Guillermo Alvarez

Bariatric Surgeon
Rating: 4.98161764706 out of 5 with 1194 ratings

Guillermo Alvarez Bariatric Surgeon MD

Guillermo Alvarez Bariatric Surgeon Picture

18 yr in Bariatrics

18 yr in Laparoscopic Surgery

18 yr in Laparoscopic Bariatrics

100% Practice is Bariatrics

Min Age of Patient is 11

Max Age of Patient is 75


Brandi Carter Profile Pic
Brandi Carter
Patient Coordinator
Rosie Flores Profile Pic
Rosie Flores
Patient Coordinator
Lourdes Carranza Profile Pic
Lourdes Carranza
Personal Assistant

1194 Reviews for Guillermo Alvarez
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I first found Dr. Guillermo Alvarez while researching physicians here in the U.S. Many people in my area have surgery in Edmond, OK which has an awesome reputation, but my costs were going to be much higher there. My insurance does not cover weight loss surgery of any kind, but you are still required to do pre-op testing that insurance companies require such as: Sleep Study to see if you have sleep apnea, a current EGD to ck stomach, an ECHO to assess for heart abnormalities, a psychological evaluation, a nutritionist appt, etc. I found that my costs would have been approx $19,000 total which is well over twice what I paid for my surgery, plus I would have to do the follow-ups with the doctor in Edmond, OK which is a 4hr drive for me. I completed a lengthy health history via email and received confirmation from the doctor that he did not need me to complete any of those above pre-op tests, unless myself and personal physcian felt it necessary. I have had all those tests except the sleep study, before and nothing indicated a problem that wasn't already addressed. I love the fact that the doctor or the nurse cks with you and your other follow-ups can be with your own personal physician. I kept running across video clips that he had done for patient teaching, videos with he and his patients and his patients video and comment and was very impressed. It made me search further to ck his complication rates, deaths if any, etc. and to ck the area out. I was a little nervous about having surgery in Mexico, but due to the location of the hospital being less than a mile across the border and with the transportation provided, I felt confident. My sister told me she actually felt "safer" on the Mexico side than on the Texas side where we were. The hotels was very nice and the staff there were very accomodating. She did some walking to stores, etc. and said she felt a little nervous in Eagle Pass, TX with cars with men that would slow down and stare. While I was in the hospital, she and another pt's mother went together to eat meals and to the convenience store and said she didn't feel unsafe at all. I am also a member of the Endobariatric.com Facebook page which is a closed group which means that my interaction on that page does not show in my newsfeeds. I am a Registered Nurse, so doctor/pt interaction is very important to me. He also has an awesome office nurse, Susan, who is extremely helpful as well as physician colleagues involved with your care and all speak great english and made rounds frequently the first 36hous, then Dr. Alvarez continued to make rounds several times per day as well throughout my stay. I was impressed by the amount of info I received both pre-op and post-op as well as his book. There were also bilingual staff that were there just to help interpret for the nursing staff when needed and also showed my sister where there were close restaurants and convenience stores if needed. I happened to arrive there during some flooding, so the interpreter staff could not be there due to impassable roads the first 24hrs, but Dr. Alvarez or his colleagues came around about every 2 hours to assess needs. The first 24hrs post-op there were scheduled IV meds every 6hrs and continuous IV fluids, so no excessive pain and walking frequently relieved most of the gas pain. The doctor speaks fluent english as well as spanish and gives his own discharge instructions to you with ample question and answer time. I receive emails with each phase of my diet change and info for my personal physician here as well.
He also has a van and driver, Rosie, that was awesome! She picked us up at San Antonio, TX after flight arrival and drove us to Eagle Pass, TX approx 2 1/2hrs away where we spent the night and were picked up the next day and taken to the doctor's offc for pre-op exam and discussed risks and benefits of surgery, then was taken to the hospital for pre-op lab and x-ray, then awaited surgery. The procedure does not take long, but my sister said she was kept abreast of my progress and he spoke to her afterwards. My biggest fear is that I have a very significant Latex allergy and have not had any surgery that required me to be intubated since I developed that allergy. The doctor assured me there would be no Latex in the operating room, but did have to keep reminding nursing staff of my allergy and had them remove the latex gloves from my room. There were a couple of times they wore the gloves to give IV meds and start IV, but my sister and I carefully washed my hands and areas they touched with the gloves after contact. Once the bilingual staff were there, there was no further issue. I just happened to be there at an unusual time with the flooding that was going on around us. I know that a 5-star rating may be hard to believe, but I personally had a great experience and would highly recommend Dr. Alvarez to family and friends.

