"I had my annual well-woman exam and uterine cancer was discovered. After my hysterectomy, my oncologist said he could fix the cancer but he really wanted me to fix my weight, and he recommended surgery in Mexico as our BC/BS would not cover VSG for me. At first, medical work in Mexico was just not my first choice. But I started doing the research, and found Dr. Alvarez with Endobariatrics (endobariatric.com) in Piedras Negras, Mexico. His communication with me was very informative, and I began to seriously consider this option. His record of excellence was impeccable, and I decided to place my trust in him. I liked the idea that I could drive almost to his hospital door. His practice is just a mile inside Mexico, and the town of Piedras Negras had a safe reputation. Access was easy, and within just minutes we crossed the border from Eagle Pass, Texas to the Hampton Inn in Piedras Negras. The first afternoon we met our sleeve sister, and explored the local market. That evening, we met Dr. Alvarez and I felt my choice was completely confirmed. The next morning, his staff picked me up to go to the hospital. The hospital itself was satisfactory. Each doctor and nurse we met (and there were plenty) was well-trained, kind, compassionate, and an expert in his/her task. Language was not a barrier. If one person did not speak fluent English, someone next to him/her did. I never felt that I did not understand what was going on. Once I was in Dr. Alvarez's care, I knew that he was absolutely going to insure my safety and support my decision. He is very skilled, charismatic, and absolutely confident in his team. I had no pain, even though he said my stomach was one of the largest he'd seen! That's not an award I wanted to win! I had very little/brief nausea and was kind of amazed at how little stress I experienced. I was released back to the hotel the next day, his staff checked on me during the day, we went shopping that afternoon, and Dr. A. came to the hotel to check on me that evening. The next morning, he visited me again and I was released to go home. The hotel was up to the standards we'd expect of a Hampton Inn in the US. The care I received was outstanding. I would encourage others to take the plunge. I'm six weeks out and 41 pounds down...I have had no complications or issues. It's just a matter of developing a new relationship with food and with your own body! If you are considering a trip to Mexico for this surgery, this is the doctor and company you want to trust. When you do the research, there are many clinics/doctors in Mexico as well as in the US that do not have the level of expertise you want for this life-changing surgery. Dr. A is actually building a brand new facility in PN, and the issues relating to the hospital's age will disappear. He's hired the best staff, and they've worked with him for a long time. Another aspect about this surgeon that appealed to me was his dedication to helping weight-loss patients over the long haul. I've heard from him repeatedly since returning home, and I have all the support I've needed. He's even having a reunion for his patients in Memphis this fall! I think every person considering this surgery needs to take their time and reflect on the many changes that will have to be made, but I believe that nothing I want to eat will taste or feel as good as being slim and fit will feel. At 61, I am cancer-free, and within the next year, I know I will reach my goal of being "fat-free" as well. I am on my way, and it's all thanks to Dr. A. "
