Guillermo Alvarez Bariatric Surgeon MD

I would and have recommend Dr. Alvarez to many people and I am happy I went to Mexico for my surgery. People need to get past the mind set of going to surgery abroad. Its not always about what the hospital looks like but the care of the surgeons and staff in it that matters.
His nurse Jessica was a gem. She felt more like a close family member looking after me than a nurse.
One thing they need is a few new beds I felt as if I was sitting in a hole and at times it was uncomfortable. But the bottom line cost and the care made it the last of my worries.

With the lack of experience by my local physicians and a price tag of $34,000 this made going to have it done by a surgeon who can almost do them in his sleep a no-brainer.

My Surgery in Mexico with Dr. Alvarez and his Crew!
As promised, I am writing about my experience for others who are waiting their turn to be sleeved with Dr. Alvarez or are considering all options still. I expect that when you are done reading this, you will feel very good about your decision. Feel free to also share this with your family members who are concerned for you as well.
Leading up to the day of surgery, I did my research. I had originally decided to go with a doctor in Utah. However, being a cash pay patient I began to research other options. I paid $8750 for my surgery here in Piedros Negras, Mexico. In addition, I purchased plane tickets for my husband and I along with our expedited passports. Dr. Alvarez was definitely cheaper than having surgery in the US. However, if I was just looking for cheap I would have gone somewhere else. Ever since meeting with the people here, I knew that for me this was the best decision.
Susan, who actually resides in CA was my first contact regarding my surgery, and she is the person who immediately answered my emails when I had questions. Sometimes even 4 to 5 emails a day. She answered all of them, and she always answered my questions thoroughly. I was not getting that type of response with the secretaries involved in my other choice in surgeons closer to home.
I continued my research. Dr. Guillermo Alvarez has written a book specifically about the Gastric Sleeve called Successful Weight Loss with the Gastric Sleeve which can now also be purchased for the nook, kindle or iPad. After reading his book I felt even more knowledgeable about the surgery itself and impressed with his expectations for his patients even during the preop stage. My other doctor only felt it necessary to do a 1 week preop liquid diet. I had a BMI of 51 and weighed 291 pounds. Because of my high BMI and weighing nearly 300 pounds, I was expected to do a full 3 week liquid diet. Because of when I chose to have my surgery, it meant giving up all of those great holiday foods, and we traveled for over a week of our Christmas vacation. I never swayed from the liquid diet. I learned a lot about myself during that time. I make all the decisions for how my family eats because I do all of the purchasing of the food and also the cooking. I have cut out all of the unnecessary foods because I can no longer eat them, and my family seems to be just fine with the new ways to prepare food. I figured they would since they’ve always just eaten what I bought-healthy or unhealthy. Our girls are very young so I expect that we will be able to teach them about healthy eating habits. I know for a fact my husband will lose weight (although he’s certainly not obese), but he will no longer be tempted by my bad shopping choices.
Another reason I choose Dr. Alvarez is because of his continued research in the field both in Mexico and the US. He’s won many awards for his work, and he seriously loves what he does. He stated when we met with him on Friday prior to surgery, and he was sharing his options for upcoming professional development opportunities in both Florida and Utah. I admire a professional who continually is learning more in his field and expanding his knowledge about the topic. Being an educator myself, this was very important to know about my chosen doctor. I am also pleased that he uses both Facebook and Twitter to keep people not in his field current with the weight loss surgery, procedures, and other research articles related to obesity.
My husband and I flew into San Antonio Wednesday night, and we took the shuttle to the Laquinta Inn and Suites. We found my husband some food near the hotel. After, we came back and I bought a cup of noodles at the front desk (which I used for the chicken broth). I also used the coffee maker to heat up hot water for sugar free apple cider and sugar free hot cocoa. We had a great night’s sleep there, and Rosy, our driver was ready downstairs to pick us up at 11:30 at the hotel. We were her only customers that day. Susan called to be sure we’d made contact and away we went to Piedras Negras. Again, we got my husband a late lunch at the Chop Chop restaurant right down the street. While there I had the broth from egg drop soup. Then, we spent five hours (thanks to the casino shuttle) at the Indian Casino in Eagle Pass. We came back to our hotel with nearly $50 more than we started which is always good for anyone who gambles. Thanks to the hot water machine at the casino, I enjoyed many hot apple ciders while my husband enjoyed fajita nachos. We also enjoyed the company of the locals who helped us play bingo? electronically.
The next morning Rosy was there at 7:30 to pick us up. We had agreed to 8:15 so she even allowed my husband time to eat the buffet at the hotel. She said she always leaves early as she never knows how the traffic will be at the border. Today was a good day she said. Rosy answered our questions on the road and pointed out some of the places while we were traveling that may be of some interest to us on our 2 hour drive. We arrived at Dr. Alvarez’s office 15 minutes later with no problem crossing the border.
At that time, we were introduced to Dr. Alvarez. He sat us down to review my medical history and to also answer any final questions that my husband and I had. I was weighed one final time, and had my profile pictures done for Dr. Alvarez’s records. I was then introduced to Jessica who was my daytime nurse who speaks fluent English. She took us upstairs, showed us our room, and then I was brought back downstairs for my chest xray. Once I was back in the room, I was asked to put my gown on and climb onto the bed. It was just a bit longer before they drew blood to get my lab results, and then they also put in my IV. Shortly after, the anesthesiologist said he was giving me my “tequila shot” before surgery. I remember asking how long it would take to take effect, and that was all I can remember until surgery was over, and I was back in the room.
I did feel nauseous right away. I was given meds for that and left to sleep off and on for awhile. As soon as I felt up to it (about 3 hours after surgery), I began making my rounds walking. I walked 3 laps every hour all evening. I had no pain at all and had no problems getting out of bed. I was dizzy once in awhile, and I had dry mouth. For that, I was able to swish water around and spit it back out which helped. Jessica was very helpful as always checking in and making sure all of our needs were met. She walked with me up and down the halls. She even took my husband out for lunch while I rested. She couldn’t have been any nicer to either of us.
That night my husband and I sat in the family lounge on a comfy leather couch (we were the only other people around that night) and watched tv on their new flat screen. Dr. Alvarez came in the lounge, noticed we were quite comfortable, talked for a bit, and then let us be. Our night nurse, Christy who also speaks fluent English came in at 9:00, introduced herself and made sure our needs were met. Throughout the night, the nurses were in and out checking on how I was feeling, and continually pumping me with the needed meds.
About 8:15 this morning I got ice chips to suck on and swallow. It was wonderful. The nurse also took out my IV pumps but left the line in just in case it was needed later. I began walking 5 laps every 30 minutes starting at 6:00 this morning and felt great all day. Dr. Alvarez and Dr. Gabe, his assistant, were in this morning checking on my stitches once the gauze was removed and said all five incisions were healing properly. I even got to shower and get dressed this morning which had me feeling really good. This afternoon Jessica got us a taxi and took us out shopping. We got souvenirs for the kids and a little memory for us too. On our way back to the hospital, we stopped at a Mexican restaurant where my husband enjoyed a margarita along with chips and salsa. I was just so thankful to have been walking outside enjoying the beautiful weather.
This evening has involved more walking. We had a nice chat with Dr. Alvarez this evening, and Jessica came in to say one final good-bye and sign my pillow? I will have one final pain killer this evening before bed (under my tongue) and then a sleeping pill at 9:00.
I get my first juice at 7:00 tomorrow morning , and we have to be showered up before Dr. Alvarez arrives back here for my check out instructions at 8:00. From there, Rosie will drive us back to San Antonio where we will stay one more night before flying back home early the next morning.
What an amazing experience this has been from beginning until now. We’ve had the most amazing care, support, and attention. I would recommend Dr. Alvarez and his staff to anyone considering the sleeve. I guarantee you that you will be well taken care of before, during, and after surgery. I know I made the right choice.


