Guillermo Alvarez Bariatric Surgeon MD

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.

I would recommend Dr. Alavarez to anyone who is thinking about weight loss surgery. My experience with him has been outstanding. From start to finish, everything was seamless! Dr. A has thought of everything. Going to Mexico was a bit of a concern for me at first, but after reading and watching all the testimonials on his website, and those on youtube, my mind was put to ease. And from my experience I have to tell you, I got better care from Dr. Alvarez and his staff than I have in the USA. My recovery has gone very well, and any questions I have are in the written information I have, or Susan or Dr. Alvarez are there to answer them. My surgery date was August 1, 2013. I am 4 weeks post-op and I have lost 34 lbs. since the beginning of my pre-op liquid diet, and 21 lbs. since surgery. Most of all I am active again!! The main reason I had surgery was because I couldn't go for walks anymore because of back pain. I am now walking and going to aqua class and loving it! Dr. Alvarez changed my life, and I will always be eternally grateful!!

I guess the best way to sum up a review of Dr. Alvarez and the treatment I received in Piedras Negras, Mexico is to say that I would go again in a instant to escort someone down there. By the time I left Mexico, Dr. Alvarez and his team felt like family. I felt cared for in a way that you don't get cared for by a US hospital and staff.

I, like everyone, was nervous about going to Mexico, it seemed extreme. But, I did my research and picked Dr. Alvarez. Everywhere I checked on the internet I couldn't find anything negative. And you know, if problems were out there they'd find their way to the internet.

It's been 1 month since my surgery and I've lost 25 pounds. I just started eating solid food again. For me the only negative aspect about the whole experience has been the adjustment you have to make in your life to eating less. Eating has been such a large part of my life for so long that to have it taken away is bittersweet, I guess. My brother had the same surgery 6 months ago and tells me I will adjust to my new life in time.

I feel great, I look great, and I definitely recommend Dr. Alvarez!

I began my weight loss journey like most of us do by a huge scare from my family physician about the direction my life was headed if I didn't get my weight under control. I have struggled all my life with my weight and have been on just about every diet with the same yo-yo results! I knew I needed help and couldn't do it alone, So with a lot of encouragement and support of my family I decided to pursue surgical options. I started here locally in the states and was not happy at all. They continually pushed me into directions I was not comfortable with, I had issues with medical insurance, test after pointless test, just everything had gone wrong. It seemed like they were addressing everything but the obesity I was suffering from. I wasn't ready to throw in the towel, so I started researching doctors in Mexico. Coming across Dr. Alvarez's website and watching tons of videos of NOTHING but POSITIVE reviews and praises; I knew I found my surgeon. There is just something about Dr. Alvarez and his staff that gives you a feeling everything is going to be ok. From the first initial email you send to Susan for info, to the round trip rides with Rosie, the informative, caring and compassionate consultation and surgery with Dr. Alvarez and his surgical team, to the absolutely magnificent care I received from all the lab, medical and nursing staff, I never once felt uncomfortable about my decision. I have a 14 year old son who has Cerebral Palsy and has been in and out of hospitals all of his life and I have never had the phenomenal kind of medical care and attention from ANY medical facility here in the states given to him, me or any member of my family like what was given to me. They truly go above and beyond expectations! Thank you! For those who are scared because this is Mexico and you have heard to many things about it, PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE don't believe everything you hear. My husband had to stay at home to care for our 2 boys and because of how comfortable, safe and secure Dr. Alvarez and his staff made me feel, I never hesitated or felt scared or unsure about going alone. I knew I had made all the right choices to begin my new life. For the first time in a long time Dr. Alvarez and his entire team have given me something to smile about and a future to look forward too. I am 4 months post op and I am down 38 lbs. I now feel the healthiest I have in years and don't dull the emotions of hard times with food. I have learned what I can and can not eat and don't miss many things. I love waking up in the mornings and seeing what each day holds for me and my family! Thank you Dr. Alvarez for believing in me, for always answering the silliest of questions, for you and your staff being everything I needed to begin my new life! Lots of Love! ~ Terresa

Dr Alvarez, Dr. Rosales, and Dr. Garza along with their entire staff were wonderful!!! I had done my homework and knew exactly what to expect - and my sister had surgery from Dr. Alvarez four years ago with great results too. My first contact was with Susan George via the email and she was very helpful. I filled out a health questionnaire and was approved for surgery. All my questions were answered within a day - usually within a few hours. I couldn't believe how quick and helpful Susan was. She emailed me lots of reading material and the liquid diet I needed to follow for two weeks prior to surgery. Their package deal includes one night in Eagle Pass, two nights in the hospital, and one night in San Antonio. (They will also pick you up in SA if you fly in.) My husband and I were picked up at the hotel at 7 am, and driven across the border to meet with Dr. A. After going over my medical records and getting a picture taken, I was taken to the hospital (next door) for blood work and a chest xray. After passing all those tests, it was off to surgery. I woke up several hours later feeling fine. I was drowsy but was surprised at how well I felt. I had a little soreness in one incision but that was about it. The next morning I had to start walking up and down the hall to get everything moving again and was checked by all three doctors twice a day! The next morning we were taken back across the border in their van and my journey has begun!!! The staff in Piedras Negras were so helpful and accommodating. They helped my husband find places to eat and offered several times to go places with him. They had someone on duty at all times that spoke English so I never had to worry that I would not be understood. The hospital is clean and was not very busy while I was there. I understand it is a private hospital. It was nice but not overly modern compared to hospitals in my area of Texas. I left the hospital with a clear understanding of the process for my stomach to heal (one week of clear liquids, two weeks of cloudy and one week of soft foods). Dr. Alvarez has contacted me via email with reminders of the stages each time one changed. I have done great since getting home. I just need to remember to eat slowly and take small bites. When I forget, I have discomfort - but clearly know why! I couldn't be more happy with my experience with Dr. Alvarez and his team. I have recommended him to at least four people who are seriously considering weight loss surgery. I know when you hear I went to "Mexico" for surgery - you have questions. Well I saved four thousand dollars and had great care! Check them out.

