Guillermo Alvarez Bariatric Surgeon MD

I did a ton of research before my WLS and Dr. Alvarez was was by far the most experienced in VSG, which is the surgery I desired. My surgery was on 12/7/09 and that is the first day I met him. However, I felt as if I had known him for a long time. I was treated with dignity and respect and had the very best care I could have imagined. Every one I met in his office and in the hospital was was professional and extremely courteous. I was only a little nervous about going to Mexico by myself to has the surgery, but my fears were all for nothing because I was in good hands from the time the plane landed until I left to go home.
Dr. Alvarez is very adamant about following his aftercare program, and has given me all the tools I need to succeed. My surgery was 3 months and 2 days ago and I have lost 48.5 pounds so far. I have a ways to go still, but have already been able to stop taking insulin, one of my oral diabetes meds and my high cholesterol medication. I hope to discontinue more meds really soon.
I would very highly recommend this surgery and most particularly this surgeon to anyone who needs to change their life. My life has already changed for the better and I have high hopes that it will just keep getting better!

Did a great job.
Hard to see my scars. He is part plastic surgeon I think.
Great followup with questions or problems!

My Story [ Edit ]

Hello everyone, sorry it has taken me such a long time to finally post my story. I am a nurse practitoner and I have my own practice and 4 small children ages 10-6-4- and 11 months. Now you might have some sort of understanding why I haven't gotten around to do this until now! I have wanted to have WLS for the past several years, but I wanted to finish having babies. So, I decided early November 2009, that it was time. After much thought and research, I decided that I was going to need to travel to Mexico for this procedure! We have United Health Care, however, my husband's policy excludes any type of weight loss surgery! I had the vsg priced in Nashville, Tennessee---uuummm how about $25,000 buckaroos----and NO thanks!!
Yes-- my husband thought I had lost my mind when I told him about going to Mexico!!!But, after I explained who, what, when and where-- he was supportive. So, I began my search for a surgeon in Mexico. The first one I found-- I knew was the right one---after much research, and watching all the you tube videos of his patients, and reading all the stories on OH. I immediately called Susan to discuss scheduling my surgery. She was very helpful in working with me to accomodate my schedule. So, we decided on December 30th as the surgery date!!! She took my health history over the phone and submitted everything to Dr. Alvarez. He responded and everything was a go, and required me to do a 10 day preop liquid diet! OH NO--no Christmas Dinner for me-- you know what I didn't miss it -- I was way excited about the 30th!! Sent my $1000.00 deposit to secure my surgery date--and it's no turning back at this point! My husband and I decided we would drive!! We live in Tennessee so it was just what we wanted to do--and we had a good quality road trip!! So, we left Tennessee Monday morning December 28th and arrived in Eagle Pass, TX that night around 11:30---not a bad trip at all!! We slept in and went shopping and hung out in Eagle Pass on Tuesday. Wednesday morning at 6:30 am, Rosie arrived to take us over to meet Dr. Alvarez. We met with him in his office and decided who would go first-- and of course I had waited for this day long enough-- and I said "I'll go!" We met privately with Dr. Alvarez in his office and he got to know us a little, and answered all questions and that made my husband much more comfortable. He is very thorough and wonderful bedside manner and that makes a huge difference.
Next, we were escorted to our room by Jessica, a very sweet young lady that was there for us during the day for translation or to answer any questions we might have. She was wonderful. We settled in our room- then we were taken to the lab, and then to xray--and then back to change into the wonderful air conditioned gowns we are all sooo familiar with--- they are the same in Mexico---by the way!!! LOL The nurse came in to start my IV and after it was started that is all I remember! My surgery was at 10:00am and it only took about 30 minutes to perform my VSG. I know right--- a lifetime to create this stomach-- and 30 minutes to take that baby out!!! WHEHEW!! That was one of the best decisions I have ever made in my life. Wednesday--afternoon very groggy from anesthesia, but no real pain!!! Basically, just very tender belly! Thursday started on ice chips up in the day--- they were uncomfortable--actually they hurt! So, Dr. Alvarez stopped the ice chips and started me on room temperature water!! That was heaven!!! So, much better, and soothing! I did well all day Thursday-- didn't have to ask for anything extra for pain other than what he had scheduled for me to have!! That was awesome! Friday morning I was up and at em showered, packed ready to head back to Tennessee--- I missed my babies sooooo much. Dr. Alvarez came by and went over discharge instructions----- very thorough---gave us a packet and bag of everything that we would need!! He was a very nice doctor, and was very passionate about what he does! I was given jello and a juice box. The grape juice was wonderful!! Rosie came and picked us and took us back to the hotel where we left our vehicle--(where it was fine)!!! We actually went and visited the Alamo while we were in Texas on that Friday!! I was good---just a tender belly! We then came back to Tennessee-- the road trip was not bad at all!!! My babies were sooo glad to see us home on! I was back to work to see patients on Monday morning! No pain meds needed!!! The patients were tooo funny they didn't think I'd be there!!! They know me better than that!!
I love my patients and I love my family-- and I had both in mind when I decided to have this done. So, I am now 2 months out and I am down 45 pounds and I think I just might be down 100 pounds by month 4. I honestly thought that was not feasible for me to do--- but, it is VERY feasible!! The weight just falls off!!!! Still can't do hamburger meat--- but I am okay with that-- I would rather have chicken!! So, whether you have already had surgery or thinking about it-- you should do your research-- check out Dr. Alvarez and his staff they were amazing!!! Thank you Dr. Alvarez, Dr. Gabe, Susie, Rosie, Jessica and all the nursing staff at Piedras Niegras!!! It was an experience of a lifetime-- and I think an experience that has enabled me to live a longer, happier, healthier life!! If anyone has questions feel free to message me!! I am also on verticalsleevetalk.com with the user name jpetty!! Here's to a healthy, happy 2010!!!

