Guillermo Alvarez Bariatric Surgeon MD

I had a vertical gastric sleeve done by Dr. Guillermo Alvarez on October 24th, 2014 in Piedras Negras, Mexico. I was very pleased with my experience. Dr. Alvarez and his staff were very competent, and I had no complications with my surgery. This was one of the best gifts I gave myself; the gift of health! I truly appreciate everything Dr. Alveraz did for me; he gave me my life back. I highly recommend him!

Tamara Mayes
Twin Falls, Idaho

I am 5 weeks post VSG and feeling great! I had surgery on a Tuesday and went back to work on the following Monday.
My experience with Dr Alvarez was amazing. He is a true professional. His staff made my feel safe and comfortable. I was expecting some pain with the procedure but I really could not believe how good I felt even the day of the surgery.
I am a healthcare professional and have worked with many physicians. I would definitely recommend Dr Alvarez!

I underwent a Lap-Band to VSG revision surgery on 3/16/15 with Dr. Alvarez of Endobariatric (www.endobariatric.com). And the bottom line is, I couldn't be happier with process from start to finish.

The long version, including some details you may find helpful is as follows:

I learned of Dr. Alvarez from a Band to Sleeve revision support group on facebook. One of the members had her revision done with him and highly recommended him. Of course there are a lot of options when it comes to going to Mexico for surgery and I knew I wanted to explore Mexico because I was going to be completely self-pay/no insurance coverage for this revision. My insurance had covered my band placement in 2010 and followup care for a few years until I had to switch jobs and my new insurance would not cover anything relating to obesity. Due to the state I live in, I also could not get coverage on the healthcare exchange that would include obesity.

I was very successful with my Lap-band and lost 95 lbs in about 9 months and maintained that loss for another year +. Then I started having complications such as a dilated esophagus and achalasia. It was not safe to have fluid in the band so I got a complete unfill. Of course, I started gaining weight back immediately and despite my best diet attempts, I gained back 50 of the 95 lbs I had lost. I couldn't afford the constant maintenance of the band without insurance coverage and worse, I knew if I ran into trouble again, I'd have no coverage even in case of an emergency band removal. That's when I decided revising was my only option.

I researched surgeons in my area but the closest ones to me that had good reputations were still 3+ hours drive and $25,000 of more for self-payers. I also would have had to jump through most of the normal hoops like pre-op classes, counseling, etc. It would have meant a lot of time off work before even being approved for surgery.

When I found Dr. Alvarez, it was like a dream come true. I could complete everything I needed to online, travel once, and get my revision done for $9,000. Of course, I was warned it may not be possible to perform the band removal and revision all at once, due to the unknown amount of damage in my stomach. But even if I required 2 surgeries, the price would be $12,000 - still half of my US price.

The entire process of working with Endobariatric from start to finish was incredible smooth. The patient coordinator, Susan, is one of the most responsive customer service professionals I've ever had the pleasure to work with. Rarely did more than a couple of hours go by without an answer to my questions via email. And I have no doubt she is interfacing with dozens of patients daily, not just me.

When I finally did make it to San Antonio, TX to be picked up and taken to the surgery location just over the border in Piedras Negras, again everything could not have been more smooth or well done.

There are few big differences between this hospital and all other US hospitals I have been in. I found these differences to be positive for the most part, but I was not expecting them. So for the sake of an honest review of the experience, you might like to know about them.

1. This is specific to Dr. Alvarez, not a "Mexican hospital standard" I'm sure. But there is a very high ratio of nurses to patients here. It feels like one on one and you never have to wait for your needs to be addressed. When I got my Lap-Band at a busy Baltimore, MD hospital in 2010, I had to wait 5 hours after surgery for my first doses of anti-nausea and pain meds. I had to wait for a doctor to write orders for things, I was miserable, and no one cared. I had to wait a couple of hours to get up to pee even though I'd been pushing the call button nonstop. You will find the exact opposite at Endobariatric. I have barely been in pain for a moment since coming out of surgery. they are on top of the med schedule and the times I've been particularly nauseous they will give me more medicine right away and not insist I wait 2 more hours till my next scheduled dose.

2. The hospital that Dr. Alvarez operates out of is not shiny and new on the insude but it is cleaner and more comfortable than any US hospital I've been in. It is QUIET above all. There are not constant announcements on loud speakers. No constant beeping machines. No yelling or crying in the background. I think I am on a private wing only for Dr. Alvarez's patients, but even so, the whole place just has a different feel than US hospitals.

3. I was surprised at the lack of glove use that is so prevalent in US hospitals. Nurses are touch specimen cups and patients without gloves. This doesn't bother me too much but if you are very concerned I would ask in advance about requesting nurses to wear gloves around you at all times.

4. You can actually rest and recover in this hospital! What an idea, right? Instead of being hooked up to machines that beep and disturb you, you'll have an IV for fluids and meds but they will only come by once in a while to check blood pressure and temperature. And you get compression socks and instructions to walk and move but are not hooked up to auto-inflating leg pillows that squeeze and beep you all night. I was able to sleep as much as I wanted, undisturbed.