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OMG! I loved my experience in Mexico with Dr. Alvarez as my Bariatric Surgeon! He is professional, knowledgable, and such a kind surgeon. I read his book before going to Mexico, so I felt I knew his professional demeanor….He was always available for questions. I had two of the kindness, well read translators available to me 24 hours a day. The aftercare program was very structured therefore making the experience easier. The whole experience from leaving Eagle Pass in a safe van, crossing the boarder and checking into the hospital was so much easier than I had imagined. I never felt threatened whatsoever about crossing the border. Rosie, the van driver was very competent and I felt quite safe! The American media has ruined our images of Mexico. If you are planning Gastric Sleeve surgery, do your research. You will find Dr. Alvarez rated as one of the BEST surgeons for this procedure…..

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Dr. Alvarez,

I just wanted to take this opportunity to say thank you. Even though I am some time away from my "goal" weight, I am still very pumped and motivated about what is to come. I really just want to say thanks for the awesome bedside manner, and care you and your medical staff provided. Please thank the other MD's for me, especially Dr. Gabe, he is an amazing Dr. along with the anesthesiologist.

Susan, was just amazing. I like to think of myself as an organized person, that likes to have all his ducks in a row. The written and verbal instructions, and guidance Susan provided was absolutely above and beyond. Her responding to questions promptly via e-mail makes it really seem as her life is dedicated to her job. She responded to me at late hours of the night, and even weekends! The Endobariatric team is very lucky to have her.

Please thank the nursing staff for me, as they were very attentive and caring, with above par bedside manner as well. I really appreciate all of their attentiveness, and calm demeanor. It is quite obvious they have passion for what they do.

Also, please thank Jessica and Andrea for me. I really appreciate them being there, serving as intermediaries between my father and I, and the Endobariatric staff. They were both very caring, and great at what they do. The best part of them being there was simply being able to have a chat with them. Just being able to talk with them, about things other than the surgery or the weight loss was a HUGE help in the healing process.

Overall, I must say that every single person on the Endobariatric Team, felt as if they were family. I have NEVER received this sort of service from any medical personnel in the United States, or abroad. That caring feeling you guys provide is simply put, unbeatable. Whenever I tell people about my experience W/ Dr. Alavarez and staff, the first thing I will always say, is "They make you feel like family".

Thank you again Dr. Alvarez, and I look forward to a lifelong relationship of status updates, and patient reunions. God bless you, and may God bless the Endobariatric staff.


Respectfully,

Omar Ruiz

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Dr Alvarez and his team are very professional. I felt better taken care of in Mexico than I was in the US. Crossing the border was simple and event free. All the accommodations were clean and worry free. Would recommend him to anyone.

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my first impression of Dr.Alvarez was that he had just such a positive out look of life, future patients should know that Dr. Alvarez is one of the most professional Doctors I have ever encountered with. The aftercare was so beyond amazing, there was always a nurse or a staff member near by. The first time I met him the first thing I asked was what were the risks of surgery and he told that my health risks were higher if I didn't get this surgery done which totally made sense. Over all I rate him and my experience 5 stars. This surgery was the best thing I could have done and there hasn't been one day one of regret in my decision!

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After researching sleeve surgery, doctors and Mexico, I chose Dr. G Alvarez in Piedras Niedras, Mexico. I went to Mexico June 6, 2013 and have absolutely no regrets. It was the best decision I have ever made. I watched all of Dr. Alvarez's videos on you tube and felt like I already knew him. My first impression after meeting him in person - just like the guy in the videos. I also read his book on having the sleeve - a must read! It gives you exactly what you need to know before, during and after surgery. Every step is covered in detail.
The trip to Mexico was awesome. Everyone helpful and friendly from the driver, to hotel staff, Dr. Alvarez and his staff to hospital personnel. I went alone but never felt like I was by myself. He has translators there to help you. The hospital was undergoing some renovations that were sometimes annoying, but the results will be great.
The hospital experience was a bit different that in the US. The doctors come in an assess you several times a day, not the nurses. Here in the states, you might see the doctor once a day and the nurses do everything.
The accommodations from the hotels to the hospital were very comfortable. All your needs are met.
Surgery was so easy. I never had any complications. If I had, the staff and doctor were there to take care of them. Follow up after I got home has been great. The doctor and his staff are easy to get in touch with to answer questions. He also has a support group on facebook, obesity chat on Monday night and of course his website.
My experience with Dr. Alvarez has all been positive. The best decision I have ever made.

