"I spent much of my time looking at the possibility of having surgery in the states or in Mexico. To have surgery in the states I would need to gain more weight, develop full blown diabetes (right now I am borderline) and have another weight related health problem. After scrutinizing three Mexico doctors and their patient reviews, here on Obesity Help, and on youtube, I chose Dr Alvarez. I ended up asking Susan the coordinator, a ton of questions, and she was good about getting back to me, and helping me understand things, she is great.
We (me and my husband) were picked up at the San Antonio, La Quinta by Rosy. It was a long drive, but I did not mind at all because I would rather have someone in the driver’s seat that knows where we are going, with experience, and she did that well. Rosy had already informed us what to do and what not to do when went through customs. On going across the border I was expecting what I had seen years ago on some of the major border crossings, once inside Mexico, chaos, children selling stuff, a lot of movement. This was not the case at all, I have to repeat, it was calm and quiet and uneventful, and there was very little traffic. The border patrol knew Rosy and she handled everything.
We met with Dr Alvarez, and from there it was just a matter of procedures, weight, blood, and x-ray. Because I was so nervous the time seemed to drag, but once I was given the drip for the OR, I remember trying to get onto the gurney, from there, I awoke, and had to ask, did I really have surgery? My husband said I asked everyone that came in the room the same question. I was surprised to find out from my husband that before the doctor could do the surgery he also had to repair a hiatal hernia.
The care I received was outstanding, I kept accidentally hitting the call button, and always someone would show up. I saw Dr Alvarez and two of his associates the two days I was there. What I really liked is that the staff at the hospital was so quiet, professional and helpful. The rooms are set in an alcove, sort of away from the hallway. My room was private as was the bathroom and shower.
The only thing that went wrong was my IV insertion, which I have had a problem with the insertion once before here in the states. It was very painful and eventually became infiltrated. Because I was still feeling the drugs of OR, I don’t remember but my husband said that I would not let anyone take out the IV and redo the right hand, unless the doctor did it himself. My husband said that Dr Alvarez showed up later in his regular clothes, I remember him coming in and telling me the IV had to be switched or I would become dehydrated. It was then changed to my right hand, after that there were no more problems with it. If you have any medical issues do let them know so you won’t have a problem like I did.
I am extremely happy that I chose Dr Alvarez and his staff, they were all very professional. My husband is thoroughly impressed with the care I received. Jessica even ordered dinner for him on the second day. Everybody, from Susan, my first contact, to Rosy, the driver, to Dr Alvarez and his two associates, his assistants, Annali, and Jessica. They all speak perfect English. Dr Alvarez keeps in touch and has been updating me on when to move on to the next level of my food intake.
If you are contemplating having this surgery, I highly recommend Dr Alvarez, you won’t regret it, I know I don’t. I am happy I made this choice, and I am feeling good about life and eating less.
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