Guillermo Alvarez Bariatric Surgeon MD

Dr. Alvarez is an amazing surgeon and his team has the same dedication about your care before your surgery, during your surgery and after care is number one (Dr. Rosales, Susan, Rosie, Andrea, Dr. Salinas, Jesus and Jessica). I had done my research on the VSG. Dr. Alvarez name kept coming up. I read all his reviews, and couldn’t find a single negative comment about his practice. What you read about him is exactly what you get, everyone has had the same experience I had “Excellent”. I would recommend the VSG procedure with Dr. Alvarez to anyone who wants to change their life.

July 20, 2013 I sent an email to Susan requesting information about the VSG. She responded within 25-45 minutes. I review all the videos, and paperwork. I must of asked Susan every question I could think of. She responded quickly with the information I requested. I knew this was the right decision for my situation. I filled out my medical history and submitted it for review. I was notified that Dr. Alvarez approved me for VSG within three days. I was provided a package with all the information I needed to go forward with VSG. I picked the day I wanted to have my surgery(Sept 9, 2013).

Sept 8, 2013 I arrived at San Antonio International Airport. I was not nervous until I arrived at San Antonio. All of a sudden I started questioning myself what have I got myself into. I gathered myself and called the hotel to send a shuttle to pick me up. Once I arrived at the hotel lobby I was informed that Rosie would be here shortly. My friends at home was calling me freaking out that I went by myself. One friend told me to take a picture of the van and Rosie just in case I turned up missing. Well I did not do that. The staff at the hotel was very nice and made me feel comfortable. Rosie showed up around noon for our 2.5 hour drive to Eagle Pass. The ride seem short because I was asking Rosie every question I could think of. She explained everything that I will go through. We arrived at the Holiday in Express around 2:30 pm and Rosie checked me into the Hotel, she then told me that she would be back at around 7:00 am the next morning(Surgery Day). Rosie showed up at 7:00 to drive myself and another person having surgery across the border into Mexico. With in a few minutes we were pulling into the parking lot of the Dr. Alvarez's office. Rosie walked us into the Dr. Alvarez office.

Dr. Alvarez and Andrea both greeted us. We all sat down for a couple minutes. Dr. Alvarez spoke with each of us privately about what was going to happen. I was at total ease once I met with him. I was weighed, a few pictures were taken. Andrea collected my paperwork and took me next door from his office to the hospital. Andrea stayed with me every step of the way because I was alone. I started surgery prep having blood drawn. Andrea showed me my room which was next door to the person who was also having surgery today. Once in my room I changed into my gown and waited a few minutes for the nurses to come in and start the IV. Next came Dr. Salines, the anesthesiologist to check on me and let me know he would be back shortly to get me. About, 20 minutes later; I transferred onto a gurney and was given the medicine to put me under. Next thing I remember waking up back in my room. Dr. Alvarez and Dr. Rosales visited me at least twice that evening before going home. Jessica afternoon team member and Jesus the night team member helped with translation if I needed it. I was up and walking the same day I had surgery. I walked the halls of the hospital because I was feeling great. The next day all of the doctors, including Dr. Alvarez, came in and checked on me multiple times. When I was allowed to start having ice chips it was wonderful. Discharge day Sept 11, 2013, Rosie picked me up and we were on our way to the border crossing. She asked me for my passport to re-enter the US. Everything went very smoothly and I was on my way back to San Antonio. We stopped about half way there for a chance to stretch and get something to drink. Finally, we were back at the hotel in San Antonio and Rosie checked me into the hotel.

I arrived home Sept 12, 2013 no troubles on the flight. Dr. Alvarez and Susan both contacted me to see how I was doing. There are 4 stages to the Post-op diet,(stage 1 is the hardest) Dr. Alvarez sent emails to remind me each time the next stage was happening, he sent out a reminder of what kinds of foods I could begin to try slowly. He also checking in to see how I was doing and answer any questions I might have. I would go back to Mexico to see Dr. Alvarez and his team if I needed to have another surgery. If he could not perform the surgery because it is not in his field I would ask for his recommendation. I would highly recommend him. I’m 30 days post op

