Guillermo Alvarez Bariatric Surgeon MD

My trip to Piedras Negras for a Gastric Sleeve by Dr. Guillermo Alvarez was the best thing I've done for myself in a very long time. Although the idea of traveling to Mexico for a major surgery was a bit daunting, I was determined to get the procedure I knew I desperately needed, no matter what the insurance company said. Now, if I had it to do all over again, Dr. Alvarez and his staff would be my FIRST choice, not where I would go if all else failed in the US. They have customer service mastered! I felt completely safe and like I was the number one priority the entire time I was there, as well as the month I've been home since my surgery. Dr. Alvarez and his staff were personable and unbelievably caring. The hospital was clean and accommodating. The language barrier was non-existent due to the staff assigned to for translation by dr. Alvarez's office, and Rosie made the trip across the border relaxed and uneventful.

To anyone considering heading to Piedras Negras for this procedure, rest assured that you will have a safe and positive experience- thank you Dr. Alvarez! You are my hero!

I am so glad that I found Dr. Alvarez. It's a very scary road to navigate when you decide to have weight loss surgery. From financing, to the amount of info needed, to traveling away from home...every step of the way Dr. Alvarez and his team were there to help me. Once I met Dr. Alvarez in person, just seeing his smiling face and getting an instant "good feeling" about him was just what I needed. The only negative thing I would say is that the hospital was under construction. Other than that, I was well-cared for, I enjoyed the company of the other patients that were there getting their procedures done. Online help was always there for me, and Susan, the patient coordinator, is an ANGEL. I could not have gotten through the first few weeks post-op without her. Now that I am two months out from my VSG surgery, I am looking forward to continued weight loss and a healthier life! Thank you, Dr. Alvarez, Rosie, and your entire medical staff at the hospital...I am so glad I made the decision to radically change my life for the better. You did your part, the rest is up to me. Thank you!

My husband and I, after a lot of research, decided to go to Mexico for VSG surgery with Dr. Alvarez in Piedras Negras. One of the reasons we chose Dr. Alvarez is that he limits his number of procedures per day, so that he can devote more time to his patients. Yes, the practice's fee is higher than some other Mexican surgeons, but we didn't want to be on a VSG assembly line with a surgeon that does 8-10 procedures a day.

Dr. Alvarez set our expectations for the surgery and recovery. He outlined what we were to do as compliant patients during our recovery, including what we could eat/drink for the next few weeks so as to not compromise our new sleeves. The assistant surgeons and medical assistants checked on us regularly, helping with pain and nausea management. All of them speak English, too. On discharge day, Dr. A visited with us to go over our medications and first week's diet.

We had a large suite, so my husband and I were in the same room. The suite was quite nice. The hospital itself is older, and less shiny than the hospitals I've been in in the states, but that didn't concern me. The hospital's nursing staff doesn't speak much English, so learning some basic phrases would be helpful (tengo dolor, tengo nausea).

Everyone with the bariatric practice was helpful, attentive, and knowledgeable. I won't pretend that I exactly enjoyed my time in the hospital, but it certainly went better than I expected, based on my previous experiences. This was my third surgery (fourth hospitalization), and it was much less stressful and painful than my previous surgeries, which were in the States. I feel like we had more attentive care in Mexico than I'd ever experienced stateside!

All in all, I'd highly recommend Dr. A's practice to anyone considering a VSG.

I had my surgery with Dr. Alvarez on May 9, 2013. My first impression of Dr. Alvarez was that he was very professional, polite and warm. Throughout my entire stay, I felt very well cared for by the Alvarez team. There was always someone from his team checking up on me. Any discomfort from the surgery was quickly addressed.

Although Dr. Alvarez doesn't have a structured after-care program (impractical since he's in Mexico), he does provide detailed instructions and is available by email or phone for any questions. I felt that this set-up suited my needs just fine.

The only semi-negative comment (and not about the Alvarez team, but just the facilities in general) I would add is pertaining to the construction at the hospital. The dust was particular bad in the hallways (although not in the rooms). I do not have allergies, but can see how some of the dust might bother someone who does. But, I'm sure that it was necessary evil to update the hospital floors.

