"Since it is common on this forum to report about one’s band surgery experience, I am eager to share mine. After as extensive research as possible, I chose Dr. Guillermo Alvarez in Piedras Negras, Mexico, across the border from Eagle Pass, Texas, about 150 miles southwest of San Antonio.rnrnMy husband, who is actually a physician himself, and I could find nothing but excellent recommendations for Dr. Alvarez. We had the usual initial sense of uneasiness about leaving the country for the procedure but were able to overcome this. We just could not see spending $7-10K extra to have the surgery at home in Texas. So off we drove to the border for what turned out to be a very positive experience.rnrnDr. Alvarez and his staff could not have been better. They took care of everything and made us feel at home with the entire venture. And while there was a slight language barrier, both his hospital staff and I were able to communicate easily. rnrnThe lap-band surgery itself is not a highly complicated procedure, and Dr. Alvarez has done over 1000 bands. For this reason, my typically skeptical physician husband was comfortable with my choosing him, understanding that most US surgeons don’t have nearly that much experience.rnrnThere were no unexpected surprises. All costs for the entire experience were included in the stated fee for the procedure. We knew that the hospital was old before we went, but it was very clean and all personnel were professional, courteous, and caring. My hospital room had not only TV but was newly remodeled with a broadband internet computer and a telephone for calls back to the US. We could not have been treated nicer.rnrnThe surgery took only about 20 minutes, and I left to return to Texas the next day after a night of observation in the hospital. No problems, whatsoever. Upon dismissal from the hospital, Dr. Alvarez brought together his patients to detail how to take care of our incisions, and eating restrictions for the first few weeks. rnrnSurgery was just over a month ago, and I return for my first fill this weekend. I have lost 15 pounds already and have had no significant recovery issues.rnrnI know that there are no doubt a number of great places to consider for lap-band surgery in Mexico, but I feel that I could not have chosen better than Dr. Alvarez. He is not only a capable surgeon but an all-round great guy. He exudes empathy and professionalism, and has put together a very nice package for anyone considering going to Mexico.rnrnI know that I read everything I could find on the internet before making my decision and that posts like this meant a lot to me. At this point in my journey, I remain very pleased with my decisions first to go to Mexico and second to choose Dr. Alvarez. rnrnI hope anyone reading this will do as much research as as they can before making your decision. Take the time to speak to some of Dr. Alvarez’s lap-band patients and you will immediately find out that he is a wonderful doctor. rnrnI hope this information is helpful.rnrndkoakiern"
