Guillermo Alvarez Bariatric Surgeon MD

Hello everyone, I am a Nurse Practitioner from Dallas, TX, recently transplanted from NE Arkansas, who underwent the gastric sleeve on May 18, 2012.

I have fought the battle with my weight for most of my life, and have been on one diet or another for 15 out of the past 20 years of my life. Unfortunately, I always gained the weight right back, if I was able to get it off in the first place.

When I heard about Dr. Alvarez in Mexico I started checking things out. I got a copy of his book and read it several times. After researching all of the wonderful reviews (I never saw a bad one!), I got a passport & scheduled my operation and made plans to head to Mexico. My family was not able to go with me, but I had no problems with that. I knew that I was ready for this life-changing procedure and was not going to let anything stop me from reaching this very personal goal.

Dr. Alvarez and Susan were wonderful at giving me all of the pre-op information I was going to need. I meticulously read over everything, several times, in hopes that I would in no way compromise my procedure due to not being aware of everything I needed to know.

I flew from Dallas to San Antonio, where I was picked up and taken to the La Quinta hotel to meet Rosie, who would take me to Eagle Pass, TX, where I spent the night. The next morning Rosie took me over the border to the hospital in Piedras Negras, MX. The drive literally took about 10 minutes. I met Dr. Alvarez and his team, my history was reviewed, I was weighed and my picture was taken for their records. I then went to have my labwork and chest x-ray done, and then went to my room where I changed and had an IV started. That's literally the last thing I remember before waking up post-op!

Dr. Alvarez and Dr. Gabe came and checked on me several times over the next couple of days. His nurses, both Jessica & Jesus, are bilingual and one of them was always available to help me during my stay there. The facility was very nice, quiet, and extremely clean and I always felt very safe, which is what I always tell people that gasp about me going to Mexico for surgery. After a couple of days I was discharged, and Rosie brought me back to the airport, and I was back home before I knew it. I did have some soreness after the procedure, but this was relieved with the pain medication I was sent home with. Oh, did I mention Dr. A fixed an unknown hiatal hernia I had while I was there? So I had a combo surgery package, which added to my soreness. I followed the diet as instructed and was able to return to work the next week. I did take it slow at first, but felt much better after getting back into the swing of things.

I am now one month out from surgery and feeling pretty great. I have not started working out yet, though, and hoping my weight loss speeds up when I do. My initial weight was 208 and today I'm at 187. I truly believe that Dr. Alvarez literally saved my life and I am looking forward to the rest of my life being wonderful. I am no longer consumed with thoughts of food, whats for dinner, or being exhausted once I get home from a long day at work, and grabbing something unhealthy out of the cabinet to stuff my face with. He gave me the tools to have a better life, and I can no longer eat thoughtlessly, and sure can't overeat now. I cannot emphasize how great my experience was with Dr. Alvarez and his team. Even post-op at home, any questions I have, I e-mail him and he gets right back to me, within just a couple of minutes, now what physician does that?

Good luck to those of you that are considering weight loss surgery. You will definitely be in great hands if you go with Dr. Alvarez!

I first heard of Dr. Alvarez as I was searching you YouTube for videos regarding weight loss surgery. This is the first time I had heard about the gastric sleeve. Everyday for months I researched different surgeons and weight loss procedures in the U.S. and outside of the U.S. My husband is a surgeon and I had him look at all information as well. By far, Dr. Alvarez was the most experienced in this procedure and had a phenomenal success rate. From the first phone call I made (Thank you Susan) the whole process was flawless. Once we arrived in San Antonio the transport to the facility was very pleasant (Thank you Rosie). We arrived at the hospital and Dr. Alvarez was the first to greet us. We met the whole surgical team and I had no concerns about proceeding. Dr. Alvarez' assistant was always very attentive of his patients (Thank you Jessica) and after the surgery she was a wonderful walking buddy. I had no discomfort or pain after the surgery. I felt completely normal. Many people are fearful of going to Mexico from what is published on the news all the time. Piedras Negras is a very pleasant town. No one should fear coming to Piedras Negras. I 100% enjoyed my trip! It was surgery and vacation in one.

Dr. Alvarez holds a yearly patient reunion in the states to keep up with everyone and their progress. I have yet come across another surgeon who does this. I am a month out from surgery and have lost 26 pounds.