The above was written about my experience while I was still in the hospital recovering from surgery. I am now 8 weeks out, and I am down 44 pounds. I couldn't be happier with myself and my experience with Dr. A before surgery, after surgery, and since I've been back home. Even now, when I have questions he is quick to respond. I'm so impressed and have NO reservation whatsoever about recommending him to family, friends, or even strangers. He's my angel.

It will be one month out for me tomorrow 3/6/12 that I had the sleeve done. I am down 25 lbs since surgery, 50 from the start of my liquid diet. ABSOLUTELY NO REGRETS for me. I was very nervous about it being in Mexico but really shouldn't have been. The hospital was safe and clean, the nurse "Jessica" so super sweet, Rosie our driver was very friendly, Susan is so great about answering e-mails very quickly and Dr. A was great!! They are all a amazing team. I've had no problems at all and have already recommended Dr. A to several friends.

Surgery date 01-16-2012
Starting weight 244.0
weight as of 3-4-2012 206.4
05/02/2012 current weight loss 59.6lbs

Dr. A has forever changed my life as well as my family's. I had PCOS which prevented me from losing weight no matter what I did. This led me to seeking out surgery options as per my OBGYN's advice. Long story short, I was the 18th person from our little town of 25,000 people to have the gastric sleeve done by Dr. A. There have since been 3 others from my town to have the same surgery with Dr. A.

I have to admit I was a little worried about traveling to another country to have surgery. So was my husband. After arriving and meeting Dr. A for the first time, I KNEW I had made the RIGHT decision! Dr. A answered every question and was more open and honest than any doctor in the States. Dr. A and his whole staff was nothing but wonderful!! His bedside manor was second to none.

