Guillermo Alvarez Bariatric Surgeon MD

I wanted to post my thoughts on my sleeve surgery with Dr.Alvarez that I had the first part of October of this year. First of all I did much research about 2 years worth before I made my decision on the surgery and surgeon. My health insurance did not cover anything so I paid all out of pocket and it took me about 2 years to save to pay for it. I did all correspondses online with Susan his surgical coordinator. It was so easy. We flew into San Antonio Texas, got shuttled to the hotel airport and then picked up the next day by Rosie the driver. She was nice but very quiet, but that was ok, she didn't know me or my husband. We drove about 2 hours or so through Texas to get to the Mexican border town. I was nervous about crossing over into Mexico but it was nothing. Just showed our passports and that was it. We arrived at the Hospital and met with Dr.Alvarez and his assistant Dr.Gabe. They were very nice and asked if we had questions which I really didn't because I had read his reviews online and chatted about him on the Obesity help website so I felt very comfortable with him. We also met his assistant Jessica, she is such a sweet girl. I think about her from time to time. She really helped me and my husband out with the language thing since we don't speak Spanish. She got us anything we needed. We were escorted into the hospital room which was clean and spacious. The bathroom had been upgraded. The hospital itself was as I called it "vintage" but very clean and well staffed. the nurses came in and attempted to start my IV but couldn't get it, they also didn't wear gloves which I didn't like(I am allergic to latex) they did make a point of pouring alcohol on their hands at every attempt to start my IV. Eventually they gave up and called the anthestioligist in and he started it right away. The nurses came back in and told me they were going to give me dormant and that is all I remember until waking up in my room asking my husband if they were every going to take me in for surgery. He just laughed and said dear you already had it! I said no I did? yep you did. I couldn't believe how quick it was. Dr.Alvarez came in later that day to check on me as did Dr. Gabe. It seems like it all went so fast I don't remember much in the hospital but that Dr.Alvarez and Dr. Gabe came in to see me several times a day. I never had that kind of treatment after surgery in the states. Dr.Alvarez is a very kind and caring man. I would have surgery again with him in a heartbeat. I had minimal pain from the surgery but lots of gas pain. That seemed endless, it did go away after a couple of days at home. My incisions healed up very nicely with no issues. I have had episodes of buyers remorse and feeling sorry for myself but realize now that this is a new way of life for me and have wanted this for so long. It isn't easy by no means but if you do the plan and stay the course it will work. I am down 32 pounds now in about 6 weeks. I could of never done that on my own. Also if you have any question about anything with your new sleeve or surgery if you email Dr.Alvarez he is very prompt to get back with you which is something that also never happens in the states.I want to add that I have been a nurse for 17 years and have worked with many physicians and Dr. Alvarez is on the top of my list for wonderful bedside manner and competence!! If you are considering the sleeve just do it, all you have to fear is fear itself!!

I, like many of you reading this, did not originally plan to go to Mexico to have surgery. My journey started out with the knowledge that the path I was on was not helping me to be successful in losing weight and becoming healthy. I knew WLS was a good option for people like me, so I started tentatively looking into it.

Then, one late night I stumbled across a You Tube video of someone who had WLS called the Gastric Sleeve (VSG). I liked that it was a restrictive operation and not a malabsorbtive (did I spell that right?) one. I looked into surgeons here in my area (outside DC there are ALWAYS options) and checked into my insurance. The insurance is where I hit a road block. My insurance coverage was minimum, required numerous hoops to jump through (that were not covered), and was likely to not cover the VSG in particular. I could not afford to pay what amounts to 15-20K out of pocket for surgery in this area.

However the idea of having the surgery stuck in my head, so I continued to troll the internet and You Tube for videos of people who had the VSG done. In this process, a number of people had mentioned Dr. Alvarez, and I found his videos as well, offering some really helpful information on all kinds of topics about the surgery, as well as before and after. So I researched Dr. Alvarez in Mexico, and I liked his personality and his background and training. I talked to a number of former patients, and even did a background search on him. I was nothing if not complete in my research… and I honestly wonder if I would have done the same amount of research on a US doctor. What I found was expert training, excellent patient care, complete and continued subject knowledge and superior experience. Dr. Alvarez is conservative with his patient care and surgical techniques, all in an effort to create the absolute best outcome for his patients. The small hospital, though older and still being updated, was clean and the staff well trained. The location in Mexico was quiet, and really similar to other small towns around the US. His entire team was wonderful, from phone conversations with Susan, who worked with me and answered all of my questions, to Rosy his driver, his patient coordinators in the hospital who spoke English, everyone was wonderful. My hand was held the entire time, and though I had someone with me, I feel confident I could have done this on my own.

