| Comments From Patients |
Page 1 of 14 1 2 3 ... 12 13 14 » |
Pam P.
Amarillo, TX
|
I had my surgery on August 23, 2008. I have lost 29 lbs. I was so very impressed with Dr. A and his staff. I had done extensive research and tried to get my insurance to pay. There was no way. THe cheapest I found in the US was 12000 for the sleeve. I contacted them and they were not real warm and fuzzy. SO I contacted Dr. A. Susan contacted me with in 24 hours and with in 3 days my surgery was scheduled. I had to wait for an check to come in from my fathers IRA and I recieved it a week before my surgery. Tey were very patient in waiting for me. Rosy the driver was an excellant tour guide and got to love her coach bag :) Dr. A and Dr. Gabe were absolutely adorable (my mother kept flirting with the very happily married Dr. A) He was completely fluent in english as was his... [Click here for more] nurse Christina. THe hospital was clean and the staff there was very nice. There was a language barrier but even through that you could feel that they cared and were glad to see you. My family and I were treated like royalty and there was nothing we requested that we did not get. We were able to stay in touch with our family in the states. I must say everyone thought I was crazy to go to Mexico for surgery, and the price was what lead me there, but I will do it again, again and again. After all there is no surgeon in the US that would carry the luggage to the room seriously. Also I worked in the operating room for years and the room there (that I remember) was super clean and modern. In mexico things are simple bleach and alcohol. No special kimberly clark or baxter products to increase the cost of your stay. I love the fact that I can just call or email a question and within moments I have a response. The team is wonderful, I have never been treated so well and supported so much by perfact strangers. I would never reccomend another surgeon to do this procedure DR A knows his stuff and is excellant. After care support is outstanding as well. FAB experience. My mother is thinking of doing it as well. WOO HOO
Posted on 09/04/2008 |
|
Charles R.
Bonita Springs, FL
 |
Finally, a date- 7/24/08, and it isn't coming soon enough!
What can I say about Dr. A. and Dr. Gabriel that hasn't already been said? I could care less about the facility; I would fly anywhere to have this man operate on me again. The recovery was more mentally challenging than physically, and there are simply not enough words in the English language to describe the compassion, care, and grace he shows every patient. Dr. Alvarez is simply the best! Posted on 08/30/2008 |
|
Leslie M.
 |
I am so grateful to Dr. Alvarez and Dr. Rosales for doing my revision from a lap band to a VSG.
I had been working with a doctor here in Ohio, and I got approval from my insurance company, Aetna. But at the last minute I decided to go with Dr. Alvarez instead because he had so much more experiance with revisions.
I'm so glad I did. Dr. Alvarez was able to do it smoothly and in one surgery. On the x-ray afterward the stomach looked perfectly stitched. My incisions are small and healing perfectly.
Also, I think Aetna will pay for the surgery in Mexico. I don't have a check in hand yet, but when I do I'll post to the message board. Posted on 08/30/2008 |
|
Robin R.
CO
 |
I had a wonderful experience in Mexico with Dr. Alvarez and his staff. I will echo the many supporters here to say that he is kind, informative and will put you at ease immediately. I never considered going the insurance route because the surgeons here in Colorado are just getting started with the VSG procedure. I didn't want to be someone's 25th, 50th or even 100th patient: I wanted a ton of experience and I found it in Dr. Alvarez.
The nursing care was amazing: pure clockwork. These gals - - some who spoke some English, others not - - came in every one to two hours with meds for pain and nausea. I never needed to ask and frankly, after surgery I had very little pain and zero nausea, but it was so reassuring to get this high level of care. Dr. A also visited more regularly than... [Click here for more] any U.S. doc would even consider which was also comforting. You kind of have to giggle at some of the old-fashioned care: I can't remember the last time I had my temperature taken under my armpit but hey, the technique still works. I have to give the whole logistical operation extra kudos: my plane into San Antonio was very late and Rosy waited for me which was a further stress reducer. Overall, a truly great team and a great experience!
Posted on 08/27/2008 |
|
Brandy B.
|
Its been 18 days since surgery I have lost a total of 21 pounds and 7 inches!!! I am looking foward to Flying back to see Dr Alvarez for my first fill and visiting all of his patients in the hospital!! I am pround of my doctor and Susan for their tireless dedication to helping those like me have an outstanding life. Thank you Dr. Alvarez and Susan I love my band!! Brandy
psychmajor1975@yahoo.com Posted on 08/25/2008 |
|
Annie H.
|
Mexico, YES! Thank you doctor A. You and your staff changed my life forever. I drove 700 miles (ALONE) on a Friday. I had the lapband on Saturday and drove home Sunday. I've lost 21 lbs within 35 days. I would not suggest the long drive alone. However, I would recommend anyone that's thought about the Lapband, Go for It! "life's too short". Safe and Satisfactory.. Posted on 08/23/2008 |
|
Rachel B.