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My trip to Piedras Negras for a Gastric Sleeve by Dr. Guillermo Alvarez was the best thing I've done for myself in a very long time. Although the idea of traveling to Mexico for a major surgery was a bit daunting, I was determined to get the procedure I knew I desperately needed, no matter what the insurance company said. Now, if I had it to do all over again, Dr. Alvarez and his staff would be my FIRST choice, not where I would go if all else failed in the US. They have customer service mastered! I felt completely safe and like I was the number one priority the entire time I was there, as well as the month I've been home since my surgery. Dr. Alvarez and his staff were personable and unbelievably caring. The hospital was clean and accommodating. The language barrier was non-existent due to the staff assigned to for translation by dr. Alvarez's office, and Rosie made the trip across the border relaxed and uneventful.

To anyone considering heading to Piedras Negras for this procedure, rest assured that you will have a safe and positive experience- thank you Dr. Alvarez! You are my hero!

1 person found this helpful

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I am so glad that I found Dr. Alvarez. It's a very scary road to navigate when you decide to have weight loss surgery. From financing, to the amount of info needed, to traveling away from home...every step of the way Dr. Alvarez and his team were there to help me. Once I met Dr. Alvarez in person, just seeing his smiling face and getting an instant "good feeling" about him was just what I needed. The only negative thing I would say is that the hospital was under construction. Other than that, I was well-cared for, I enjoyed the company of the other patients that were there getting their procedures done. Online help was always there for me, and Susan, the patient coordinator, is an ANGEL. I could not have gotten through the first few weeks post-op without her. Now that I am two months out from my VSG surgery, I am looking forward to continued weight loss and a healthier life! Thank you, Dr. Alvarez, Rosie, and your entire medical staff at the hospital...I am so glad I made the decision to radically change my life for the better. You did your part, the rest is up to me. Thank you!

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My husband and I, after a lot of research, decided to go to Mexico for VSG surgery with Dr. Alvarez in Piedras Negras. One of the reasons we chose Dr. Alvarez is that he limits his number of procedures per day, so that he can devote more time to his patients. Yes, the practice's fee is higher than some other Mexican surgeons, but we didn't want to be on a VSG assembly line with a surgeon that does 8-10 procedures a day.

Dr. Alvarez set our expectations for the surgery and recovery. He outlined what we were to do as compliant patients during our recovery, including what we could eat/drink for the next few weeks so as to not compromise our new sleeves. The assistant surgeons and medical assistants checked on us regularly, helping with pain and nausea management. All of them speak English, too. On discharge day, Dr. A visited with us to go over our medications and first week's diet.

We had a large suite, so my husband and I were in the same room. The suite was quite nice. The hospital itself is older, and less shiny than the hospitals I've been in in the states, but that didn't concern me. The hospital's nursing staff doesn't speak much English, so learning some basic phrases would be helpful (tengo dolor, tengo nausea).

Everyone with the bariatric practice was helpful, attentive, and knowledgeable. I won't pretend that I exactly enjoyed my time in the hospital, but it certainly went better than I expected, based on my previous experiences. This was my third surgery (fourth hospitalization), and it was much less stressful and painful than my previous surgeries, which were in the States. I feel like we had more attentive care in Mexico than I'd ever experienced stateside!

All in all, I'd highly recommend Dr. A's practice to anyone considering a VSG.

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I had my surgery with Dr. Alvarez on May 9, 2013. My first impression of Dr. Alvarez was that he was very professional, polite and warm. Throughout my entire stay, I felt very well cared for by the Alvarez team. There was always someone from his team checking up on me. Any discomfort from the surgery was quickly addressed.

Although Dr. Alvarez doesn't have a structured after-care program (impractical since he's in Mexico), he does provide detailed instructions and is available by email or phone for any questions. I felt that this set-up suited my needs just fine.

The only semi-negative comment (and not about the Alvarez team, but just the facilities in general) I would add is pertaining to the construction at the hospital. The dust was particular bad in the hallways (although not in the rooms). I do not have allergies, but can see how some of the dust might bother someone who does. But, I'm sure that it was necessary evil to update the hospital floors.

Both surgical competence and bedside manner are important to me. Dr. Alvarez exceeded my expectations in both departments. His bedside manner has far exceeded any of the US doctors I've encountered in the past. As far as his surgical competence, I can say that I've had no issues with my surgery thus far and my recovery was uneventful. I've had bad scarring from past surgeries and can tell that Dr. Alvarez's wound closure technique has been perfected, evident in how my wounds healed perfectly (and smoothly) with minimal bruising.

I would not hesitate to recommend him to any of my family or friends. You can tell that Dr. Alvarez and his team take great pride in the work they do. I really appreciate all of their efforts.

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