Going to Mexico is not without it's drawbacks. The biggest issue in all of this was finding aftercare in the US. However I found a nutritionist covered by my insurance, a support group for WLS patients, and my GP (who is familar with WLS patients) agreed to support my medical needs, should any arise. I advise anyone considering going to Mexico to set these things up IN ADVANCE, so you are not wondering what to do after the surgery. Many US bariatric surgeons will not support aftercare if you have the surgery done in another country.

Though I chose to go across the border because I am what amounted to a mostly self pay patient (in Mexico I can pay less than half of what it would cost me in the US just for out of pocket costs for the surgery), in the end it is less about cost, and more about the doctor you choose… and I felt confident that Dr. Alvarez was the best doctor I could have chosen. I had my surgery over a month ago, and I have had ZERO problems! Thanks Dr. A!

Dear Fellow or Prospective patients of Bariatric Surgery;
As a Physcian and a Current patient of Dr. Alvarez I was most most impressed with the Professionalism and Talents of this group.
They were organized, effecient and always there for any questions or problems that might arise with this surgery.
Intially, I was skeptical about going to Mexico but my fears were allyed by the prompt evaluation and answering of any questions and seeing all the modern technology . The Clinic reminded me of Hospitals in the 60"s with
nurses wearing caps and total silence in the Hospital. The operating room was equipped with the most up to date instrumentation. They all spoke English and if not Dr. Alvarez had an interperter available 24/7.
I had a excellent experience. I would me more than happy to answer any of your questions about my experience. I have never had a physcian round on me 3x a day, not because I to am a MD but his whole staff is efficent and competent. Usually I can have some Negative thing to say, not in this situation. I have the utmost confidence and will continue to recommend him and his staff and Clinic in Mexico as the proper place to go.
Thanks Dr, Marc A Feiner MD FACOG (Fellow of the American College of Obstetrics and Gynceology)
[email protected]

Just an update I am four months post op and I have lost 80 pounds...I have had ZERO issues and any questions that I have had Dr Alvarez and his Staff have been there to answer them. I tell everyone about my experience with Dr Alvarez and the VSG Surgery. I should have had it done years ago!

I had the surgery September 28th, Im 40 yrs old. I am a diabetic, high blood pressure, cholestorol, and I was diagnosed with sarcoidosis. My diabetic doctor told me to find some good insurance because I wouldn't be able to work again. so my wife had the surgery on April 17th with Dr Alvarez and she begged me to try it...she said she wasn't giving up because she believed the surgery would help me...So I made the appt and had the surgery as of Oct 28 (one month later) I had lost 26 lbs went down a size in my pants and I'm off all of my medicines. I was on 9 different prescriptions. I can't than Dr Alvarez and God enough. Dr Alvarez is an amazing doctor and the treatment that I rec'd was perfect. The nurses were great, I don't think Ive had that type of treatment in the United States. I would definately reccommend him to anyone. My wife and I have both had the surgery and we feel great. If you have any questions just let me know. Again Dr Alvarez is the BEST!

My experience with Dr. Alvarez has been the most wonderful and rewarding experience ever. I had my surgery a little over a year ago and I am down 130lbs. The trip was safe and the hospital staff were wonderful. My mom traveled with me and she was comfortable and impressed with the treatment I received. Dr. Alvarez and his staff are top notch and I recommend them to everyone I tell about my VSG procedure. I want to thank Dr. Alvarez and his staff again for changing my life and bringing out the me I always knew was there.