Both surgical competence and bedside manner are important to me. Dr. Alvarez exceeded my expectations in both departments. His bedside manner has far exceeded any of the US doctors I've encountered in the past. As far as his surgical competence, I can say that I've had no issues with my surgery thus far and my recovery was uneventful. I've had bad scarring from past surgeries and can tell that Dr. Alvarez's wound closure technique has been perfected, evident in how my wounds healed perfectly (and smoothly) with minimal bruising.

I would not hesitate to recommend him to any of my family or friends. You can tell that Dr. Alvarez and his team take great pride in the work they do. I really appreciate all of their efforts.

Dr. Alvarez is everything I had seen on youtube videos and all I was searching for in a surgeon! I had my surgery on April 9th, 2013. And everything went very smoothly. My incisions 5 of them are all really small and healing very well. I'm almost 10 weeks post op and have lost 43 pounds from my highest weight :) sooo very thankful I had Dr. A as a surgeon and friend

If you are considering VSG surgery, look no further! I know there are a lot of surgeons out there but I just can't say enough about how absolutely engaging, reassuring and talented Dr. Alvarez really is. In my opinion, having Dr. Alvarez and his staff perform my VSG was one of the best decisions I have made in my life.

From the moment I first contacted the office to now, almost 6 weeks post surgery, my impression of Dr. Alvarez and his entire staff is one of extreme professionalism and immense compassion.

Right from the start, Susan responded to my emails quickly and always provided me with the answers I was looking for in a concise manner and helped to calm my nerves. Getting everything arranged to fly from Canada to have my surgery in Mexico was simple. Susan and the office looked after the majority of it and I just had to get a flight into San Antonio.

I went on Dr. Alvarez's YouTube channel and watched all of his videos about the surgery. It was like sitting in a room talking with him so I felt like I knew him already. I would recommend this to anyone considering surgery.

When we (my sister had the surgery too) finally arrived in Piedras Negras we met Dr. Alvarez and right away I felt at ease. He answered all of my questions and I just had a feeling come over me that everything was going to be alright.

I really liked how he had an extensive pre-op diet and provided me with the post-op diet expectations for 5 weeks BEFORE I had my surgery. I knew EXACTLY what to expect and things pretty much played out as Dr.Alvarez laid it out in both his book and in the literature that was emailed to me.

The hospital was a little better than I had actually expected. Our room had recently been redone and was very comfortable. The only problem was they were still replacing the tile floors in the hallway so the construction noise I must admit was a little annoying. The only other suggestion I would make is that the shocks in the van that transports you over to Mexico get an overhaul! :-) The road is a bit rough and while on the way over it`s okay...the ride back was a little more of an issue. I feel for Rosy the driver...she does the drive everyday!

The entire surgical staff came into my room prior to surgery to greet me and was in our room multiple times a day while we were recovering. Even the anesthesiologist came in every day after surgery! I`m sorry I forget his name but he was wonderful too...as were all the doctors and nurses. I can honestly say I don`t remember seeing the doctor that much at a hospital here in Canada...let alone a whole crew of them!

I really enjoyed talking with Dr. Alvarez`s young bilingual staff that stayed to help us out with whatever we needed and who acted as translators in the evening when we were under the care of the nursing staff who didn`t speak English. Again...too many drugs to remember their names...but they were awesome and do a wonderful job!

So..the surgery went well...and I have been thrilled to say that I have had no complications. I am now back in Canada and when I encounter an issue I send Dr. Alvarez an email and he responds really promptly. It`s probably seems strange to say that I do feel like I have excellent aftercare considering my surgeon is in Mexico and I am in Canada...but I really do.

I truly feel like Dr.Alvarez has given me the jump start to improve the quality of my health and my life. It`s not a decision I entered into lightly and I am so grateful I took the time to seek out Dr. Alvarez. I felt confident going into surgery with Dr. Alvarez and still feel confident that he will be available to me as I continue on my journey.