The surgery has changed my life and the way I look at food. The anxiety I felt about eating is not there anymore. I enjoy my meals, but the small portions I eat are more than enough to satisfy. Thank you Dr. Alvarez!! Thank you for helping so many individuals reach healthy weight goals for healthy living.

When I was looking into having a weight loss surgery it took me a long time after so many failed diets till I started reading about the sleeve. I started googling and Dr. Alvarez name came up on obesity help, when I was a member since 2006 I was planing to get the bypass surgery. I was denied by my insurance after 6 long months. I was devastated it was a waste of time going to seminars, appointments, and psychiatrist too. When I decided to contact endobariactric they responded ASAP! I was nervous Susan the coordinator was so sweet and answered all my questions (this was in march) I started watching all of the YouTube videos and I saw Melissa Lawson.... She motivated me more to do it i contacted her through Facebook I was in shock she called me back the same day like in mid April she told me everything and how it really was plus her mom was scheduled to have the surgery too end of April. Her mom had the surgery I said I'm doing it so I scheduled for may 12, 2012 a Saturday. Everyday Susan emailed me to make sure everything was ok paper work and flight and how I was going to get to the hotel.. She was very detailed any question was always answered. I was nervous going to Mexico but its 5 min from eagle pass, Texas. I speak fluent Spanish/English you get the same treatment the nurses specially are so sweet and carring, someone always checks on you, gives you the medication. Dr Alvarez and Dr Gabe and his assistant take turns to see how you are. The hospital was nice and the rooms were better then the rooms in Washington DC,plus if you have someone to go with you they have a bed the rooms are big. I went by myself plus i was the first to have the surgery, but other patients had a spouse to support them. The hotel where we stayed in eagle pass, texas is really nice, and the one in San Antonio Texas too stores are close by the shuttle takes you to where you want to go and they pick you up. Over all im not a risk taker, but from the feed back i have gotten and my experience i highly recommend Dr. Alvarez from the minute i met him i liked him alot plus he is good looking. He was so carring and good spirited always. I don't have any bad... I'm sorry!! Lol . When I got home and if I had any questions I would email Susan she replied on foods I had to eat and here I am it's been a month I used to weigh 255 and now 225. Thanks to Dr Alvarez who made this possible in Piedras Negras, Mexico if you have any questions please don't hesitate to contact me Paula @2swyte4u twitter

When I first decided to have the surgery I was hesitant. After talking and meeting Dr. Alvarez I knew I was making the right decision. Going to Mexico was an awesome expierence I honestly felt like I was in a resort not a Hospital. I had so many nurses taking care of me it was unreal. Dr. Alvarez also has a team of doctors that came to see me atleast four time a day.

After extensive research into the need to change my life, I finally decided that having gastric sleeve surgury was best for me...but I wanted to find a surgeon who was not only qualified but experienced. My search led me to Dr. Guillermo Alvarez. Dr. Alvarez practices just over the border in Mexico (about 2hrs outside of San Antonio, Texas). My whole experience was enjoyable and comfortable. Dr. Alvarez and his staff made me feel comfortable the whole time..from the second I was picked up to the second I was dropped off. While in the hospital, I never went without...I was never in pain, thanks to the wonderful nurses making sure that I was given my meds on time and Dr. Alvarez or his fellow doctors checking in on me. This thus far has been the best decision of my life...my only regret is waiting so long to have the surgery. Now, some people might read this and say..."but its Mexico". To that I say..."so". I truely received better medical attention with Dr. Alvarez and his staff that I have ever received here in the United States ( and I live in a large city in California). Moreover, Dr. Alvarez had the most experience performing VSG surgery than any American doctor that I researched. I never felt scared or uncomfortable traveling or staying in Mexico. I trused him with my life and in turn he gave me a life worth living now. Please do not hesitate...give him a call and start living too.

