Guillermo Alvarez Bariatric Surgeon MD

A little bit more than two months ago I had my gastric sleeve procedure done by Dr. Guillermo Alvarez. I am so, so, so happy with the results. I have lost 20 kgs in 2 months. It has change my life in some many possitive ways. A friend of mine and I arranged over the phone our appointment for surgery, that same morning prior to the surgery we met in person Dr. Alvarez. He explained to me the procedure, since this moment I knew I was in good hands. The care and attentions of Doctor´s personnel and hospital staff were awesome. I would not hesitate in recommending Dr. Alvarez to family and friends of mine. Doctor gave me a book he wrote explaining everything about the gastric sleeve. I had the chance to read it over for the two nights I spend at the clinic right after the procedure. The morning I was discharge I was given instructions and medicine to take home with me. Both nights I spend at the clinic I was look after by personnel from the hospital and Doctors clinic. I was never in pain, instructions were easy to follow. The whole experience, from the moment they pick us up at the hotel and were taken back to catch our flight back home; everything was excellent. I just wish I had done my procedure many years ago with Dr. Alvarez. I am glad I had it done by him. It has changed my life in so many ways. Everybody in my family will like to thank Dr. Alvarez and all of his staff for all of his knowledge, attentions and care.

I had my surgery March 1st. I chose him as I was self pay and he had done more of the surgeries than any of the doctors in the US. I work in Central America extensively so I am used to travelling and I have to say Pedras Negra was cleaner than Eagle Pass and I never had a bad experience at all. In fact I never had anyone ask me for money or felt unsafe until I was already home and got off the plane in Atlanta and was on the train home from the airport terminal.

I was drinking water when he told me to drink ice chips, I was eating cottage cheese when I was supposed to be on shakes (just to see if I could do it) and never ever had a problem. It's so sad to see all the people on this website that had bad inexperienced surgeons that cannot even drink water for weeks at a time!!

I lost 10lbs the first week and I've lost 25lbs total but I have been on a very stict cardio 5 days a week and no more than 600 calories with 30 carbs a day. Something not all patients have to do nor should be recommended. At 37 days out I am starting to eat dense protein (London Broil and Chicken) with no complications or pain whatsoever although trying to keep it very slow just to be safe.

**Edit.5/9 9 weeks out I am now down 45 lbs! :)

Had my surgery 2 months ago and have lost 42 lbs!!! My story is probably just like most everyone else that has weight issues. I have been overweight most of my life, and always am able to loose weight but eventually it comes back plus some. My decision to have gastric sleeve was sudden, and I have no regrets... I decided in January I had to do this, and was going to do the lapband surgery. My insurance does not cover any weight loss surgery but that was just as well because they make you wait so long to actually have the surgery. Since I was a self pay patient I knew I would be traveling to Mexico for my surgery. I have been going to the same dentist for 30 years, in Matamoros, Mexico, so I started looking for dr's in or around that area. I came across Dr Alvarez, and so happy I did because since I was traveling from Florida by myself, I was somewhat familiar with the border area of Tx. I literally decided to have the surgery, and set the date all within a matter of 3 days. Also, after speaking with Susan, the coordinator, I chose to go with the sleeve instead of lapband.

Everything was set up prior to my arrival in San Antonio. I was picked up at the airport, and Rosie, the driver picked us up at the hotel. She drove us to Eagle Pass, and checked us into our room. I have to say I was not nervous at all. I knew I had a problem, and needed help, and was at the point that I needed to do whatever I could to get the help. So, I went shopping!!! There is a mall there, and I took a cab to the mall and shopped. The next morning Rosie picked us up, and we were on our way!!! My life was about to change, and I was so excited. We got to the hospital, met Dr Alvarez. He is great, and the girl that was with me was a little nervous but he immediately eased her mind. She decided to go first, and I would go second, since I was not at all scared or nervous. Dr Alvarez will go over your personal risks, if any, and then I met Jessica, and she speaks perfect English. She was our personal nursing assistant. She will help you with anything, and took great care of us throughout our stay. Everyone was great!!! The nurses are all so nice., There is a slight language barrier with some but they are so experienced with anything that could happen, you just have to say a word, and they know exactly what to do.

I would give you all the details but if you are considering surgery with Dr Alvarez, I will give you my email, and phone number so we can talk.

The surgery went great, and I was up within a few hours. Dr Alvarez called my mom, and my sister to let them know I was out of surgery, and doing great. He answered all of their questions over the phone since they could not be there. There is a phone that is in each area, and you can use it as often as you like, so I was able to call them as soon as I was up and around. Dr Alvarez was there most of the day and checked on me several times.

I had a copy of the book that Dr Alvarez wrote, and not only is all the follow up info in there, they also went over it again, and made sure I understood everything. Also, he made it clear to email or call with any concerns I had after surgery. Since everything has been great Dr Alvarez has only had to email me to check on my progress. He truly is here to help, and I am so happy I chose him to help me through this journey to loose weight. Dr Alvarez gave me the tool to be successful in my weight loss journey, and now it's my job to use it!!!