I fist heard of Doctor Alvarez through a friend who had had the surgery years before, I was intimidated by the fact that it was in Mexico and by the fact I would be so far from home and family if anything went wrong. However I knew I needed help and having had a friend go through the same process a few years prior I went for it.
Once I made my choice I was provided with a great amount of information about the surgery, about pre care, about post care and any possible risks. I was provided with pre diet information and tips about how to handle a pre liquid diet and knew exactly what I was getting into, there were no surprises.
I was given an itinerary and knew exactly what to expect I was also given contact information for my family to call to see how I was doing on the day of surgery (even though it wasn't needed as Doctor Alvarez personally called my family once I was out of surgery).
Doctor Alvarez's assistant was also available by phone or e-mail to answer any questions and being a patient of the Doctor herself she was very helpful and comforting. Susan (his assistant) personally called me through out my journey home and from time to time five months later still checks in.
My after care was monitored as well be Doctor Alvarez via e-mail or telephone I was sent diet instructions, lifting restrictions and tips and guidelines weekly and if I had questions he would personally call or e-mail me back very promptly. As much as I wanted to be successful in my journey he equally wanted that for me and set me up for that success, all the while informing me that my life would change and how to handle that change.
Living in Canada when in the hospital you may see your Doctor once or twice during your stay, Doctor Alvarez was in to see me three sometimes four times a day, and in between his visits his collegues would come see how I was doing. I was provided with an interpreter and if anything was needed it was available right away.
From the first time I e-mailed Susan, to meeting Rosie the driver of his shuttle van and then sitting across the desk from Doctor Alvarez and his colleagues I knew I made the right choice. I never once felt judged or looked down upon just supported and cared for. Now almost five month later, seventy pounds lighter and ten dress sizes smaller I would recommend him and his team to anyone I know. I am so thankful for these people coming into my life and the role they have played in my new healthy life.
Good Luck in you journey, Caroline C .

I underwent vertical sleeve gastrectomy four weeks ago and Dr. Guillermo Alvarez was the one who performed it. I chose this doctor after a lot of research and was very impressed by his weekly youtube Q&A sessions and the abundant testimonials from his previous patients on youtube. When I reached out to his office they even gave me referrals of previous patients I can contact and those communications were very reassuring. The surgery itself was done in a hospital in Piedras Negras in Mexico. I flew to San Antonio and was picked up by the clinic's transport for the drive to Piedras Negras. The doctor's entire team was courteous and capable, the clinic and the hospital were very clean and facilities sanitary. Post surgery the discomfort was very minimal and I handled the 6 hour flight back home not too shabbily. The nurse attending to me spoke English and the two surgeons and the anesthesiologist all spoke English.I returned armed with adequate information to handle my post-surgery diet and the confidence that I can reach the doctor over twitter or email and ask him any questions I had. I can not say enough about the client service provided by the doctor and the nursing coordinator post-surgery. I think bedside manners of doctors (Dr. Alvarez and Dr. Gabe) go a long way towards making you feel better and I totally felt it throughout my experience. I am making reasonably good progress and think that I made a great decision in choosing the endobariatric clinic and Dr. Alvarez.

I am a 55 year old "health professional", who has several friends that have gone to Mexico and Dr. Alvarez for this surgery. Frankly, in the beginning, the thoughts that I had were: 1. I am sure that I can't afford it. 2. I don't need to lose "that much" weight. 3. MEXICO!! I've never even been out of the country before ! Then my college roommate told me that she had had this surgery (with Dr. Alvarez) almost a year prior ! She was more than willing to answer all of my CRAZY and "personal" questions, she loaned me her very own autographed copy of Dr. Alvarez's book and she even offered to go to Mexico with me ! So, I made the call and never looked back !
I was NERVOUS about going to Mexico - afterall, I had never been out of the country !! There are neighborhoods in my small hometown that make me more nervous than going to Mexico now. Rosie, the van driver, knows what she is doing and I felt more than safe while I was with her. The van ride from Mexico back to San Antonio (post op) is a long one - bring your MP3 player, headphones, and your pillow and try to nap, it will go much faster that way !
Susan, Rosie, Dr. Alvarez, Dr. Gabe, Jessica, & Jesus were all SUPER - and you could not ask for things to be any more organized !
I had my surgery on September 8, 2012 and have lost 30 pounds and 21 3/4 inches.
I know that I am only 5 weeks post op, but I feel GREAT and have never regretted for one second, having this procedure done !
Check out Endobariatric.com FaceBook page - where the people are all just regular people who are at different stages in their journey. And will answer any question you might have with what worked for them....
Do I have anything negative to say about my experience ? YES I DO ! Dr. Alvarez left for vacation the morning after my surgery and I didn't get to see him again ! (Purely a selfish thing there - nothing to do with my care, at all :)

