Guillermo Alvarez Bariatric Surgeon MD

When I decided to start the journey toward my weight loss I knew I was taking a chance. I had found Dr. Alvarez on the internet, and talked to Susan, his coordinator, via e-mail. After all, what was I doing going to Mexico to have this surgery? AND I was spending some of my savings and bringing my 72 year old mother with me to boot!

I couldn't have known that not only would I have a very successful surgical experience but I would come to know Dr. Alvarez personally. Dr. Alvarez and his staff treated my mother and I like family. He greeted us, got to know us personally, came to visit me 2 to 3 times each day making sure that we were comfortable each day during my stay in the hospital in Piedras Negras. The hospital was an older private hospital but it was very clean and remodeled. (They were retiling the bottom floor hallway with marble while we were there.)The nurses wear the old white uniforms which impressed us. Dr. Alvarez assigned us interpreters that helped us get anything we needed. One of them took my mother and the daughter of another patient into town to restaurants and shopping. The hotels included in the package in San Antonio and Eagle's Pass were very nice.

I never once felt unsafe or unsure of what was happening during any part of my trip to Piedras Negras. Every step was thoroughly explained to me. Even now, Dr. Alvarez e-mails me weekly to make sure I know the next step in my journey. I had to call his office last week to check on a medication my doctor wanted to prescribe for an infection. Dr. Alvarez called back within 15 minutes! I have never received that kind of attention from a doctor or hospital in the United States.

I am one month out of surgery and I have lost 25 pounds so far. I am confident that I received the best care and I will continue to recommend Dr. Alvarez to anyone interested in Bariatric Surgery especially Vertical Gastric Sleeve Surgery.

I know that Dr. Alvarez has changed my life for the better.

One of my colleagues at work had his VSG surgery done by Dr. Alvarez a couple of years ago. I was inspired, watching his success since the surgery. (many people now find it hard to believe that he could ever have been obese - he looks like a person who has been skinny all their lives).

So, I decided to go for it. I've been overweight to some degree since I was 10. I've lost large amounts of weight, but never really gotten all the way done to where I needed to be, and I've always gained it back. I needed to lose a total of about 90 lbs.

It's been 6 weeks since the surgery, and I've already lost 40lbs!

The pre-op experience was great. You get personal attention from a nurse who provides you with lots of materials to get you prepared, and is there to answer all of your questions by phone or email.

When the day finally comes, the level of personal attention that you get from Dr. Alvarez and his staff is truly remarkable. I know some people have concerns about going to Mexico for something like this, but I was really impressed. The facility where you have the surgery is clean and well-run. The staff is great - friendly and available. Dr. Alvarez and the other surgeons visit you multiple times during your stay, checking on you and coaching you on how to manage your recovery.

During the post op experience, Dr. Alvarez and his staff remain available and attentive. You get regular updates as you go through different stages of your diet during recovery. Dr. Alvarez himself answers emails, and your pre-op nurse is available during this time as well.

They provide iPads for patients during recovery, and Wifi access from the room.

I daresay that the level of personalized patient care that you get is far superior to what you get when having a surgery in the U.S. I've had surgery here before...never got the email address of my surgeon or had him check up on me afterwards, except at scheduled followup visits.

I can't recommend Dr. Alvarez highly enough. Lots of things get described as "life changing", but few of them really are. This experience truly is life changing.

Dr. A and his staff are so awesome. I was never nervous before or after the procedure. If you are considering this surgery, you should go for it.

My first impression of Dr Alvarez was that he is very kind and informative. My impression only got better. The whole time I was there he was very attentative to my needs and answered all of my questions.
His office staff was very helpful and got all of my information to me in a very timely fashion. I honestly can not say anything negative about him or any of his staff.
Future patients should know that he is an amazing doctor. He is very informative about aftercare during the stay at the hospital and afterwards. His aftercare program is very structured and you recieve an email with detailed instructions on the next step in your process.
The risks of surgery are addressed before and after surgery by telling me in person and in all of my paperwork that I recieved in advance.
Overall I would rate Dr Alvarez at 10 out of 10! He was amazing and very personable. I honestly can not say anything bad about him and I have referred everyone I know that is considering weight loss surgery to him.

I cannot begin to say enough about my experience. I know in my heart that Dr Alvarez was sent to me by God. Anybody who is considering having VSG should look no further. I was treated so well, my mother and I cannot rave about the experience enough. I was sleeved one month ago today. I am down 40 pounds, have so much energy, and best of all my diabetes is gone. The whole staff, the hospital, the process was so easy. When I told my friends and family I was going to Mexico to have surgery, everyone was concerned. They said things like , ’You go to Mexico for margaritas and guacamole, not surgery!’. I assured everyone that I did my research and chose the best surgeon for the procedure. I couldn't have been more right. I'm so happy and can't believe how great my experience has been! There is a special place in heaven for Dr Alvarez!!!

Where to start? As a health care professional my first thought for Bariatric Surgery was not Mexico. However, having already had a lap band surgery, my insurance would not pay for a 2nd weight loss surgery - so I really began to explore options. The more I looked - the more I liked the information I found on Dr. Alvarez. His patients - even those 4 years out seemed to still maintain a great relationship with him. His statistics were better than an US Bariatric physician I looked at. So I contacted his nurse Susan - and the rest was easy. I immediately received paperwork to complete and return. Susan was available seemingly around the clock. Her answers came so quickly I began to wonder if she was a real person (but she is). Once I was approved I figured out when I could take vacation and we set a date.