My experience was fantastic. Don't get me wrong, I did not feel great after the surgery but overall my care was great. I felt bad, had gas, and was throwing up. However, they were able to comfort me, and reassure me that it was normal, and it would not last that long. Here is my email [email protected]
If you are serious, and need any info or just want to talk to someone, feel free to contact me, and I will give you my number so we can talk.

I would recommend Dr Alvarez to anyone thinking about having weight loss surgery.

I had VSG with Dr. Alvarez March 2 2012. I decided on Dr. Alvarez after spending months researching on the internet. His experience and reviews as well as the hospital he uses all played into my decision to go to him. From beginning to end it was a terrific experience. His coordinator Susan was incredibly helpful and responsive as was his whole team.

My niece went with me to Piedras Negras and both of us were really impressed. Piedras Negras is a lovely little town just south of San Antonio. We both felt totally safe and were out walking around the town the day after surgery. My niece and another surgery "companion" went out daily for meals and to shop and both had a great time. Dr. Alvarez' nurse went with them sometimes to show them good restaurants and help them order - amazing comprehensive care.

The day of surgery was incredible well organized and really minimized the stress of it all. I have worked in several U.S. and Australian hospitals and you would not get the same level of care and attention in any of them. Only if you went to a private hospital. Dr. Alvarez' nurses were very attentive and I never had any difficulties after surgery - no nausea/vomiting and no pain. I was up walking within a couple hours of surgery. Because he is so experienced, he can do the surgery quickly minimizing time under anesthesia.

The hospital was really clean and the staff very friendly. Discharge and transitioning back to San Antonio went like clockwork. Dr. Alvarez and his team continued to follow my recovery the days and weeks after my surgery - I felt very cared for and secure.

I'm now 4 weeks post op and my life is pretty well back to normal - except I eat about 1/8 of what I used to ;). No hunger and I'm down 30lbs :)

My entire experience with Dr. Guillermo Alvarez was a pleasure, start to finish. I'm a big believer in "Pay it forward!" :-) So here's my honest, objective appraisal.


I know there is violence in Mexico, it's all over the news! But truly, it would be like saying don't go to the U.S. because people get killed there. Some people just cannot wrap their brain around that, unfortunately. My husband was SO against it til he talked to other patients of Dr. Alvarez. Then he understood the reality which is that you should have NO concerns re this part of Mexico... its so uneventful that you could literally be in Georgia, Canada or Hawaii. The Mexico part's just a formality.


You can blink & miss the border crossing. The hospital is just about a minute inside the border & is safer than my own neighborhood, which is VERY safe. I saw absolutely NO people around the hospital. You literally walk from the van about 10 feet into the hospital. It's totally private & absolutely like being in a hospital at home. If/when you go, you'll be telling others the exact same thing afterwards.


I live in Dallas, TX. I flew to San Antonio, where Rosy met me immediately. We proceeded in the Clinic bus. I had my surgery March 1, 2012. In 4 weeks I've lost 20 lbs. I weighed 190ish and I'm 5'2". This surgery is the ONLY real solution to weight loss. Believe me, I had tried EVERYTHING & always gained it back. Now I it's like a switch was turned off in my brain & food is no big deal. I just eat healthy.


Dr. Alvarez speaks English as well as you or me! Plus all of the instructions are laid out in easy-to-understand directions. Dr. Alvarez's book explains it all, & it's free take-home reading for after surgery. You also get the take-home meds free, which makes it very simple.The Dr. and Susan, his main assistant, are both just a phone call away... but I haven't needed anything.


Dr. Alvarez is MUCH less expensive than doctors in the U.S. but that really was immaterial. Money was not a factor for us; I wanted the best doctor. No one is better than Dr. Alvarez at this. He is highly-skilled and has the surgery down to a science. It takes approx. 35 minutes for him to do the sleeve surgery and change your life. I cannot recommend him enough! He has a compassionate and respectful bedside manner.


I am forever grateful to him for his outstanding medical care (as well as that of the entire staff). I endorse him and the hospital with complete confidence. Patients are treated like family. I never enjoyed surgery before, that's for sure... but I blossomed from Day One after this surgery.


I have no vested interest in wherever you go. This is just free info, worth whatever you can gain from it. Best wishes!

I had my VSG on 2/14/2012 and Dr. Alvarez was amazing. The journey to get my sleeve was a journey I will never forget. I flew from upstate N.Y into Texas. Dr.A driver(Rosey) picked me up and brought me to the Eagle Pass hotel. The next morning Rosy picked us up at hotel and took us over the border to Dr. A office. Many people worry about going over the border but it was completely safe. After I had blood work and an x-ray before you knew it, it was surgery time. Six hours after surgery I was up walking the halls. I did end up with a hematoma in the largest incision due to having such a big stomach and Dr.A taking out the old part of my stomach. (This was due to my weight I was 364 at the time of surgery.) Dr. A and his assistant were in and out to check on me at least 6 times a day. I had to e-mail Dr. Alvarez a couple times with question since I have returned home and he answers me with in 2 minutes. He is an excellent Doctor and will recommend him to everyone. By the way I'm 6 weeks post op and down 60 pounds!!! I thankful everyday that I did my research and choose Dr.Alvarez.