I had one of the most amazing experiences at a hospital with Dr. Alvarez team. I would recommend him to anybody any day. Everything was great. Through out the whole time I was under his care I had translators. I had doctor check ups several times a day during my stay at the hospital. My anesthesiologist even checked up on me several times. What an awesome team. I would go back again and honestly if I ever need another surgery I would probably ask him for recommendations. Ohhh the most important thing to be, my scars are pretty much gone and they were perfectly cut. And I should say its only been 30 days aandi have olive skin so pigment has always been an issue but not this time. Thank you Dr. Alvarez =)

Dr. Alvarez has assembled an amazing team. He and his entire team, Susan, Rosy, Andrea, Jessica, Jesus, Dr. Gabe, Dr. Rosales & Dr. Salines all have the same passion for helping people fighting obesity as he does. On May 20, 2013 I sent a message to [email protected] to learn more about Vertical Sleeve Gastrectomy. With in a day maybe less, Susan responded to me answering my questions as well as sending a video with Dr. Alvarez explaining what the procedure is all about. With this knowledge and all the information I researched online plus all the video Dr. Alvarez has online, I knew this was the right decision for me. Over the next week or so I had a lot of questions for Susan and she always answered them promptly. She has a vast amount of knowledge about this procedure because she has also been a patient. She can also give you a personal perspective. Once I filled out all the Medical History paperwork and submitted it for approval it was only a matter of a few days before Dr. Alvarez reviewed my medical history and I was approved. I knew my journey was starting and I was looking forward to every minute of it. I was a larger person when I started so I was required to complete a 4 week liquid diet (you may think 4 weeks - Oh my gosh but I knew I could do it.) My Surgery was set for exactly 2 months later. I decided to start cutting back at that point, I didn't want to have a last meal, or food funeral. I decided at that point I wanted my liver and other organs to be in the best health they could be in for surgery. I started drinking 2 protein shakes and one small protein rich meal for dinner a day for the first month, and really didn't have any carb withdrawal headaches. In 4 weeks I had lost 25 lbs. I couldn't believe it. I thought to myself.. Maybe I can do this. This gave me the encouragement I need to keep going. Now I was 4 weeks out from Surgery and my all liquid diet started. I replace my 3rd meal a day with one more shake (with lots of research and watching a lot of you-tube videos from other VSG people, I learned Premiere Protein is the best).

Finally the weekend before my surgery arrived. I made it.. My mom decided to come with me to Piedras Negras, MX. We live in the Pacific Northwest and had to travel a day early in order to meet Rosy at the Hotel on Sunday morning for our 2.5 hour drive to Eagle Pass. Rosy is wonderful; she has this process down to a science, and knew exactly where to stop for a break and explainied things that we were seeing as we are driving to Eagle Pass. If I remember correctly she has been a part of Dr. Alvarez team for over 7 years. We arrived at the Holiday in Express around 2:30 pm and Rosy checked us into the Hotel, she then told us that she would be back at around 7:00 am the next morning (Surgery Day). Just like clock work she met us at 7:00 am and drove us across the border into Mexico. With in a few minutes we were pulling into the parking lot of the Dr. Alvarez's office and were unloading our luggage. When we walked into the office, Dr. Alvarez and Andrea both greeted us. We all sat down for a couple minutes and chatted with the Dr. Alvarez, he put us all at ease. When it was my turn to met with Dr. Alvarez in his office I was weighed (and had lost a total of 50 lbs lost prior to surgery), a few pictures were taken and he discussed what was going to happen. He also answered any questions I had. Andrea collected all our paperwork and took us next door from his office to the small private hospital. Then I started surgery prep, having blood drawn and a chest x-ray done, Andrea was with me every step of the way. Once back in my room I changed into my gown and waited a few minutes for the nurses to come in and start the IV. Next came Dr. Salines, the anesthesiologist to check on me and let me know he would be back shortly to get me. About, 35-45 minutes later it was my turn; I transferred onto a gurney and was given the medicine to put me under. Dr. Alvarez came out and talked to my mom as soon as the surgery was over and let her know everything went perfect. The next thing I remember was being back in my room and waking up from surgery a couple hours later. Pretty soon Dr. Alvarez was in checking on me, as well as Dr. Gabe , Dr. Rosales and Dr. Salines throught the rest of the afternoon. By now Jessica was there helping to translate for us when the nurses came by to take my blood pressure and give me more meds in my IV, she was wonderful too. She offered to take my mom to a restaurant for dinner. Dr. Alvarez and Dr. Rosales came by one more time before the evening was over. Then Jesus, the night nurse, helped us again if we needed translations. The next day all of the doctors, including Dr. Alvarez, came in and checked on me multiple times. I tried to walk as much as I could up and down the halls. I was dealing with nausea so I kept making short trips around the halls (but it really helps with getting the gas they put in you out. I was also allowed to start having ice chips and that was wonderful. The third day was discharge day and we were ready to head out. Rosy picked us up and we were on our way to the border crossing. She asked us for our passports, since you need them, to re-enter the US. Going into Mexico they didn't ask for them. Everything went very smoothly and we were on our way back to San Antonio. We stopped about half way there for a chance to stretch and get something to drink. Finally, we were back at the hotel in San Antonio and Rosy was checking us into the hotel. I got up to my room and slept. That evening I let Dr. Alvarez and Susan know I was feeling better. Susan even called to check on me as well. The next day was my day to travel home, our flight did not leave until the evening so Rosy arranged for late check out. (THANK YOU ROSY!!)

