Guillermo Alvarez Bariatric Surgeon MD

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!

Although I was hesitant at first to work with a doctor outside the US, Dr. Alvarez and his staff answered all of my concerns with patience and professionalism. The whole experience was positive from the time they picked me up at the hotel in San Antonio to the time they brought me back. The surgery went smoothly, the hospital staff were attentive, and Dr. Alvarez's staff did all they could to ensure both my husband (who stayed in the room with me) and I were well taken care of. The only reason I didn't give Dr. Alvarez a 5 star rating is because it's only been three weeks and I can't yet comment on the longer term after care.

My husband unexpectedly died of a heart attack this year. It was so unexpected because we had no idea anything was wrong with his heart. I was considered morbidly obese and three months after my husband passed away, I scheduled surgery. I didn't have insurance that would cover a procedure like this and have a friend that had surgery with Dr. Alvarez three years ago; I went off of his experience and my internet research and decided to go to Mexico for the procedure with Dr. Alvarez. I have to admit, I was so scared. I have children and didn't want something to happen and them be left without a parent at all. I continued to research up until the day I left home to fly out for surgery.

From the moment I arrived in Texas, Dr. Alvarez's staff put my mind at ease. They were organized, kind, helpful. Any questions I had were answered promptly. His staff all spoke very fluent English. When I met Dr. Alvarez, you could tell he had done this a million times. He knows what he is doing. The entire process runs like a "well oiled machine". It honestly is like an assembly line.. everyone knows their job and they do it so often that they do it very well.

I am officially two months out and down 50lbs. I look better, but more importantly, I feel better.

Dr. Alvarez was amazing! Everything went as smoothly as his assistant had told me. The facility was great, and the staff was super friendly. I was a little nervous at first, but Dr. Alvarez put me at ease right away. Best decision I've made. The entire experience was amazing, he is the best doctor ever.

I had been considering wieght loss surgery for 5 years and I finally made the decision to go through with it on this July. I've lost 50+ pds. and still going. It was the best thing I have ever done for myself. I would recommend the Gastric Sleeve to anyone. Dr. Guillermo Alvarez was amazing and his staff is awesome. They make you feel so comfortable and you know your in the best hands. The hospital was clean and nice. My daughter walked in and said the hospital room and restroom looked like a hotel room. I couldn't have asked for a better doctor or a better experience! Loving Life!!

I did months of research looking for the right surgeon when I came across Dr. Alvarez. Once I found him, I did even more research and only found good reviews and comments. I was a little nervous, as was my husband, about traveling to Mexico for surgery, but could not find anything negative about Dr. Alvarez. Every single patient had great things to say about their experience.
I decided that I too would have my surgery performed by Dr. Alvarez and have no regrets. The entire experience was exactly what I expected. Everything I read or saw on the Internet along with the information provided by Dr. Alvarez and his staff was exact. There were no surprises. I had my surgery Aug 3rd 2013, 4 weeks ago. Dr. Alvarez has three private rooms at the hospital for his patients. The hospital itself is a little old, but everything is neat and the nurses are all very nice and professional. Dr Alvarez and the other doctors, look in only you several times a day after the surgery and there is also one of three assistants available at all times. They even escorted my husband around town when I rested so that he could eat a proper meal and see the town.
The surgery itself was quick and before I knew it, I was in my room. There was some discomfort and a little pain if I moved the wrong way but nothing major, walking really helped.

If you are looking for a surgeon, I would highly recommend Dr. Alvarez.