I've had NO issues with post surgery and my scars are healing very well. I still have to watch the amount that I eat, but that will be a forever thing.

If you are considering ANY type of weight loss surgery, PLEASE check out Dr. Alvarez!! You CAN NOT go wrong!!

Dr Alvarez is Amazing! At first I felt skeptical going all the way to Mexico, but it was the best decision I ever made. My surgery was smooth, Everyone was great from the nurses to the driver to Susan. Choose Dr Alvarez !!!

Dr Alvarez is AWESOME! His entire staff go out of their way to make you and your guest as comfortable as possible.

Como esta el mejor doctor del mundo entero?
Hi, Dr Alvarez

I feel great! I’m loving every minute! The weight loss is already starting to show. I love the restriction. I was so ready for this, I wanted it for so long. I’m super happy. I’m super blessed to have found you. Thank you for being you, for being so caring to us overweight folks. Thank you for being so professional and for having so much ethic and putting the patient first. Dr. Gabe, Susan and your team of nurses were superb, I've never had better care in my life.

Love you!
Surgery date 10/13/2011
healthyatlast38

I love Doctor Alvarez and all of his staff, especially Susan George! I'd been in touch and made friends with Susan for years before I actually had the surgery, so I had done a lot of research and felt very well-informed going into the surgery. I opted for the gastric sleeve, having been talked out of the lap-band for various negative reasons. Once I made my decision and was finally ready and had my loan approved, Susan and Dr. Alvarez got me scheduled right away and answered any questions I had quickly and thoroughly. Dr. Alvarez has wonderful bedside manner and a great attention to detail. He made me feel very at ease from the moment I met him, and I knew I was in good hands. My impression of him hasn't changed a bit. I had some complications after surgery and he has always been responsive to my questions and even going as far as coming to me to see how I'm doing. He answers e-mails to him personally within an hour, and has never made me feel put off. He has taken great care of me from afar and takes the time to explain everything. He is compassionate and caring, and someone I am glad that I have met and put my health into his experienced hands.

Dr Alvarez is not only a highly experienced doctor, but he is truly a caring and genuine individual. He takes the time to listen and makes you feel very comfortable. His whole set up is great, from talking to Susan many times while making my appointment and planning my trip, to Rosie his driver taking us from the hotel to the hospital & to another hotel, to the hotels being arranged, to his wonderful nurses & staff at the hospital who were absolutely great!!!...everything was easy & all planned out for us, i really liked that!! I just had to get plane tickets and bring stuff i needed. Dr Alvarez performed the sleeve on me on Aug 18th and ive already lost exactly 50 pounds, (which includes my pre-surgery liquid diet week). I do have to say that the first month was extremely hard!!!!!....probably because i was basically on liquids for about a month and was really weak and i got dizzy often. But i never had naseau and never threw up. I wanted to make sure & follow the diet plan so i wouldnt chance getting a leak. I ended up having a weird pain in my left side near the large incision and was nervous about it and even though i read a ton of reviews online about it being normal and ok, i just wanted to make sure. So i called Dr A and left him a message and he was able to return my call in just 14 minutes and he put my mind at ease that it was just a stitch that he put in there which was pulling because that incision was where my stomach was removed from....and thats exactly what i read multiple times online from people. Bottom line, even though this was very hard in the beginning, it was completely worth it & i feel a lot better now & im sure i will continue to feel even better as more weight comes off...even though im not too far away from my goal weight now! This has totally changed my life and i am extremely happy i chose the sleeve and Dr Alvarez as my doctor. I never once felt unsafe in mexico and actually hours after my surgery i was walking around the town and shopping!! Also the next day my bf and i went to the riverwalk and had a nice romantic night! I would do it all over again and not change a thing. I have had weight issues since i was young and for the first time i dont feel like food controls my life anymore!!! Thank you Dr A for giving me this wonderful gift!!!

Dr. Guillermo Alvarez is an amazing doctor. I went to Mexico to have the gastric sleeve surgery and Dr. Alvarez and his staff were THE BEST. The entire experience from beginning to end was amazing, supportive, painless, and caring. His staff, from picking me up at the airport, to taking me to the hotel and then to surgery and after, was excellent. I had better care in the Mexico hospital than I did at the hospital in California that I had to stay at for a prior unrelated surgery.

I can't recommend Dr. Alvarez enough. He is professional, with excellent surgery skills, people skills and bedside manner. I have no hesitation in recommending him. In fact, I have recommended him to all of my friends and family who are interested in bariatric surgery.

Thanks Dr. Guillermo for making my dreams come true for a thinner, healthier and happier me!!
Hugs,
KathieM