I’m from Niagara Ontario, Canada and had my VSG done on July 15th, 2013 and have now lost 42 lbs. (Just over 5 weeks ago). I am a single mom and knew that I couldn’t let myself get any larger than I already was. Like many of you, I researched online and came across Dr. Alvarez who had rave reviews. A few others had good reviews also, but I found that when I called or inquired by email to the others, they kept hounding me with text messages and emails. What is so pleasant about Dr. Alvarez’s team is that they allow you to inquire and do not pester or hound you, allowing you to make the decision fully on your own. Once my mind was made up, and I knew that this is what I wanted to do and needed to do, there was no question in my mind about choosing Dr.Alvarez to be my surgeon. Was I scared? Yes. I flew down to San Antonio alone but once there and after meeting two other wonderful ladies that were having the same surgery on the same day all was fine. Our concerns and thoughts were all the same. Excited and scared at the same time, not knowing what to expect. Rosie, picked us up in San Antonio and took us on a two hour drive down to Eagle Pass, Texas where we spent a night in a nice, relaxing hotel. Early the next morning we were picked up again by Rosie and driven to Piedras Negras, Mexico, (about a 10 min drive) and were taken to the hospital for surgery. When we arrived, we were pleasantly greeted by a very handsome Dr. Alvarez (I apologize for ranting and raving in advance about how hot the Mexican doctors were... gimme a break, I’m a single mom on her way to getting her skinny on!) and were taken into his office individually and he answered any questions or concerns we may have had. We were also introduced to some translators that had taken us around to our rooms and downstairs for blood work and x- rays. When we were taken to our private rooms, the first thing, and the only thing, that I noticed was a the most comfortable looking white, down filled, duvet on the bed. That just said, “Home,” to me. I’ve been in hospitals here in Canada and know how cold it can feel in a bed alone and when you ask for more blankets the Ontario hospitals give you one thin heated sheet! But this duvet spoke volumes to me. It made a statement saying that Dr. Alvarez and his team really cares. At that moment, I knew all would be well. So I sent a quick video message to my son back at home in Canada who was staying at his papa’s house and had my surgery. The procedure itself is shorter that I thought it would be. (Something like 30 mins...that’s how skilled this Dr. really is.) When I woke from surgery, I spoke with my Dad back home via video messaging and he told me that Dr. Alvarez had called him when the surgery was finished to let him know that all went well and that I was recovering. (So nice.) I had a bit a of trouble swallowing the ice chips that we were allowed to have after surgery and vomited a couple of times but was told that this sometimes happens and it was completely fine. That kind of scared me a bit but at that point I remembered what I told myself before the surgery, “No matter what, no regrets!” You have to be 100% sure that this is something that you want to do cuz you can’t get your stomach back! Lol. The ever so sexy Dr. Gabriel came to check on me several times. All was fine. From the nurses, to the translators, to the hospital staff, Susan the amazing corresponder, and of course to the very hot sexy Mexican doctors, lol, everyone made our stay very pleasant, welcoming and overall, an excellent experience. After two nights in hospital, Rosie drove us back to San Antonio where we were to spend a night. ( I booked an extra night on my own and stayed two nights instead of one and was glad I did, considering I was traveling alone with heavy luggage and had some extra time to go do some shopping in San Antonio. On our 2 hour drive back to the hotel, we stopped at a rest stop half way through and I bought a popsicle. That went down so easily. Was I ever happy! So we bought a box of popsicles and kept them behind the front desk at the hotel in San Antonio. An awesome way to get in some liquid at first. Trying to get enough liquids down in a day to prevent dehydration was a bit of a challenge but I kept at it and was able to manage just fine. Protein Whey bullets mixed with gatorade tasted decent also. When I arrived home, safe and sound, I realized I was more afraid of going alone and dying on a plane in a lightning storm than I was of the surgery itself and I must say it was the best decision I have ever made in my life and wish I had known about Dr. Alvarez about 7 years ago! (After giving birth to my son...that’s when I gained most of my excess weight). While in San Antonio, I found a sign in a store called Cavernders and wished I had bought it. It read, “Courage is being afraid for your life, and saddling up anyway!” That pretty much sums up the journey to surgery but it leaves out the part of surviving just fine and being extremely happy with my progress so far. Down 42 lbs. already! I’m fitting into clothes 4 sizes smaller and guys are hitting on me! So much fun! I’m not hungry any more and I am eating less than my 7 year old! It is just amazing. Even if I had to wait the 2-3 years in Canada to have the surgery done here, I would have gone to Dr. Alvarez anyway! That’s how happy I was and am. Best of luck to all who are concerned about this procedure. There are no worries to be had if you choose Dr. Alvarez as your surgeon. The man genuinely cares about his patients and wants them to live healthier lives. He is also your friend who will continue to respond to your emails or tweets personally. You can’t get that from Dr.’s here in Canada. All the best.