Guillermo Alvarez Bariatric Surgeon MD

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!

Hello everybody!! I had my VSG done on 11/26/2014. Dr. Guillermo Alvarez. Yes, right before Thanksgiving Day. After so many years of being heavy and having high blood pressure, sleep apnea, knee problems etc. I started to research on the VSG online since the beginning 2013. Honestly the fact that I had to travel to Mexico was the only reason holding me back this long, I was scared about crossing the border too. REALLY . I am glad
I FINALLY MADE THE DECISION!!
Our Experience was tremendously awesome. My husband enjoyed the fact that it was very peaceful. He got to walk to nearby stores and restaurants. And most of all he couldn't believe it was a short drive from the hotel to the hospital. PEOPLE if you are thinking of doing VSG DONT WAIT like I did MAKE THE DECISION TODAY!!!Dr. Alvarez and his team are the best. After researching for several months, and seeing all his educational videos, radio chat, and reading all positive comments I was sure he was the right Doctor to go to. I Thank God for helping me in making the decision. Everything else went very smoothly. The hospital rooms were very clean, spacious and very comfortable. His team was always ready to help when needed. Even though I live in the valley I can live confident that Dr. Alvarez and Susan are only a call or an email away to answer any questions or concerns. I thank GOD , Dr. Alvarez and his AWESOME TEAM for changing my life.........

I had surgery in Mexico with Dr Guillermo Alvarez on 11/24 and everything went smoothly. Not one single complaint. Surgery process was seamless. He made rounds 3 times a day and when he wasn't there he had 2 other doctors that rounded as well. He had English speaking staff Medical Assisants working 24 hours per day that were there anytime you needed them. After surgery I had minimal pain. I was back at work in 8 days and driving in 10 days. Soreness remained from gas for about 7-10 days. My incisions are almost completely healed. He and his nurse assistant Susan are there for you 24 hours a day for questions or concerns. I have 2 RN friends that went to him as well. I would highly recommend him.

I had my sleeve done on July 8, 2014. I am 5"9 and weighed 216.6 pounds. Since then, I have lost 56.6 pounds and I am down several clothing sizes. I chose Dr. Alvarez because my sister and her mother-in-law both used him as a surgeon. Dr. Alvarez is a very professional surgeon and knows what he is doing. He goes above and beyond in patient care and personality. With being in a foreign country, I did not have any fears because I was so well taken care of, above and beyond!

I would highly recommend Dr. Alvarez to anyone that I know. He truly is one of the best!!

Dr. Alvarez is the best surgeon. My surgery was on nov the 7th and I am feeling good! He is always available for help and Susan too. They answer as soon as they can and they care about us. Im glad that I choose him as my surgeon. I went driving to piedras negras and the hospital is very close of the bridge less than 10 minutes. The hospital was in perfect conditions and all the staff is very caring. I would do it in a heartbeat again. You will not regret it.

The best decision that I have ever made concerning my health was to have the gastric vertical sleeve surgery and Dr. Alvarez is the most remarkable surgeon I have ever met. It is very evident that he is in it for the patients more than anything. I've had several surgeries in the United States and would only see the surgeon once after surgery if they even came by at all. Dr. Alvarez checked on me personally three times each day and his associates also checked on me. My wife had gastric sleeve surgery a couple of years ago in south Texas and, after being with me in Mexico for my surgery, she said she would have gone to Dr. Alvarez if she'd known about him. We never felt unsafe in Mexico. I give Dr. Alvarez my highest compliments and, since my experience, have been recommending him to my friends who are struggling with their weight. I have lost 47 lbs so far since I began the pre-op diet and am averaging a little less than one lb per day. I couldn't be more thrilled. Although I have Dr. Alvarez's personal cell phone number I have not needed to call him about anything because Susan, the Patient Coordinator, has been able to answer all of my questions before, and after, my surgery.