Now started the beginning to the rest of my life. Dr. Alvarez has given me this amazing tool, he always says it is a tool. It's not going to do the work for you, you have to put in the hard work, too, if you want to be successful with it & exercise is key. The good thing is you can be successful. There are 4 stages to the Post-op diet, over the next 5 weeks Dr. Alvarez e-mailed me to remind me each time the next stage was happening, he sent out a reminder of what kinds of foods we could begin to try slowly. He was also checking in to see how we were doing and answer any questions we may have.

He is an amazing and talented surgeon, with a deep knowledge about Bariactics and a thirst to continue to learn the latest technology out there in order to help his patients be successful. Now, like many of you, I had done my research. I read all his reviews, and could't find a single negative comment about his practice. What you read about him is exactly what you get; we all have the same experience. I would recommend the VSG procedure with Dr. Alvarez to anyone who wants to change their life. He gives you the tool you need. YOU WILL NOT REGRET IT... I think he is the best!!

Dr. Alvarez and his staff are wonderful, caring people. Susan is great about responding to emails. Rosie was a delightful driver to and from the hospital. The pre-op and post-op instructions were clear. The hospital was nice and clean. There were plenty of staff members that spoke English, no language challenges. Everyone was very encouraging. I have followed the instructions and have had wonderful results. The surgery has changed everything about my body and my life. I feel younger and stronger. I am no longer held hostage by my sugar addiction. I am free!!!! It takes courage to change your life. Dr. Alvarez is the surgical life partner for the journey of change. You will cared for and loved through the process by Dr. Alvarez and his entire staff.

I'm sure you can imagine the look I received from friends and family when I told them I was going to Mexico for the vertical sleeve. Even I was questioning my own sanity! My mom slipped money into my hand as I arrived at the airport saying " just in case you get there and don't feel comfortable, this will help you escape!" Well you'll all be glad to know that I came home with the money and didn't need to 'escape'. Words cannot express how amazing my experience was. There truly are genuine, caring people in the world and Dr.Alvarez is one of them. From the instant he shook my hand all my anxiety and fears went away. His whole team are an amazing group of people, who really care, and are always there to answer questions, and take care of all your needs. They even brought my sister shopping and out to get meals!! For anyone thinking about taking this journey I promise you there will be no regrets, you will be in great hands, you will feel completely comfortable and at ease. Dr.Alvarez was able to give me a tool to reach my goals, without him I don't think these goals would be attainable, I will be forever thank full!
Julie

WLS is scary enough without having to add the unknown factor of having it done in Mexico. It can really alter a decision to get the procedure done. Because of this, I'm only going to be 100% truthful with you about my decision to cross the border for Dr. Alvarez. Traveling to Mexico for surgery was the one thing that scared me enough to cancel my operation. What eventually helped me is thinking about the situation like this:

I want the best surgery available with the doctors that are the most recommended and reliable -- which just so happens to be Dr. Alvarez. If he operated in New Zealand, Egypt, or China I'd be flying there instead for the procedure -- it has nothing to do with where he's located, remember that, because you're looking for the best doctor and he just so happens to be in Mexico (3 miles from the US border.)

My mom was really nervous about the Mexico thing too which is why she insisted on coming with. The entire process was handled so flawlessly that I (nor my mother) have any doubts about the decision I made. Not only did the surgery go well but there was round the clock people checking in on me. The logistics of the entire experience were so well planned, neither my mother nor I ever had to worry about how we were getting from the airport to the hospital, from the hospital to the hotel or how to cross the border. The entire situation was excellently thought out and planned and it was nice not to have to worry about everything else when I was focusing on recovering.