I like many have thought of weight loss surgery for many years, struggled with my weight, I dieted, excercised and have spent lots of money on many different programs.

I finally decided to research surgery and decided on VSG, talked to many people who had the surgery and found several that had used Dr. Alverez.

Contacted the office and received a return call, where all the questions I had were answered, additional information was sent via e-mail, I read the doctors book viewed the web site and read the testiomonials.

I called the office set up a date and off I went with a friend who also was going to have the surgery. Upon arrival our hotel was clean, the staff made sure that we had everything we needed, let us know what time we would be picked up to go to Mexico and we had a phone number for Dr. Alverez if we needed anything.

In the morning the van arrived and what a wonderful lady she was, assured us we were in good hands, that we would be safe in Mexico and that anything we needed we would be taken care of.

We met a former patient of the doctors while there and she explained to us that her care and treatment had been better than she ever expected! Once we arrived we met Dr. Alverez and his staff, we were told what was going to happen, taken to our room which was wonderful, simple and comfortable.

I was taken to surgery, once I was done the doctor came out and spoke to my friends, I was taken back to my room and made comfortable.

The staff was fabulous I could not have asked for more, the doctor came in many times to check on myself and my friend, the nurses were there within moments if we called. The one on one care and attention was so wonderful, like nothing you would expect!

I am 4 weeks out and have progressed as expected, I feel so much better and know I made the best choice in having the procedure done and in choosing a doctor who really cares, who makes sure your his number 1 priority and the follow up care continues with e-mails, a phone number that gets you right to Dr. Alverez, I know this was one of my best decisions ever, it starts with a phone call, one with no pressure, make the call it could be the most important one you'll ever make, I know for me it was.

I was like any other person struggling with weight loss. I had tried every diet and weight loss regime you could imagine. I had gotten to the point where my self esteem and confidnece was null and void. Two close friends of mine had decided to fly to Mexico to get WLS with Dr. Alvarez. I was pregnant at the time and thought they were nuts! Mexico!! THEN.....they came back and couldn't say enough positive things about their experience. I listened with open ears and watched as they experienced a change in both their physical and emotional esteems.

Then two years later, I had gotten to the point where I knew I had to change my life or I was going to lose it. I started researching Dr. Alvarez and had in depth conversations with my two friends, it all seem scarry. I didn't know who Dr. Alvarez was and where I was going...I just kept hearing the word Mexico.

I did get on that plane and went to Mexico. From the very first minute I had even contacted Dr. Alvarez's staff I was at ease. The staff was professional, caring and empathetic to all of my nerves and fears. I remember breaking down in the waiting room the morning of my surgery and atypical of any doctor I had experienced in the states, Dr. Alvarez assured me in the best bed side manner I have ever experienced, that all would be okay. I felt at ease. After the surgery the nurses and all the hospital staff involved were so diligent and nurturing. I experienced little if no pain at all.

I am now two months post surgery. I was amazed at how quickly I bounced back into my routine life. I have experienced no side effects.

I was that person you are, fearful, nervous. All I an say is believe in the journey. The hardest part of the experience is just getting over the logistical element. You will be in the beset hands possible and will never regret for one minute the decision you made to change your life!

I couldn't have had a better experience than with Dr. Alvarez and his staff. The trip was easy and very safe. The Hospital was clean and the nurses very caring. Dr. Alvarez in my opinion is just the best surgeon out there. I read about how some people have terrible trouble with the surgeon, and how costly it is to them, and problems with insurance, and because of Dr. Alvarez I haven't had to deal with any of those things. I am so thankful that he has made the sleeve easy and affordable.

Although my BMI was marginal for bariatric surgery, I had pre-existing conditions which convinced me I would benefit from the procedure and have a better quality of life without the excess weight.

Dr. Alvarez and his staff were exceptionally responsive to my requests for information and his book answered most of my questions.

The surgery was seamless. From the time I arrived in San Antonio, an English speaking staff member was either with me or available until I flew out. My single occupancy room was equipped with all the amenities including TV ; internet and a phone to call home when I wanted to advise family about my progress.

Dr. Guillermo or his associate met with me before surgery and before discharge to answer all questions and made themselves available by email when I returned home. I absolutely believe I received better medical care and individual attention than I would have received in a U.S. medical facility and at a lower cost.

I am eight weeks post surgery and have lost 38 pounds without exercise or special diet. As a 64 year old lawyer, I do not expect to change my lifestyle or become an athlete; but do expect to contimue losing until I have lost 70-80% of my excess weight.

I can unqualifiedly recommend Dr. Alvarez for the VGS procedure. While he is a consummate professional, he is also genuinely concerned with the well being of his patients and the success of their surgery.

Robert Beauvais
Lincoln, NM