After conducting extensive research like reading weight loss surgery reviews, watching You Tube surgery videos and speaking with friends and family, I decided to give Dr. Alvarez a call. I spoke with Susan and she answered all of my questions and quickly set up my surgery date for Tuesday, May 1, 2012.
I am so pleased with the entire experience with Dr. Alvarez and his staff. From the moment I got to San Antonio, TX I felt so well taken care of. I loved meeting Dr. Alvarez for my consultation and his smile was just so genuine. Rosie the driver was so sweet and funny and the ride to Eagle Pass went very quickly. The surgery went very well. Very little pain just a tightness, and pulling near the belly button. I did feel a bit dizzy with the medication but once I spoke to Dr. A, he adjusted my meds and I felt much better. The nurses were very efficient and accessible. Jesus the night nurse was such a sweetheart, Jessica was top notch and made sure that both myself and my mother was comfortable and even went with my mom to get lunch. And Susan the coordinator was amazing - she even called the day I returned to San Antonio, TX to check on me.
A few days after surgery, I was able to walk around a mall and start to buy some new clothes! I highly recommend Dr. Alvarez - you will not regret it. It has been about a month and I am down 25 lbs and I feel great. Remember to eat protein first and get in that exercise!

I was impressed with the help that I received from Susan before my surgery. I felt comfortable contacting her if I had any questions. Rosie picked us up at our hotel in San Antonio and took us to the hotel Eagle Pass and returned the next day to take us to the hospital. Once at Dr. Alvarez's clinic his assistant, Jessica, weighed me, took my before pictures, and took me for my blood work and x-ray before surgery. Dr. Alvarez's team were very courteous and helpful through the whole process. Dr. Alvarez and Dr Gabe visited me several times each day to ensure I was doing okay and answer any questions that I had or my daughter (travelling companion) had. Jessica took my daughter to visit some of the sites in the area of the hospital and accompanied her to a restaurant in the area for a meal. During this whole time my daughter felt comfortable walking in the town. I would recommend Dr. Alvarez and his team to anyone wanting to make a dramatic change to their life. My surgery was on May 3rd, 2012 and to date I am down 27 lbs and am feeling better each day. I can hardly believe the difference in way that I look and feel already.

I had my sleeve done by Dr. Alvarez on April 27th and all I can say is this man and his team are TOP NOTCH! I did a lot of research on this procedure and the thing that really impressed me was the time and commitment he put into his YouTube Video's. I spoke with this coordinator Susan and had a date within hours of deciding to go with him. Dr Alvarez is also on Twitter and responds to ALL his tweets. My wife and I flew into San Antonio a day early and was picked up by his driver Rosey and driven to Eagle Pass for the night. She was very engaging and answered any and all questions we had as we drove down south. The next morning she was there bright and early to take us across the border. This was no different than me driving to the local Wal-Mart. We went through and weren't even stopped. We arrived at Dr Alvarez's office and things began to move along...quickly. You meet Dr Alvarez for a few minutes where he will answer and questions you might have and gives you an overview of what will be happening. Next you meet Jessica who in my opinion is the textbook definition of kindness and compassion. She is his patient coordinator and is responsible for taking you to X-ray, blood draw, etc. This young lady is passionate about her job and performs it at a level well above 100%. She will also help you spouse or traveling companion with ANYTHING. She took my wife to lunch and dinner and stayed with her the entire time. Surgery with Dr Alvarez was amazing. When I awoke I thought I had just taken a nap. I awoke with ZERO Pain and was walking around within hours. He and Dr Gabe were coming around every two hours to check in on me and make sure everything was good to go. The staff at the hospital was first class as well. Even though most of them did not speak English, Jessica was there to help when possible but I can honestly say, there was never a problem. The second day was more of the same, the Dr.'s came by every two hours or so (this is on a Saturday mind you). On Sunday we were discharged with specific instructions and med's. We taken back to San Antonio where we caught our flight and were back home on Monday. Dr Alvarez follow up with you each week up until you move to the final stage of your diet. The whole experience was impeccable. I would recommend Dr Alvarez wholeheartedly to any and everyone at anytime. You just don't find Dr's like this very often!!

It was one thing reading all the rave reviews about Dr. Alvarez, but it was a whole different experience meeting him in person. The reviews were amazing but nothing near the personal experience of meeting Dr. Alvarez. 