My overall experience was fantastic. The staff was great. The hospital was clean. I was nervous about my surgery, but I knew I was in good hands. I never had any questions left unanswered. I was treated kindly and with respect. Now that I'm home I get emails with aftercare reminders every step of the way. I know can email or call anytime if I have any concerns.

I was hesitant to have surgery of any kind performed in Mexico. However, after hearing testimonials from friends who had used Dr. Alvarez, I decided to give it a try.

I have been 100% satisfied with my decision. Everything went smoothly, no complications. Dr. Alvarez and his staff are professional and seem to really care about their patients.

I can honestly say that I think I received better care with Dr. Alvarez at his facility than I ever have at any hospital in the U.S. Dr. Alvarez and others from his staff have emailed me to check on my progess and to see if there was anything that I needed. The level of care and concern provided by Dr. Alvarez is top-notch.

Although the hospital facilities are not state-of-the-art, they are incredibly clean and comfortable.

I would certainly recommend Dr. Alvarez to anyone considering bariatric surgery. I am thrilled that I did not let my hesitance to having surgery in Mexico deter me from using Dr. Alvarez as my surgeon.

I am incredibly happy with the results that I have seen so far from the surgery, as far as the weight loss is concerned.

I in no way regret my decision to have Dr. Alvarez perform my surgery. I would make the same decision again in an instant.

i had surgery on August 15, 2013. My husband and I drive to Eagle Pass, Texas on the 14th and a hotel room was already reserved for us through Dr. Alvarez. The whole experience was so easy. I had researched Dr. Alvarez on the Internet and then Susan had sent everything I needed in advance. I was never apprehensive in the least. We met Dr. Alvarez the next morning and I was very impressed. My husband was so pleased with the cleanliness of the hospital. You could see yourself in the floor. The rooms were immaculate! It didn't take long after we arrived and I was in surgery. We had three translators that were wonderful. Everything was explained in great detail. When I came out of surgery I truly never hurt. They give you pain meds and nausea meds without you having to ask. I would do it again in a heartbeat and Dr Alvarez would be my choice. My entire family researched Dr. Alvarez's hospital and they all agreed that he's the best. I've had numerous surgeries in the States and I have to say that the hospital in Mexico was actually better than a lot of the hospitals I have been in here. If you want to loose the weight, and your insurance doesn't cover it then this is where you need to go. I have lost a total of 42 lbs. And I feel so good. And I'm proud of myself for a change. I was taking 6 insulin shots a day now I take one! Don't put it off thinking it will get better because you know it won't. I needed help. Dr. Alvarez was what I was looking for. As he says..you don't have to be great to start, you have to start to be great! I'm just starting. And I can't wait to see what happens to me! Goodluck and God Bless

I heard about Dr. Alvarez from my mother, who had the vertical sleeve gastrectomy surgery with him August 2012. I've been overweight most of my life, and seeing her success with her new tool was inspiring! She raved about Dr. Alvarez nonstop. I didn't completely believe her until I scheduled surgery with him and met him myself. Dr. Alvarez is not only a gifted, talented surgeon, he is also one of the kindest doctors I've ever met. He genuinely cares about each and every patient and wants them to succeed. When I arrived to the hospital, he took me in his office and discussed the surgery. He told me exactly what the surgery entails and answered any questions I had which totally put me at ease. His office staff was so helpful, too! I loved Andrea (morning nurse) and Jessica (afternoon/evening nurse) - not only did they assist me with anything I needed (ice chips, water, and even help to the bathroom!), they motivated me to get moving after surgery to help reduce further pain. Susan is wonderful, as well! She helped book my surgery and answered so many of my pre-op questions. I still email her if I have questions - she's quick to reply and so helpful! Another great member of his staff is Rosie - she drives you back and forth from San Antonio to Piedras Negras and is always great to talk to. The hospital itself is very clean and well-staffed, I had no complaints! Upon leaving the hospital, Dr. Alvarez gifts you a pillow (helped me sleep the first two weeks - alleviates pressure in all the right spots!) and his book "Successful Weight Loss with the Gastric Sleeve" which answered many of my questions. I know any time I have a question, it will be quickly answered by Dr. A. I had such a wonderful experience, I will be telling everyone about it. Words cannot express how happy I am with this new tool, my sleeve, thanks to Dr. Alvarez!