From the moment I spoke with Dr. Alvarez' nurse I felt at ease with the procedure. I didn't tell anyone but my sister and a close friend that I was going to Mexico to have gastric band surgery because of the negative conotations people have. I can tell you that my experience was anything but negative. Dr. Alvarez was inviting and helpful. His staff coordinated everything perfectly. I was with 3 other people who were having the gastric sleeve procedure. Not one of us had any reservations regarding our procedures and afterward we were all quite happy with the results.
I am now being cared for by a gastric surgeon here in the states and my local Doctor told me that Dr. Alvarez is revered by the medical community as a competent surgeon. His surgical competence was fantastic and the bedside manner of he and the doctor he works with was fantastic. (They are both quite dreamy and smell fantastic!)
I wouldn't have changed anything about my experience.

My impression of Dr. Alvarez was very positive. Prior to arriving in Mexico, his "right arm" Susan helps with answering questions, literature, and travel points. My journey from NY to Mexico was a bit of a culture shock, and happened so fast.

Once you arrive, Dr. A's team facilitates every step, in perfect autopilot. Meeting Dr. A and Dr. Rosales the morning of surgery was a very professional experience. They are both very respectful about your well-being, and hope to lose weight. Their team immediately prepares you via labs, xray and admission. The surgery was less than 40 minutes and the recovery was, for me, seamless. There was no nausea, no significant pain (except incision soreness) and no drama. The first day was simply rest, second day allowed me to manipulate mobility around the soreness and eat ice chips. By the 3rd day/discharge, I was eager to eat my Jello and juice.

Dr. A's team had round-the-clock handholding. They constantly checked on my vitals, pain/comfort, and sleeve consistantly. The information packet provides life-long data and is very helpful as a daily reference. Dr. A provides you with your Surgical Report and plenty of meds when you leave. While I am still in my 1st week postop(as of this writing), I hope to follow the program set by him diligently.

I truly recommend Dr. Alvarez- he always displayed tremendous bedside manner and is impressively sympathetic to each and every patient's welfare and care.