5. There will be a slight language barrier but it is not bad at all. Dr. Alvarez has nurses that are bilingual and make it very easy but they do leave at night. I was told they are accessible by phone if there's a problem requiring translation but since everything has gone very well for me, I haven't had a problem. I know some basic Spanish and I've used google translate to ask for specific things.

6. The wifi is not as great as I was hoping. Whereas in the US, hospitals seem to be built with wifi access throughout, this is an older hospital with heavy walls, and it doesn't reach the patient rooms. This is not an issue for me because I've enjoyed coming out of my room and sitting in the hallway or near the nurse's station to get a good signal. But if I had any "complaints" at all, it would be for wifi in my room so I can watch netflix in bed.

That is all I can think to mention right now. Again, bottom line, Dr. Alvarez is a skilled surgeon with a great personality and his staff exceeded all expectations. I am a HARD person to please and it is rare that I can write a glowing review. But these folks deserve it.

I had gastric sleeve performed by Dr. Alvarez on Jan 17, 2015. The entire experience was flawless. I have had no problems; no pain and no complications. Going to Mexico might seem extreme to some (especially to my friends and family). But once I did all my research, I was convinced that Dr. Alvarez was the best bariatric surgeon in the world. And he his. And his entire operation is top notch. They were extremely professional and they treated me like a VIP. The hospital was clean and private and I received the best care. Dr. Alvarez and his team are caring and friendly. I just can't say enough great things about my experience. My husband accompanied me and they treated him very very well. Additionally, he went out and ate dinner several times during our stay with absolutely no fear or discomfort. The town is quaint and very safe and he got the best food! I am just so grateful to Dr. Alvarez and his team of highly skilled medical professionals. If you want the best surgeon for your surgery, Dr. Alvarez is your guy....hands down, no question. BTW-it's been four weeks and I'm down 25 lbs!

My sister and I had the surgery yogether. I would highly recommend Dr. Alvarez. Everything was as promised.we were a little concerned about going to Mexico. I had no problems at all. My sister had problems regulating her blood pressure the first week. We are week 5 out of surgery. We have both lost over 30 lbs. Dr. Alvarez is great.

I learned about the VSG surgery only a few months ago. In the process, I meet with a doctor here in Florida and found out that my insurance would not cover this surgery. I did not get straight answers from him/his staff as to how much it would cost if I paid cash. There were a lot of extra or hidden costs and that wasn't even a guarantee. This turned out to be a blessing in disguise, because I started doing more research and found Dr. Alvarez. I started corresponding with Susan and she answered all of my questions and the price always stayed the same. I watched many youtube videos on people who had this surgery, and those who had it with Dr. A and it helped me make the decision that this is the doctor that I wanted to perform my surgery. It didn't matter if he was in Mexico or here, he was the right Dr. I had my surgery on January 13, 2015 and in a little over a month, I have lost 28 lbs and feel great! Going to Mexico for surgery may scare a lot of people, but it was a wonderful experience, no issues. I would recommend Dr. Alvarez and his staff over any US doctor!

I've struggled with my weight for well over half my life. I've done numerous different programs with no real, long-term success. At age 47, I decided to do the gastric sleeve after years of research and prayer. Several people I knew personally from my home town had gone to Dr. Alvarez and I knew them to be doing very well after their surgery. He was the surgeon I researched and wanted from day one. He had also featured on Time Magazine in the past, for his progressive work in obesity and I had read that article, too.

I first went to Mexico in August of 2014 to have the sleeve, only when I awakened, I found out I had been unable to have the surgery due to other unforeseen medical issues. I do not say this next part lightly, but with all sincerity......Dr. Alvarez saved my life. He found ascites (fluid) in my abdomen when he went to do the procedure and had to stop before completing it. I was heart broken, as I was completely ready emotionally and mentally to have this procedure done. We went home and began the process of finding out what the problem was and why there was fluid in my abdomen. This lead to multiple tests and it was discovered that my left kidney was not functioning at all, and apparently hadn't been for years. I had never had one kidney or bladder infection, and doctors were surprised that I had no complaints or any issues that would ever had led to the discovery of this, had I not gone to have my gastric sleeve done. My surgeon told me that if the kidney had not been discovered this way, it would have very likely been found with me going into kidney failure and being in ICU on dialysis or worse before it was discovered the hard way.

I had my kidney out in Sept. and went back January 3, 2015 to have my gastric sleeve done. This time, it was successful! I have had zero problems since having my gastric sleeve. I'm on my second week of solid foods and haven't been sick once time. I am taking it very slow and being cautious. I want to stress that I took Dr. Alvarez's post-op instructions very seriously and followed them to a T.

Both times that my husband and I were in Mexico, Dr. Alvarez and his staff took great care of us. They pampered my husband and saw to his needs for food, or any other thing he/we needed while I was recovering. Before, during and after my surgery, (both times) they have always answered any questions I may have, no matter how small or insignificant they may have seemed, willingly and quickly.