I am writing this because it is so rare to see someone like me post a review and I thought it may help someone who may be searching like I was.
I am a 59 year old female who had a low bmi of 30.4. I have a history of breast cancer with mets, pre-hypertensive and osteoporosis. I wanted this surgery as a tool to help me to take off the weight and MAINTAIN it... After many years of dieting, I found, yes I could take the weight off (although I was unable to reach my doctors recommended goal of 135lbs ever!) I was never able to maintain the weight loss. This was mostly due to I NEVER had a full feeling. My maintaining any sense of weight loss was with MUCH restriction accompanied with mental and physical anguish. My daughter had the sleeve procedure done earlier this year (also in Mexico, different physician) and has had much success, convinced me that, No I was not to old and although I had a low bmi, I was still considered obese. She also explained the she now knows when to stop eating as her sleeve lets her know, in no uncertain terms, she is done.
I had my surgery on Sept 6, 2012, my daughter came with me, with Dr Alvarez. I choose Dr. Alvarez because he has done older individuals and he believes better to not wait until you are "morbidly obsese" if possible. We entered Mexico after staying in Eagle Pass. After researching, we felt very comfortable going. This area is considered very safe. The hospital is clean and much like any other you would go to in the states on a smaller scale. They have all the latest is equipment, including CT scans and cardiac equipment if needed. Meeting Dr. Alvarez and his staff was my profound pleasure as he explains everything, is patient with repeating information if needed, given you the time you need to be comfortable with the answers. Surgery went better than expected. I was walking within hours after surgery. The other gals that were there, were also up and about. Dr. Alvarez and his staff of professionals have obviously taken time to "tweek" the after care regarding pain control. For me, I had NO pain related to the incisions. My difficulties were with the gas related to the laproscopic procedure. Now keep in mind, I am a surgical RN. And although I have taken care of hundreds of patients that have had laproscopic procedures, I personally had never had one. The gas moving through the the back, across the shoulders and into the chest area was very uncomfortable. Walking (a lot) was not helping. I very foolishly, actually didn't recognize it as "pain" as much as tightening, discomfort. When the team saw how exhusted I was trying to combat this issue, they immediately ordered Toradol (a non-narcotic).. and guess what... Ahhhhh relief!! So my advice is... It is pain, take the medication. I am currently down 20 pounds and am "shocked" at how tiny the punch sites are... but, it is not the weight loss as much as the excitement I feel knowing I will get that "full feeling", feeling like "ok, I'm full". Now don't think that was all there was to it.... I followed Dr. Alvarez's program as written and continue to do so, which includes his outline for excersize. You do have to put some effort into it for maximum results.
The only part that I think could use a little discussion would be the ride to and from the hospital. I was under the impression she would stop about half way for drinks etc. However, we found we needed to ask her (there were five of us in the van, two had already and either a sleeve or gastric bypass), otherwise we all believed she would have driven the three hour ride straight through. On the way back this is really hard on the new sleevers. You will be on clear liquids and believe me, you need to be "sipping" pretty regularly. Anyway we asked her to stop and the comment was "Oh its only 20 min more" Well 20min turned into like 45min and we were all the way back to San Antonio! Again, I am not sure it was her intent to stop at all if we had not asked. My advice would be.... Bring a drink in the van and ask to stop earlier than you may need to.
I do hope this has been helpful for someone. Just know, I have never regretted this choice. For me it was the best option and more than that, I have never regretted having this surgeon and his team perform my sleeve. I know some surgeons are a little cheaper and even offer "deals". Well I don't know about you, but for me my life has no dollar value on it. I am convinced I choose wisely. My best to you and your success should you choose to continue on this adventure.