Dr. Alvarez is the nicest, most genuine and caring physician I have ever met. My first impression of Dr. Alvarez, and his entire team of physicians, nurses, assistants,  was that this was just too good to be true.  Everyone was very polite, very helpful and extremely professional.   Dr.  Alvarez's sincerity, compassion, honesty and his passion to help his patients get a better quality of life, was simply amazing.  
The whole process is extremely well organized and this was by far the best medical experience I have ever had. Dr. Alvarez and his caring team made me feel like family. I felt completely spoiled with the round-the-clock attention I received. It seemed like everyone went over and above the call of duty to ensure that the patients got the very best care possible. The surgery went extremely well and I felt so good afterwards. Dr. Alvarez was readily available to answer all my questions and he explained the surgery very thoroughly which put my mind at complete ease.  He made sure I was comfortable at all times. He continues to make time to answer any and all questions that his patients have long after surgery. 
This has been the most amazing life changing experience I have ever had.  My advice to anyone considering weight loss surgery is to pick up your phone and make the call to Dr. Alvarez's office. Your life will never be the same. 
The very first phone call to his coordinator Susan will set the ball rolling.  The process is so smooth and so easy. This is a major life changing experience and no one needs to go into this kind of major surgery with stress and anxiety.  With Dr. Alvarez and his team, you will have nothing to worry about. 
Dr. Alvarez has performed over three thousand of these surgeries so who better to perform your surgery.  
I have a new lease on life and I have Dr. Alvarez to thank for this.   I am very happy and I am looking forward with hope to the future. 
Thank you Dr. Alvarez. 

Before I begin touting our tremendous experience with both Guillermo Alvarez, M.D. and his knowledgeable and friendly staff, let me take you back to some of my own pre-surgery worries.
With television and movies being what they are nowadays the term “Mexican Hospital” usually conjures up images of back alley procedures and organs being stolen against your will, so imagine my surprise when I found myself flying down to Piedras Negras, Mexico – which in all honesty is only 1 mile over the border of Eagle Pass, Texas – for what I consider to be the surgery of my lifetime. Few things can make you as queasy as; number one, having the nerves of the procedure itself, and number two, having the procedure done in an unfamiliar country.
In the interests of full disclosure, my wife and I also watch a lot of “Criminal Minds” and “CSI” too, which didn’t help matters either as Mexico tends to get a bad rap on those programs as well.
The other issue I know you’re probably plagued with; as was I, is the fact that you must rely on the word of strangers to make yourself feel comfortable about the surgery and its circumstances. And even though everything I’m stating is true, it probably seems miles away from a concrete guarantee.
Well, unfortunately this is the only issue I wasn’t able to fix for myself beforehand; it’s just something that you have to come to terms with, because until you go through it for yourself, talk from someone else is just that, talk.
Luckily for me and my wife – we received the surgery on the same day – we had compiled endless amounts of data on Dr. Alvarez and his past procedures beforehand – which I strongly urge you to do as this will make you feel loads better – compounded with the tireless efforts of Susan George – one of Dr. Alvarez’s best assets, who is not only a great LVN but is also a former surgery patient – and the knowledge that Dr. Alvarez had previously performed my mother’s Lap-Band exhumation when complications arose for her. Please note that Dr. Alvarez was not the doctor who put her Lap-Band in.
Anyway, now that I’ve got you good and amped up, let me defuse at least a few of your worries. As stated before, do your research, this will more than anything else give you peace of mind throughout the trip. Rest assured your journey to Mexico will be the most anxious part, because once you enter the hospital and speak with Dr. Alvarez, you’ll feel a bit silly at the thought that you ever needed to worry.
Dr. Alvarez has the unique ability not only to put his patients at ease, but he also makes each and every patient feel like they’re his only patient. This is a hard enough quality to find in a doctor period, much less from one who is thousands of miles away, but Dr. Alvarez takes on this challenge as boldly as the surgery itself, assuring you even after you’ve left the hospital that if you ever have any questions or need anything, he is at your utmost disposal.
The staff is fantastic and endlessly accommodating, and though they may at times throw you off a bit; as only certain members speak English, there is always an interpreter on hand for anything you need. We actually found several Apps you can get for your smartphone as well which enable you to speak English into the phone and subsequently have the phone translate to Spanish. This in my opinion was a bit of overkill once we got to the hospital, but it made us feel better beforehand nonetheless.
Since undergoing this life changing procedure; not more than 2 months ago, I’ve lost over 40 pounds and so has my wife and we have no intentions of stopping anytime soon. So although I know you may still have a few more than valid reservations about taking the plunge, I hope I’ve helped you even just a little bit on your journey toward life altering health and happiness.