When I attempted to have my gastric sleeve the first time, Dr. Alvarez packed up in a cold packed container, samples of the ascites so we could have it tested. He included a DVD of the surgery, as well as a letter for my doctors at home to review. When I asked him to please go ahead and do the surgery, he told me he could not do it in good faith because if it turned out to be cancer, I would need the ability to eat well to sustain me during my treatments. He told me that he treated me like he would his own mother or sister and could not do the surgery until this got resolved. My husband and I were impressed that he was more concerned with my welfare than just being a number or taking the funds and doing the surgery. He returned a partial payment to us before leaving Mexico to come home. I say partial, because I did have to pay for my partial hospital stay, partial surgery, etc., which is certainly understandable, as I did have surgery even if it couldn't be completed at the time.

I have never once felt like I was just a number to Dr. Alvarez or his staff. They seriously want to see their patients obtain a healthy lifestyle and are some of my biggest cheerleaders and encouragers. It's obvious that Dr. Alvarez is passionate about helping people and is sincerely a "people person". He is very outgoing, personable, friendly, and knowledgeable. He has surrounded himself with a great staff that goes the extra mile in helping you throughout your stay.

I like that I have access to him and his staff via phone, email, and social media. They are prompt to respond if you need something.

My doctors at home have been supportive in my endeavor to have this and have been impressed with my story of how he handled the ascites. So many American doctors are skeptical about going to another country for treatment/surgery, so this has been a good thing for them to hear.

I am so thankful to have found Dr. Alvarez and would recommend him over any other. Some are not as interested in your well being like Dr. Alvarez is. He is a true advocate for his patients success and is trust worthy.

After much prayer and a whole lot of extensive research, I found Dr. Alvarez and Endobariatric. I am 1 month out and feel better than I have since I was in my 20's. I have lost 28 pounds 1 month post-op, with a total of 67 pounds in less than 3 months.
Dr. Alvarez and staff at Endobariatric were the epitome of professionalism. From the start, Susan, the patient care coordinator was available to answer any questions by email or phone. Rosy the driver was prompt and courteous and very personable. She was willing to answer any questions that we had on our way to Eagle Pass. Once we arrived at Dr. Alvarez's office, we were greeted by Dr. Alvarez and one of his medical assistants. Both spoke better English than most Americans!
Dr. Alvarez invited me into his office and gave me the run-down of what was going to happen. He was true to his word. Within less than an hour of arriving at his office I was in the OR. I woke up after the surgery and was able to get out of bed by myself within an hour or so. I walked the halls and felt great. I was truly amazed at how well I felt and had very little pain. I saw Dr. Alvarez and/or one of his team several times throughout the day and into the night. It was not because of any problems but they just wanted to make sure that I was ok.
The morning after surgery, the nurse took out the IV and I was free to wonder the halls. All was well, until I ate the ice chips too fast and got nauseated. I asked the nurse for some nausea medicines and she almost beat me back to my room with the meds. Later that evening I asked for more meds for nausea and the same thing happened. I was truly amazed that the staff waited on me like I was a VIP.
That evening, the medical assistant went over discharge instructions, meds, pain, sipping, etc. Everything I needed was put into a nice neat bag to take with me on the trip home. I traveled from San Antonio to Myrtle Beach, SC with no physical troubles at all.
I worked in healthcare for 12 years with 9 of those years in a full service regional hospital. I can say that the service I received from Dr. Alvarez and the staff of the hospital in Piedras Negras was far superior than what I have ever witnessed or experienced in the US.
I know many people worry about safety going into Mexico, but my friend who went with me went outside the hospital by himself to eat and shop. It said it was the best taco and best burrito that he has ever had. He never felt threatened or unsafe. Even found some bargains for his family! One of the other companions went out with one of Dr. Alvarez's staff to eat and to shop and she confirmed the safety.
In my final assessment, I would say that this experience was truly amazing!!! Dr. Alvarez and Endobariatric is the center of choice for me. I have already recommended them to others who are booking their surgeries in the Spring of 2015. Please feel free to write me if you have any questions or concerns and I will be glad to share more details of my experience.
Dr. Alvarez saved my life!!!!

My experience while in Mexico was a great decision that I will never forget or appreciate as my life is already changing for the better and I feel great! I definitely have been making life changing choices with my food and lifestyle. Dr. Alvarez and his staff have been with me the entire process and are still so very helpful if I have any questions or concerns.

I was so excited about having this surgery in the USA, but then I watched a lot of Youtube videos of Dr. Alvarez. I also saw videos of hundreds of people who had gone to Mexico to see him for surgery. I think the tipping point for me was that I saw a lady who was in her 60's travel to Mexico by herself to have the surgery and she had GREAT results. So I scheduled my appointment, got my ticket and never looked back. The experience was great! The hotel, the hospital, the nurses, and Dr. Alvarez treated me with such great care. He is a sweetheart! And it seems to me he had the most experience of any doctor out there for the VSG surgery.

I am so glad I did this because I look and feel great. My primary care doctor in the USA was happy I did the VSG surgery as well. I know it may be scary, but think about how you will feel one or two years from now if you don't have this surgery.

I would highly recommend Dr. Guillermo Alvarez for your surgery. ALL the people on Youtube can't be wrong and now you have one more witness...Me!
Do it for YOU!