Guillermo Alvarez Bariatric Surgeon MD

My experience with Dr. Alvarez and his staff was extremely positive. At first I was originally scheduled with another surgeon, but after reading Dr. A.'s book, I decided to go with him. Susan told me he was booked till two months out, but once I committed, she was able to squeeze me in earlier. That was awesome because it was scheduled one day earlier than I had originally been scheduled with the other surgeon. So the time frame was the same. Susan was very prompt in getting back to me and sending me all the paperwork (via email). There was a lot of information to read, a lot of it was a repeat from what is in his book. I was super excited about the whole process. Even an email from Susan was like getting a present on Christmas. So when the day to leave for Texas finally arrived, I was psyched! When we arrived at the airport, we called the hotel to have the shuttle pick us up. Once at the hotel, we waited for Rosie. I called her to let her know we were there. I went with my cousin. Rosie thanked me for letting her know and came right in. We left the hotel about 20 min. later.

The ride was kinda long. Rosie didn't talk much and the radio didn't work. So it was up to me and my cousin to keep ourselves entertained. Rosie was very nice though, just not talkative. We made one pit stop at a store for a snack. I was on the liquid diet so I got muscle milk and my cousin got some food. There were bees swarming everywhere! They were at every trash can, so I waited in the van. Once we arrived at the hotel in Eagle Pass I was so happy! This was really happening! Rosie checked us in and let us know what time she'd be there in the morning. That night I took a walk to the store and cheated on my liquid diet. Then I came back to the room and cheated some more, but when I told Dr. A. about it, he was totally cool. He said my BMI was low enough that I would be ok. The next morning Rosie came and got us and two other couples.

Crossing the border took merely minutes. The hotel was so close to the border, and the hospital was literally two minutes into Piedras Negras. Once we arrived, we went to go to Dr. Alvarez's office. He came into the waiting room to meet everybody, asked us who wanted to go 1st, 2nd, 3rd, and last. Then he met with each of us individually. I was 2nd and he was so nice. He asked me if I had any questions. My biggest concern was my cheating, which he said was fine. He did warn me however, that once I had the surgery, I HAD to stay on the diet 100% I promised. I would, and then we shook hands. Afterwards they brought me to the hospital which was behind his office. They took my blood and did x-rays. The hospital was old fashioned but very clean. Then they brought me to my room where I was prepped for surgery. They gave me something to relax me, and then next thing i knew, I was awake in my room, having already been out of surgery for hours.

When I woke up my throat was dry and scratchy. No pain though. I was hooked up to IV's and the nurses kept coming in and checking on them and me. The nurses were very nice. They didn't speak much English, but they still got the job done. I remember resting for a while, but I remember that even the night of surgery I got up and started walking the hallways. The second day they took the IV out and started me on ice chips. I walked the hallways a lot that day. My stomach hurt a little bit, so I used my pillow. They give you a bariatric pillow in the shape of a stomach, with a picture of the sleeve on it. So I used that pillow a lot. The next day they gave me juice to sip, and for some reason I was more sore that day. But I was given something for the pain (non narcotic) and felt better. Then it was time to go. They discharged us and Rosie and Jessica helped us with our bags. Oh! Jessica! I forgot to mention Jessica! She was so helpful! She took my cousin out several times to go out and grab some food. She gave her an iPad to use she came and checked on both of us all the time. She was awesome. So Rosie brought us through the border, which took a little longer Cuz their was traffic. But the guys only looked at our passports and let us through. No big deal. Thank God! Looks like all my naysayers worried for nothing! I was tired and a bit nauseous, so I slept most of the ride. Then we made it back to San Antonio. Rosie checked us in and dropped us off. We said goodbye and the hotel shuttle took us to the airport the next day.

Dr. A. Had asked me to email him when I got home. He came in to check on me all the time while I was in the hospital. So did the other surgeon, I forget his name. You could tell that they all really cared though. So each week I would get email from Dr. A. Asking how I was and reminding me about the new phase of the diet. I would recommend Dr. Alvarez and his entire team in a heartbeat. If you are scared of going to Mexico to have surgery? Don't be! Dr. A. Is far more skilled than any U.S. doctor at the sleeve. He wrote a book on it! There is nothing to fear. You are safe at all times, and well cared for. If you want the best quality care, go to Dr. Alvarez. He's more expensive than most doctors in Mexico because he's better. You get what you pay for in this case. Anyways, I'm so glad that I got my sleeve done by him. I know I will have great success!

