Dr. A. to others who have decided this surgery is the right tool for their health?

He has a team of surgeons, and medical professionals taking care of you. He puts patient care ahead of volume. You matter.

I cared about myself enough to have the surgery; and cared enough to pay for the level of care I deserved!

Do I have any regrets about any part of my experience with Dr. A. or my choice to have sleeve surgery?

Not one, not for a single second.

Dr. Alvarez is GREAT!!! Dr. Alvarez and his staff make you feel so comfortable and they put you at ease about the whole process and procedure

I am so happy that I decided to have the vertical sleeve procedure and that Dr. Alvarez was the one to do it!

I am so looking forward to my future with my new body and all the energy that I will have!

You could not choose a better doctor, than Dr. Alvarez!

Thanks for everything Dr. Alvarez!!!!

My wife, Sister, and I all had surgery the same day. Dr. Alvarez and his team were amazing!! When we arrived at the hospital they walked us through everything step by step. The hospital was clean. Before we knew it one by one we were taken into the operating room. When we woke up Dr. A's team of nurses were there to help us get comfortable. Having this surgery done has changed my life. I already have more energy to play with my 5 year old son. I have better mobility and everyday tasks like putting on my shoes are easier then ever. Going to Mexico to have my surgery gave me a little anxiety but would do it all over again if I had to. Dr. Alvarez and his team are AMAZING!!

Dr. Alvarez and his team could not have done a better job at taking care of my Mother and I. Right from the start, Susan answered a ton of questions and encouraged me to fill out the questionnaire to see if I qualified. Once sent in, I received a personal response from Dr. Alvarez himself, going over my history and letting me know that I'm an excellent candidate. Rosy (van driver) is courteous, fun, and careful during both directions of the drive. Dr. Alvarez and his surgical team really go the extra mile to ensure the procedure is as quick and painless as possible. Jessica and Anali constantly checked on us to make sure we're as comfortable as possible and kept things fun throughout recovery.

My Mother and I were both shocked at how well we felt after surgery. We were up and walking around, even chatting with some of the staff and previous day sleeve patients. I know the negative stigma behind Mexico surgery quite well and it played a large role in how careful I was in my research. From someone who was just there a month ago, I will say this: you can't go wrong with Dr. Alvarez and his team. They truly care about your well-being and are completely dedicated to you, not only while you're there, but after you leave as well. I've already lost 48 pounds and am feeling great!

Hello Everyone,
My name is Chinua Hawk and I am from Atlanta, Ga. I had my VSG surgery with Dr. Alvarez on January 30th, 2016 in Piedras Negras, Mexico. I have to tell you that I had a absolutely incredible experience. When I was researching this surgery, I hadn't considered going out of the country to have it done but a couple of people I know mentioned family members having it done in Mexico. So, from there I started researching Mexican doctors that performed this surgery. When I came across Dr. Alvarez on line the first thing that I loved was how visible he was online. The more I discovered about him and his expertise the more convinced I was that he was the surgeon I wanted for my procedure. To be completely honest, I didn't have any reservations about going to Mexico for my surgery. A lot of people thought I was crazy for considering the option but I never let that sway my decision.

Everything went so smoothly and I received the absolute best care. The doctors have an excellent bedside manner and patiently address any concerns you may have. I couldn't have asked for a better experience. The facility was nice and comfortable So I encourage you to do your research and trust your instincts. The only thing I wish I had done differently was to build in a little time before the surgery to explore a little bit.

Dr. Alvarez is definitely the best! I would recommend him to anyone on the planet for this surgery. I'm already down 72 pounds and extremely happy that I made the choice to do this surgery with Dr. Alvarez.