"Ok brace yourself - this is going to be a looonng review. When I first found dr Alvarez I was immediately like, "Mexico? No way." After researching more US doctors I kept finding them siting papers written by dr Alvarez. I went to some local seminars in my area and was very unimpressed by the information and the pedantic, patronizing way they spoke to the patient community. When I contacted dr Alvarez's patient coordinator, Susan, she returned my email within minutes. She was frank and informative and even after I asked some pretty insane questions, she made me feel like the most important patient on earth.
I did even more research on medical travel, and without boring you with the politics and details, basically discovered that all the fear out there is perpetuated by the US medical establishment. (I recommend the book _Patients Beyond Borders_)
My next step was getting my husband on board. This was a tricky proposition, but after setting up a Skype meeting with dr Alvarez and reading his book, my husband was tentatively comfortable with the idea.
I thought I'd be freaking out the days before surgery but Susan did such a great job helping me get prepared that I was calm and serene the day of surgery. My husband was VERY nervous. Dr Alvarez did an amazing job talking to him and easing his anxiety. Seriously, I wish my primary care doctor had 1/10 the people-skills and bedside manner.
Long story short, I'd go to dr Alvarez again in a heartbeat. Dr Gabriel and his assistants (almost all of them are bilingual) are excellent. The level of care exceeded my expectations. I'm a month out as I write this review, and have healed flawlessly. I was never in pain or nauseous at any time. I'm down 30-ish pounds.
Peidras Negras is a cute little town and very safe. It has a great little market where I bought a bunch of souvenirs the day before my operation. Jenni is one of dr Alvarez's staff who is sort of a "fixer." she acts as interpreter, advocate and took the husbands for lunch while I was undergoing the brief surgery. ( yes I said husbands, me and a friend went down together for surgery.)
As far as aftercare, both susan and dr Alvarez are available via email or phone post-surgery 24-7. (full disclosure, I never needed to contact them as I didn't have any problems.) but they have been checking in and sending email reminders when I am able to move on to the next dietary phase.
Dr Alvarez is not the least expensive but I firmly believe he is the best. When it comes to your body and well-being you will not be in better hands anywhere in the world.
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