Please feel free to personal message me on OH if you would like me to answer any more specific questions for you.

Good luck making your decision.

Renee

Simple put: Dr. Alvarez is THE BEST and is a very caring and skilled surgeon. The Endobariatric clinic has their act together. I had been planning and researching VSG surgery for a couple of years before I found Dr. Alvarez and the Endobariatric Clinic in Piedras Negras, Mexico. I had tried to get coverage from US Insurance and I had visited a couple of local weight loss programs in New Orleans. What I found was that I was not covered by ANY insurance, even switching carriers. So, i signed up for a local Bariatric center and began taking some nutrition classes. I paid $350 out of pocket at the end of the classes to speak to a nice young doctor for literally eight minutes and all the while, he was shuffling papers and he only once looked at me. That made me EXTREMELY uncomfortable and I felt lost, upset, at a brick wall. Then, I contacted Endobariatric because I had heard good things and read them online. As it turned out, Dr. Alvarez is also on Twitter and he responded to a couple of my questions - as did the patient organizer, Susan George (who is also awesome!). I was impressed that I received such quick, well-written, and clear answers from some people who didn't know if I was going to be a patient or not. Later, I tried to schedule surgery and tried financing, but I just didn't have enough money to make it that year. They still kept in touch with me even tough I put them through a false alarm about having surgery that summer. So, THIS year I was able to do it. Once I made my initial deposit and actually scheduled the surgery (which happened May 14), I began regular contact with the team and was feeling great about going to Mexico. It was my friends who questioned this. I could not convince them enough to stop assuming "the worst" for a medical trip to Mexico. One of my friends who had already had the surgery came with me and she was VERY impressed with everything there. If any of your friends try to convince you to NOT go to Mexico for surgery, try not to let them sway your decision if you have already made it.
I was impressed with EVERY aspect of the program. It really helps that it is a package that includes hotel and transportation. Everything ran smoothly, very smoothly. From the moment of pickup at the airport to the hotel to meeting Rosantina the driver, the drive, the hotels, getting across the border, tests and morning of surgery, surgery, recovery.....it was all easy. There is nothing that could have been better except the bumpy ride back to San Antonio and the clinic even gave me a pillow to help with that. I also want to say that in ALL of my doctor care here in the USA, I have never received such personal and caring care from any of my doctors except one who happens to be a bass in my church choir, LOL. Dr. Alvarez was completely awesome. Dr. Rosales, a surgeon and his assistant, was also awesome, I met and talked with the anesthesiologist and he was terrific. ALL the nurses were superb and if they did not understand my question, they immediately went and brought back someone who did so they could answer it. The room was excellent and large, the incisions are small and have been healing very well. My friend who came with me also noticed and commented about how efficient the whole process was and how she saw that the whole clinic and hospital had everything down to an art. Dr. Alvarez has done over 4500 of the VSG procedures and he is THE expert. There is no doubt.
If you're seeking VSG surgery and are not covered by your insurance, and you are looking in Mexico, remember the following:
- $8700 is a great deal (2013)
- hotels and transportation from San Antonio included
- EXCELLENT CARE
- You are respected as the patient
- The team has a good sense of humor
- Aftercare is actually quick and good with easy access to Dr. Alvarez via email and Twitter and phone. While you're not physically near each other, questions can be answered and advice given for you to take to your PCP.
- Discharge medicines are included along with detailed instructions
- The clinic has their act together
- The facilities are good, do NOT be afraid. It was very clean, the same medical instruments are used as here in the US
- If the very worst or some kind of complication happens (which I do not think actually has ever happened, but I don't know), you area mile from the US and within easy reach of an Eagle Pass Hospital
- There is a very detailed food plan that everyone has after the surgery and many are different from surgeon to surgeon. Dr. Alvarez emails each patient individually every week, asking if there are any questions and concerns and gives us a reminder of our food plans etc.
- Dr. Alvarez is an INTERNATIONAL surgeon of EXCELLENCE so it doesn't really matter where he is located, I highly recommend his talents and his team.
Questions? Please ask them. Heck, ask me too since I'm a fan. [email protected]
Good luck to you wherever you are in your personal journey!
Caroline in NOLA