In my opinion, he's the best out there! Never did I feel worried about the procedure with Dr. Alvarez or his assistant, Dr. Rosales. Both are very professional and know what they are doing. I went in, had the VSG, and to date have had no pain or problems what so ever!

On January 7, 2010, I had a Vertical Sleeve Gastrectomy with Dr. Guillermo Alvarez in Pierra Negras, Mexico. rnrnOne year ago I heard that someone had go to MEXICO to have wls...all I could think of was...ARE THEY CRAZY???? I envisioned dark allies, sub-standard care and all kinds of crazy stuff. After seeing the great result of this surgery on this person, I decided to pursue some type of weightloss surgery in my hometown. I am after all and American, and we are snobs concerning our medical care. After all, no one can do it as good as we can right?? So decided to start the process with my insurance company. Well they immediately said “NO”. They really didn’t care if I had high blood pressure and high cholesterol and joint problems that were so bad, that some days I could hardly walk. rnrnSo, one desperate day, I started searching for self-pay options. This led me to Mexico. I first decided on the type of surgery that I wanted. I knew that I didn’t want the lapband. After doing research, I found that too many of those people had to go back into the hospital, years later, and have them removed for one reason or the other. I don’t want another surgery...unless, of course, it is a tummy tuck!! I didn’t want the Gastric bypass because I didn’t want my intestines re-routed, nor did I want to deal with the “dumping” syndrome. Not to mention that every now and then, I want to drink an alcoholic beverage--or two! So the sleeve was a good option for me. With the GSV, approximately 80% of your stomach is removed leaving you with a new tiny tummy, or sleeve. It fully functions as a stomach, so you don’t have the RNY issues, and it is very restrictive in the amount of food you can eat, therefore giving you ultimate control. rnrnAfter going over the OH boards and reading reviews, doing Google, and Bing searches, Dr. Alvarez’s name kept coming up. I read everything I could get my hands on. Mainly, I was looking for something “bad”, people who had problems, and I found nothing. So, I contacted his office and had my first encounter with the famous “Susan”. Susan is Dr. A’s patient rep and she is fabulous. She suffered though days of my endless questions, answering each one like it was my first. She is the true Jewel in Dr. A’s crown! I got email addresses from her and contacted people by email, and talked on the phone. With ever contact I became more and more certain that Dr. A was going to do my surgery. He has done over 1100 of these procedures, is board certified in the US, and has a 0% leak rate. He also mentors US surgeons on this procedure. So, I scheduled my surgery. rnrnSusan sent me a ton of information and step-by-step instructions for the pre-op diet. I knew exactly what to expect and if I had any questions I could email her...which I did...many times. Whenever I emailed her or Dr. Alvarez I usually received an answer within 2 hours..usually less. I think that Dr. A’s best friend is his blackberry, which is good for you the patient, because he really is on top of his emails. This enables you to have direct contact with him. Can you say that about your docs in the states?? I, personally, can’t.rn rnYou fly into San Antonio and then are driven to Eagle Pass, Texas . Rosie, Dr. A’s driver, makes the 2 1/2 hour drive through ranch-land Texas a joy. You spend the night in Eagle Pass at a very nice hotel...can’t remember the name, but the bed was amazing!! The next morning Rosie picks you up and drives you 10 minutes across the border to meet Dr. Alveraz and his associate Dr. Rosales. In the US we have a lot of interactions with people who are going to operate before the surgery day, so the idea of having a small meet and greet one hour before surgery is a little foreign to us. I felt totally comfortable with this as I had made it my job to email him before hand. He has a very warm and relaxed personality and, by the way, has perfect English. After our meeting we were walked across the street by Jessica, our translator, to the hospital. The hospital is an older building, don’t let that scare you. I had been told beforehand so I was ready. It was spotless, and someone was cleaning day and night. The nurses did not speak a lot of English, but you are sent with a “cheat sheet” and they try very hard to communicate with you. You also have Jessica for 12 hours a day and she was wonderful. rnrnAfter my surgery, I had no pain and no nausea. They manage both extremely well, bringing your meds promptly every 4 hours (I think). Since this is a smaller hospital, the nursing staff is not as stressed as in the US. You never have to wait for meds or help. You call them and they are there within a minute...and I mean that literally. I worried about nausea. Dr. Salinas, the anesthesiologist, has had extensive training in bariatric procedures, so there was no nausea ...and the best part, I had no sore throat!! rnrnDr. Alveraz has the best bedside manor of any surgeon I have ever had. The day of surgery he is in and out of your room all day checking on you, making sure you have everything you need. He answers all your questions and never, ever makes you feel like he is in a rush or is too important for you. He takes his time and goes over the same things over and over if you need him too. I just can’t say enough about how we were treated while we were there. rnrnI am convinced that this surgery is going to change my life. My PCP is doing my aftercare, and I have had no problems, my incisions healed great, and everything is fine. I am only 1 month out, however for the first time in my life I have control. Fat people can’t just “push back” from the table. Something in us is stronger then what we know we need to do. I thought if one more person told me that I just needed a little “self-control” I was going to blow up all over them!! With this surgery, I have control now. It’s a tool. It is not a miracle, overnight procedure. You no longer have craving or hunger issues and that is a tremendous help. rnrnI would do this again in a heartbeat, and have recommended this procedure and Dr. Alveraz to people who have asked. If you have any questions please contact me!!rnrn

