Guillermo Alvarez Bariatric Surgeon MD

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.

Dr. Alvarez and his team are simply the BEST to be found anywhere. There are many US doctors who could take lessons from Dr. Alvarez on how to treat people; explain procedures; take time and actually listen to patients wants, needs and fears; and his bed side manner is phenomenal! Dr. Alvarez must answer the same questions thousands of times, but when you ask him a question, it is like he is hearing it for the first time and takes so much time to explain his answer and makes sure you understand.

Dr. Alvarez's English is better than mine and I am 62 years old and born in the USA. I had my sleeve Jan 16, 2016 (yes on a Saturday! ) and to as of today , February 20, I have lost 24 pounds and I am looking forward to continuing the weight loss and really enjoying life .....thanks to Dr. Alvarez. The sleeve is NOT magical and the answer to large weight loss and a new life; it is tool to help us get the weight off and keep it off. We have to do out part. Dr. Alvarez did and continues to do his part everyday to help us! There is work we have to do as well.

WM Davis

My family was apprehensive about me going to Mexico for surgery, but it was the best decision for myself and my health I have ever made!!

I was in search of help with my type 2 diabetes. It was out of control. I had tried numbers times to lose weight. I was having really bad side effects from my Diabetes meds. I was having numbness in my feet and hands, my A1C was going up steadily, and I was getting scared. I did some research about having the Gastric Sleeve surgery. I checked to see if my insurance would cover my surgery. The answer was maybe, possibly not. That wasn't going to work. I keep seeing this Dr. Guillermo Alvarez name coming up. I did research on him and found out he was located in Mexico. I thought Mexico. Is it dangerous like everyone says? Is this Doctor any good? So, I started my research. Well, turns out Mexico is just as safe as any place else. Now, this Dr. Alvarez, turns out he's considered the best in his field. So, I do my prep op diet and headed to Mexico. Omg! I meet Dr. Alvarez and his team of Doctors, and nurses. Talking about professional, compassionate, and the best care I've ever had. Wow! As far as going to Mexico. I go there ever month to get my braces tightened, that I got the day after surgery and to visit Dr. Alvarez and his staff. Also, I love walking around going to this lovely café near by the hospital. So, don't be scared to go to Mexico and definitely choose Dr. Alvarez if you are thinking about getting the Gastric Sleeve. Best decision I've ever made.

Dr. Alvarez and his staff were very professional. Everything was like clockwork and on point. The accommodations were nice and my procedure went smoothly. My sleeve was done on 1/12/16 and Dr.Alvarez even repaired my Hiatal hernia with no extra charge. I have not experienced any problems and I am very grateful for Dr. Alvarez.

I was so very please with Dr. Alverez. When you arrive he puts you at ease as we are all so nervous. He was very professional and caring. He has an excellent staff that works with him closely. I would recommend anyone thinking of going to Mexico to watch his videos on You Tube and you will get a feel of what a awesome Dr he is. I had a friend who went to Tijuana Mexico and had her surgery and she accompanied me to Mexico to have my surgery. She was so impressed with my doctor and his staff at how caring and attentive they were to me. It was nothing like her doctor she had in Tijuana. I would highly recommend Dr. Alvarez to anyone who is considering this Surgery. His cost may be slightly more than some of the other doctors, but this is my body and I feel I need only the best doctor I can find. You stay in the hospital for two nights so you are monitored and watched for any complications. Again, I would highly recommend Dr. Alvarez to anyone considering this weight loss journey. He only does the sleeve and he has Perfected this surgery to a T . I had a hitial hernia which I didn't know I had, and he fixed that at the same time no additional cost. His price is a one price that covers everything except a flight if needed. He gets five ??????????From me. Thank you Dr. Alverez.

My first email to Endobariatric.com was answered promptly by Susan (his patient intake staff person). I had many questions and while I was anxious to lose weight, I was not convinced that VSG surgery was for me. I had lap-band surgery in 2011 that, like many, worked at first, but the weight crept back on. I thought that having a removable band would be safer and work well but it was neither. I did not have any band complications while it was in but it just didn't help keep the weight off long-term. Susan was so understanding - she was also a former band patient who had a revision to a VSG! I never felt that I was being sold a "product" as I did with the band.

I read a lot about Dr. Alvarez before I booked my surgery and felt very comfortable travelling to Mexico from Canada. Susan was kind enough to put me in touch with several patents of Dr. A's and they all had wonderful things to say about him, his staff and going to Mexico. I asked to speak to patents who were several years out from surgery - I wanted to know the long-term success of this surgery. I'd failed to do that with the band, and I wished I had. Seems the first year with the band, you lose, but the majority don't get to goal and gain back what they lost. A patient I'd connected with in Texas even offered to meet me (and did) to travel down to stay with me in the hospital! She was excited to show Dr. A and the staff how well she'd gotten along in the the 3 years since surgery.

I was nervous about Dr. A being able to remove the band and do the VSG surgery (this is not always possible in a single surgery) all at once but despite the scar tissue from the band, he was able to do it all in a single procedure. I was so thrilled - I was ready to start losing weight right away! The hospital was clean and quiet, the staff were wonderful and clearly well-trained, and Dr. A visited me several times to check on me and answer my questions. Within a few hours of surgery I was up walking and felt great! Since this is the his main surgery, I think he has it down to a science.

It's been just over 5 weeks since my surgery and I still feel great. I'm down 20.6 lbs from my 208 start. Scars are healing (better than they did with the band), I no longer have any acid reflux or nighttime coughs, I've not vomited a single time, and the weight is coming off! My surgery buddy (the lady who had her VSG on the same day as me) and I have continued to be in contact to compare notes - we are both so thankful we made the decision to have this surgery with Dr. A. All this to say, if you have any concerns about VSG surgery, Dr. A, or going to Mexico - don't! I just wish I'd done it sooner!!! Thanks, Dr. A!!