"I am a 30 something Canadian, that had gastric sleeve surgery with Dr. Alvarez in Mar 2016. I own a nursing practice in Canada, and would like to share my perspective on my experience with Dr. A., so my fellow Canadians know exactly what to expect from the process, and his team.
Like many my main point of contact was Susan, a very kind lady that helped me make all of the arrangements. She is very organized, and helpful, even after the surgery when I needed an itemized receipt ect. She is there to help, and she really does! They pick you up in San Antonio, and take care of you the entire way to Eagle Pass, and across into Mexico. No issues, no safety concerns, smooth.
When you drive into Mexico, it is a typical small city in Mexico. They drive you straight to Dr. A's office which is a specialists office complex connected to the hospital. This portion of the building is a newer build, it is modern, clean, and professional. Once you meet with Dr. A., you will be put at ease. I am not a high maintenance person, and traveled alone to do this surgery, and have never had any type of surgery in my life, aside from dental. Dr. A. had a plan to contact my family back home as soon as the surgery was complete, which put my family at ease. The other people in my group were great, and were checking on me and supporting me through my recovery, along with Dr. A., the other surgeons, and all of the nurses.
I had my own private room, with a bathroom and shower. The room was decent, I would say that it is a bit dated and worn out, but spacious, with a tv, couch, ect. My dorm room in university in was in worse shape. The main hallway of the ward we stayed on was updated, but some other parts of the hospital were older. But for the most part anywhere we spent time in was modern. Although dated, this hospital was clean! I did not feel that it was an issue or concern. In fact the only reason I bring it up is to be 100% transparent, so you get the entire picture.
The medical care was very good. After meeting with Dr. A. they take you for a chest x-ray, and blood work, then up to your room. The nurse gave me clear instructions of how to get ready, then the Anesthesiologist came in and got me ready for the OR. I was unconscious before I left my private room, then woke up in my private room. I felt groggy, but they had given us instructions before had on what to do once you awake. I followed the instructions, and then went to the washroom. I had 5 small incisions, but no pain that was not managed by medication. The first day I felt rough, like a mild hangover. I did experience 2 brief periods of nausea. I had some dry heaving, which made me nervous because I thought I may injure my stomach or incisions. I was given some some medication, and within the 24 hours any nausea was completely gone. They make you walk a lot, which is good for the gas, and helps make sure you do not have complications ect. ***They do the leak test when you are in the OR!*** So unlikely patients that have surgeries elsewhere, you do not have to force yourself to drink some horrible liquid the day after surgery.
There was an english speaking nurse on duty with us day and evening, with other spanish speaking nurses administering some medications ect. I was check on several times by Dr. A., and the other surgeons each day. I would estimate I had a surgeon examine me at least 3 or 4 times per day, and the nurses were always nearby. Direct patient contact/care was higher with Dr. A, than in Canada. My spouse recently had two back surgeries in two years, and was lucky to see the surgeon or doctor once or twice at most. Here I felt like they were always monitoring me, and I did not even have any serious concerns. Before leaving the hospital, they give us medications, care instructions. It is straight forward and simple.
Why would I recommend Dr. A. to others who have decided this surgery is the right tool for their health?
He has a team of surgeons, and medical professionals taking care of you. He puts patient care ahead of volume. You matter.
I cared about myself enough to have the surgery; and cared enough to pay for the level of care I deserved!
Do I have any regrets about any part of my experience with Dr. A. or my choice to have sleeve surgery?
Not one, not for a single second.
"