Dr Alvarez and his staff where very honest, pleasant and proffessional and if you needed anything they were there for you. He has a great beside manner, and visited several times after surgery. Overall I had a great experience with him and his staff. The quality of care and confidence that him and his staff show is above and beyond. It is greater than what you are likely to find locally and many many time better than major health care providers like KAISER! I would refer anyone I knew to him and I rate him a 10 out of 10!

A year later and I'm practically at goal. The reasons I'm not are because I'm trying to conceive and eating more carbs than usual as being in ketosis is harmful to fetuses. rnrnI fully expect that either come spring (when I can walk outside without freezing to death or killing myself on ice!) or after I give birth (if/when we get pregnant) to get down to goal. I did get as close as 1.6 lbs from a normal weight, so the VSG is definitely a good thing, and I wish I could convince my mom (who is looking into WLS) to go to Dr. A! rnrnShe doesn't have the money unfortunately but if she did, she would go to see him. She's seen my pictures and heard about what a wonderful experience I had (it was more like a vacation - especially coming from cold Montreal in January to warm Mexico!) and knows that she'd have excellent care. rnrnI really can't recommend Dr. Alvarez and his whole medical team highly enough!! They were all sweet despite me not being the best patient (I'm extremely needle phobic). Dr. A's skills and bedside manor were incredible. My travel time 3 days after surgery was over 12 hours from door to door and I barely needed the painkillers. rnrnFeel free to PM me if you have questions, I was there January 30th, 2009. I know I'm supposed to say something negative to prove I'm \"legit\" but really, I can't think of anything I would change - other than an IV staying in longer than I would've liked - but I'm a needle phobe ;)rn

My sister and I went to Dr. Alvarez for our VSG's on 1/5/10. We have both done very well. Of course we were nervous but felt like we had made a great choice in a doctor. I felt that the material we received before surgery was very helpful in preparing us for our experience. Susan was also very helpful in answering any questions I had. My first impression of Dr. Alvarez was very positive. He made me feel more comfortable about the surgery and excited to see the results. His staff was very friendly as well. Both surgeons came to see us several times a day after surgery and I found that very reassuring. Any questions I have had after the surgery have been answered very quickly and I find that amazing. The only disappointing part of our stay was that my sister and I thought that we would be able to be in the same room. Her husband was able to be there while mine was not. I wanted to be close to their room rather than down the hall because I was alone. The room I was in the first night was small and to be honest, smelly. To be fair, Dr. Alvarez told me it was small before I chose it, but the smell was pretty bad. He did move me into a much nicer room the next night and that was much better. I did not even have to ask to be moved either.