I would like to say that I would definetly take this journey again with no hesitations at all. Matter of fact I have already reccommended Dr. Alvarez to some of my co-workers as I am totaly satisfied with my surgical experience,I am a OR nurse myself and can tell you that Dr. Alvarez and his staff are the best without a doubt. Dr. Alvarez is a professional who cares about what he does, Jose and Jessica my translators were with me throughout my hospital stay as well as the hospital staff who made sure I was comfortable without even having to ask.. WOW!!! Also Dr. Alvarez's collegues who were available to me as well. I can only say this surgical experience was a great one as operations go. When I was reviewing Dr. Alvarez I never found anything negative about him and now I know why he and his staff really are great!!!

Hello my name is Aleida, I was 22 years old when I got the Sleeve surgery with Dr. Alvarez. My first impression of Dr. Alvarez was that I felt at home, then as we went over my chart he was very understanding, to the point, addressed all of my questions, and kind. His staff is also the BEST!!! They are very professional, attentive, and you feel at home with the care that they provide you with. I have never seen such a kind, respectful, caring team to help you with your needs pre-op and post-op. Dr. Alvarez is the BEST hands down. He is there with you every step of the way and always wants you to feel at home and comfortable. If I had the chance, I would do it all over again. My surgery was December 1, 2012, before surgery I lost 44 lbs, and from surgery to January 2, 2012 I have lost 31 lbs. I have lost a total of 75 lbs. I feel great, there are no words to describe every emotion I feel. My diabetes is gone, I don't have to take my pills anymore. I feel free and I would not have been able to do it without Dr. Alvarez & his staff. May God bless them for all the hard work they have done. It's a decision you will never regret!!!

Dr. Alvarez & his staff go above the call of duty. He & his staff are very personal and caring people. They all have the best bedside manners. Out of having 5 surgeries,this has been by far the best experience. I recommend Dr. Alvarez 100%

Dr. Alvarez and staff were all about what was best for me and
my health. He is a very caring and efficient doctor. All my
questions were answered and a review of what to expect during
and after surgery was explained. His staff took care of all
details of travel other than my flight. It was simple, safe
and I highly suggest Dr. Alvarez to others. His book has all
the steps for successful aftercare and he checked with me weekly
for the first 5 weeks. This is my 5th week post-op and Ive lost
16 lbs.

I had VSG on November 23, 2012. I was very nervous about going to Mexico for surgery. I am a single mother of four children and all I could think about was what would happen to them if something went wrong. However, I knew it was time for me to take serious action about my health, otherwise I wouldn't be able to be the mother I wanted to be anyway! Dr. Alvarez is an incredibly personable surgeon. His staff is fantastic. Everyone is helpful and reassuring. Dr. Alvarez has a complete aftercare program, which brought much peace of mind when I was back home. He and his staff are very responsive -- they answer emails very quickly and thoroughly. Based on my experience with Dr. Alvarez, several members of my immediate family are making plans to have VSG themselves!

Dr. Alvarez,
I want to thank you and your highly professional and wonderful staff for your kindness and good care pre-op and post-op. I never had a doubt that I would not receive the best care possible. The time spent in Mexico was 5 star!!! My husband and I enjoyed the cleanliness, peacefulness and rest your facility provided.
Your are not only blessed with a gift to help others regain their confidence and life goals; you are simple put, very good at what you do as a physician and "care" provider. I HIGHLY recommend Dr. A to anyone considering weight loss surgery. Keep up the good work because you are "THE BEST".
Dr. A- Thanks for giving me hope again. May God bless and keep you.
JJ

I have so many wonderful things to say about my experience with the Endobariatric team. I felt that I knew them before we ever met because of the many YouTube videos available from satisfied clients. But working with the staff was better in person. They were so friendly and I felt very comfortable right away. Also, the fact that my journey was organized from start to finish gave me a sense of peace. From Susan, who got me started... to Rosie, who drove us where we needed to go... to sweet Jessica, who is Dr. Alvarez and Dr. Gabe's capable assistant... and the nurses that were efficient and kind. They all made us feel like family.
While coming out of surgery, I experienced a medical emergency and was aided by many of the hospital staff, including the anaesthesiologist and the pulmonologist. Everyone worked overtime to make sure that I was OK and they kept my husband company while he waited for me to recover.
I will always be grateful to the special people that I met in Piedras Negras.

Dr. Alvarez is one of the most personable, caring people I have ever met. When the surgery is over and you are leaving, you feel as though you have a new found friend for life!! Everything about the experience, was very smoothe and well handled. All the new things you must learn after surgery are very well explained and in writing, one can also call or e-mail Dr. Alvarez at any time for any reason and he will personally answer you!! The whole experience was exceptional and I would do it again in a minute.

Everything about my surgery with Dr. Alvarez was wonderful! I have NO regrets about having my surgery in Mexico. I loved the care that I received and I know I have never been more informed and well taken care of as I was in Mexico with Dr. A. The city is clean and beautiful. The hospital was clean and the staff was great. I have nothing negative to say.