Now for my experience. I went to Mexico in January 2012 hoping for a revision. Like every other review you will read - walking into Dr. A's office was comforting. He answered all my questions - weighed me and reviewed my medical history. Then his helper Jessica took a picture :( and away we went to the lab and Xray.

Jessica is a sweetie and was with me the whole way. I knew it would be different in Mexico - but I admit I was surprised to be check in on a typewriter (how many years since I saw one in a US hospital? Close to 20 years - it has all been computers. However, the process was quick and accurate.
Then on to my room. The room was very clean. Cleaner than most hospital rooms in the US. Shortly I was headed to surgery. When I awoke Dr. A was there and he told me he had removed my band but was unable to do the revision due to the amount of scar tissue from my band. He had told me I had about a 50/50 chance of this happening - so while I was disappointed I was prepared and he had been very upfront about the possibility.

I had to go home and heal and return - which I did. When I returned in June 2012 - it was like coming home. I was greeted with a hug and a big smile by both Dr. A and his colleague Dr. Gabe. The surgery went without issue and I awoke in my room - no oxygen - no NG tube - no pain. Day 1 I was up to the bathroom and took a couple walks... but mostly just rested. The only problem I had was nausea - they were giving me meds in my IV but I have always had problems with nausea - and this was no different. I have to say Dr. A and/or Dr. Gabe were in my room every few hours checking on me - listening to my tummy - checking my pulse and oxygen level. And they would add more nausea meds when ever I could have them. It was comforting to know they were that close and checking on me.

The hotel was great - the driver Rosie is a sweetie. They all make the process as seamless and easy as possible. I felt like I was competent in hands throughout the process. Be it crossing the border - meeting the surgeon, going to surgery or during my recovery.

You will find this team to be caring and loving - of each other and of of anyone who they care for.

Dr. A followed up with me after I returned home as did Susan. Also I received reminder emails checking on me at 1 week, 3 weeks and 4 weeks - all just reminding me of what I should or shouldn't be doing at those milestones. I feel at any time I can send Dr. A or Susan an email and get a response - not only now but in the future as well. I would recommend Dr. A and his team to anyone looking for a sleeve surgery. I would go back again and actually may go back to visit sometime in the future.

Dr. Alvarez performed my sleeve just over one month ago. My sister and I flew to San Antonio from Atlanta and every detail of the trip went exactly as the itinerary specified.

The trip over the border was so quick as you are immediately in Piedras Negras when you cross. I was so impressed with how professional, organized, compassionate and simply available each person on his team truly was.

Our mother had 2 surgeries earlier this year and our brother has been in the hospital for 5 months here in Atlanta at Emory and Shepherd. My sister and I agreed that I received more attention from Dr. Alvarez and his staff than they have with life threatening conditions.

I appreciate and value that every concern I have had, has been answered so promptly. I have a new life and I would proudly recommend Dr. Alvarez!

I first heard of Dr. Alvarez from a well known fertility doctor in Scottsdale Arizona. He had done the research and chose Dr. Alvarez as his personal weight loss surgeon. That was four yrs. ago and to date, I am the 6th family member to undergo VSG with Dr. Alvarez. As I commented to a friend who was considering her own surgery, there simply CAN NOT be any doctor in any part of the world that could have done a better job with as much care, attention and skill has Guillermo Alvarez. From the first contact with his office, the process was seamless and orchestrated with incredible organization and professionalism. What an amazing experience from the very onset and continues through today with Guillermo's continued communication 4 weeks out of surgery. This was a positive experience that I highly recommend to any and all who consider this life changing surgery. Thank you and your supportive staff Dr. Alvarez. Sincerely, Carlene

I know going to Mexico seems like the sketching thing a person can do but I am so glad I got over that fear.
I am about to turn 24 and never thought I would be able to lose the weight and although I am just over four weeks post op starting my solid food diet, I am proud to say that I have lost 27lbs so far. And I am determined, motivated and excited for the rest of my journey. I finally feel like I've got control and found a permanent fix!
Dr. Alvarez was so calming, charming, and reassuring to both my mother and I. I would recommend him to anyone! If anyone had any questions I would be more than happy for share my experience.

I found Dr. Alvarez through my sister. She had surgery in the states in August and since my own insurance would not pay for it, we had to find an alternative solution so that I could afford to pay cash. She found Dr. Alvarez and did a LOT Of research on him. She came to me with him and I also did a lot of research on him. I paid the money and went to Mexico to have it done on June 1st. I met him that morning and he is everything he is online and more. Very sweet and compassionate person! I felt at ease immediately and was excited to get this done. The surgery went very smoothly and I had little pain from incision and no nausea! The staff answered all questions and was there with me anytime I needed them. Dr. Alvarez came by to check on me several times the first day and sat on the couch and talked to me and my sister at length. He was very personable and easy to talk to. I followed his instructions to the letter and have had no trouble whatsoever. I'm five weeks out now and doing very well. I've lost over 40 pounds already and am having to take up my clothes every week! I'm very excited about my future and recommend Dr. Alvarez wholeheartedly to anyone interested in having the surgery done!!! He is AWESOME!!!!!