I was nervous about the surgery. I had support every step of the way. How often do you email for help /support /questions to your Dr's office and get an answer EACH time within a few minutes? With Dr Alvarez : EACH time!
I was nervous about going to Mexico to have the operation. We all have heard about drug wars and other scary news. All was PERFECT. Never saw or heard anything. There was absolutely ZERO reasons to be nervous!!!!
I was nervous being operated by a Mexican team. Dr Alvarez and his team were so KNOWLEDGEABLE and PROFESSIONAL and so KIND and PATIENT and and and... I have only good words to say!!!
I was nervous about the post op questions because they are so far. Again ALL questions/concerns are answered within MINUTES!!
So why oh why was I ever nervous or hesitant??? Do NOT waste your precious years in fear and low self esteem and low confidence!!! GO!!!
I have only one regret : I did not meet DrAlvarez 20 years ago...!

I was interested in getting the sleeve surgery & my niece had told me about a doctor in Mexico that was doing them for a reasonable price. I went online and brought up his website and was very pleased to see how informative it was along with so many great reviews of Dr. Alvarez and his former patients. I called their number and began my journey of losing weight and a better quality of life. I spoke with Susan, who was very courteous and informative of Dr. Alvarez procedures.
Upon my surgery date, I drove down to Eagle Pass to have my surgery. The next morning, Rosa, who is Dr. Alvarez driver that picks you up at the hotel, was very nice & friendly. She drove us across the border and dropped us off at Dr. A's office. Where we were greeted by Dr. Alvarez & his staff, I was very impressed with how friendly everyone was & how Dr. Alvarez made you feel at home & welcomed, he talks with you & explains what will happen & goes over any questions you might have. His office staff, Thank God for them, they helped my husband so much in anything that he might have needed, the main thing being the language barrier when it came to eating, they would go with him to help him figure that out, so he didn't go hungry, LOL.
There was a question asked in this survey, what did I like least about Dr. A, I can honestly say I do not have an answer for that, because I was so pleased with him. If you are considering this surgery with Dr. A, I would HIGHLY recommend him.
Dr. Alvarez, is very informative with you & goes over all of it, the before surgery, during, and aftercare, and as long as you do what your suppose to do you will have a great outcome.
I was asked to give Dr. Alvarez an overall rating, well I surely can put him very high on the rankings, on a scale of 1-10, for sure a 9.99, YES he is that good!
I cannot Thank Dr. A enough for what he has done for me and my life, I am only 6 weeks Post-op, upon writing this review, and to me the surgery is already a great success, just in how I feel in my health has been a tremendous change & that's only losing 28 pounds, & to think I have so much more to go, just imagine how I'll feel when I lose more weight.
Overall this has been a journey that I DO NOT regret in any way, the whole experience & trip was a great success & I am so PLEASED with Dr. Alvarez and his staff for everything.

I cannot say enough great things about Dr. Alvarez and his team!! One cannot go wrong with picking him as your surgeon. Do not even be concerned about going out of the country for your surgery. It was so easy and convenient! He and his staff are 100% fluent in English. They take total care of you and whom ever you bring with you. It's like always having a personal concierge at your disposal.

Dr. Alvarez is very friendly and personable. Easy to talk to about concerns and questions. He and his surgical Associates check in on you several times a day. There is someone available to you 24 hours a day. He does have a structured aftercare diet that must be followed for your own good. He checks in with you at the start of every phase. He and his staff are quick to answer any questions. Aside from his excellent credentials I picked Dr. Alvarez because of his Patient Coordinator, Susan. She got back to me ASAP with any questions or concerns. When I first started out on this journey, I contacted a couple of surgeons. Susan answered my questions the same day. The other Offices I had to contact a couple of times before they finally sent a generic health form. I knew right away I would be treated personally and professionally with Dr. Alvarez.

I rate him a 10 out of 10 and I wish I could see him for any or all surgical/medical needs!