Tucson, AZ
 |
Dr. A's first impression upon me was that of a very personable, caring physician who loves his job, and it only strengthened. Christy, his nurse, was available to us anytime we needed her between 8-6. After 6pm, the docs make one to two more rounds checking in on their patients. The hospital is old, but as a nurse, I can honestly tell you it is CLEANER than any hospital I have ever worked in, including so called 'Magnet' hospitals. The rooms are nice, but our beds were quite uncomfortable. I'm certain it was a mixture of my body discomfort and hard beds, but it really makes you appreciate both the hotel beds, and your own!!! Nurses check on you regularly throughout the night and will dispense pain and nausea meds as you need them, don't be stoic & afraid to ask! Keeping pain... [Click here for more] down helps improve healing! As far as aftercare, Dr. A is very serious about following the diet, it is for your own safety. We received calls each day after surgery for the first 4-5 days, just to make sure that all is well, and have received e-mails every few days since. Dr. A & his staff really care about the wellfare of their patients and are very devoted to helping their patients achieve their desired outcomes. I would go to Dr. A again and again. He is so patient, personable and genuinely caring, and his surgical judgment & skills are above reproach. He has honestly earned his stellar reputation as one of the top surgeons in North America, and I am grateful that he was my surgeon, & he and his staff will always be my friends!
Posted on 08/21/2008 |
|
Kaye M.
 |
I was very impressed with Dr Alverez, very sweet and caring man. I unfortunately have Lupus and arrived for my surgery in a full blown rash that was across my breasts and on my stomach.I feared that I wouldn't be able to get the surgery. Well he calmed my fears and took me second so he could inject something for the rash in IV. Surgery went well hardly any bruising.I'm healing up beautifully. Dr. A's staff is wonderful, with you all the way. Keeping in touch before and after surgery.
I was a little nervous about going to Mexico, but I have to tell you it was an awsome experience. The hospital was very clean, in fact I did a white glove test on some moulding in the hallway. Not a speck of dust could I find. The Dr's come to see you at least 3 times a day and I think one day they... [Click here for more] were there 4 times. Once at 8:30 in the evening. Before we were released he went thru our eating time lines. Also making sure to answer any questions. In fact he gave us his cell number we can reach him anytime, even now after surgery. I would give Dr Alverez an A+
Posted on 08/21/2008 |
|
Dorothy C.
Avondale Estates, GA
 |
Dr. Alvarez was everything I expected: kind, friendly, and caring, but most important an excellent surgeon. He never seemed rushed when he was with me. When I had questions, he answered them openly and honestly and backed up his answers with facts based on his experience, as did Dr. Gabriel, his anesthesiologist, who was excellent as well. Susan, his patient liaison, is beyond helpful; she always responds promptly by email or phone and answers all questions thoroughly. Rosy, the van driver, is sweet and friendly and easy to be with. The nurses were gentle, attentive, and very good at what they did. Even though some of their methods are different than U.S. nurses, I always felt they took all sanitary precautions. Christina, the English-speaking day nurse, is a gem.
Dr. Alvarez... [Click here for more] gave precise instructions on how to take care of myself over the next weeks and months and gave me paperwork to take to my local doctor. He also told us to call or email him if there were any questions or problems.
The little hospital was just as I had been led to believe: it is small, old, and shabby by U.S. standards; but I never felt there were any sanitation issues, nor were there any bad smells. People were frequently mopping and cleaning with disinfectant.
The only difficulty I encountered was the lack of an English-speaking nurse on the night shift, but I understand they are looking to hire one soon. I had taken a Spanish-speaking friend with me for that very reason, and it worked out great.
I highly recommend Dr. Alvarez to anyone considering VSG. I could not have had a better surgical experience anywhere.
Posted on 08/12/2008 |
|
Phyll H.
Dayton, OH
 |
Thankyou Dr. A !!! You and your entire staff are a 100 in my book. Forget about the 10 !! I can sum it up in one word-- Outstanding !!! Posted on 08/07/2008 |
|
|
