Guillermo Alvarez Bariatric Surgeon MD

Dr. Alvarez was a very upbeat energetic man who seemed excited for me to be getting this surgery. He never once seemed irritated at my questions or concerns - always ready to help in anyway. In fact, the phone was ringing as I was settling in and he answered the phone and tells me \"Susan, you have a phone call\". How many US Docs would do that? The office staff was just as kind and upbeat as he was - always ready to do whatever we needed to make things comfortable. Dr. Alvarez came to see me at least 4 times the first day. I have Restless Legg Syndrome and when I came out of surgery my legs started bothering me. My friend emailed him and within minutes I had meds. to take care of the situation. Dr. Alvarez has a full list of do's and don'ts after surgery as to what to eat and when to excercise etc. I was informed pre-op of all the risks of my surgery. The friend that went with me read over the web site and even commented that they have covered it all! She happens to be a Nurse Practioner and was just as impressed by Dr. Alvarez and his team as I was. She even said she wished she could have the surgery as well. I think Dr. Alvarez's bedside manner is outstanding but I felt completley confident with his ability as a surgeon.

My first impression of Dr. Alvarez was how sweet and kind he was. Dr. A is everything someone would want in a Bariatric surgeon. I was very pleased that anytime I sent an email to his office Susan responded immediately. His staff was just as kind and sweet as he was. The nurses were very prompt and were there very often checking on me. The facility was a bit old fashioned but as far that's concerned It was very clean and nice. The rooms were pretty big, some rooms even had computer and Internet I believe all you had to do was ask for them in advance and they were given if they were available. I cant complain at all about my experience with Dr. Alvarez he was very warm and I felt nothing but positive energy around him. He checked on me often as did one of his colleagues. Both Dr. A and his Colleague came and explained everything to us as far as aftercare, diet, and medication. He then walked us to the van and said his goodbyes. I would rate Dr. Alvarez a 10/10, there are not complaints at all from me. If there was anything bad about my experience I would say the drive back to San Antonio the roads are very rough and being in the big van made it that much more jumpy so it was a little painful but if you had a pillow to hold against your stomach i'm sure you would be fine. Also Rosy the driver was very sweet and kind it made the ride more enjoyable. I would recommend Dr. Alvarez to anyone considering Bariatric surgery. rn

Dr. Alvarez was friendly and answered all of my questions thoroughly. The hospital was clean. We requested a room that had internet so my best friend could check his work email, so be sure to ask for this especially before you go. His staff is extremely responsive to any questions before and after the surgery. Dr. Alvarez replied to my emails within a couple hours of sending them - you wouldn't get a doctor in the states doing that. He has great bedside manner and surgical technique. I was back at work within 4 days (but I could have gone back earlier). Be sure to bring something interesting to read, listen to, or watch on the boring 2 hour ride from San Antonio to Piedras Negras, because it is one of the least attractive stretches of road anywhere :) I recommend Dr. Alvarez wholeheartedly!

I have not met the surgeon yet but have had contact with his secretary/nurse, Susan, and she has been absolutely fantastic. Most of my e-mails's and questions have been answered within an hour, and it has never taken her more than 24 hours to reply. I was nervous at first about looking into a Dr. outside of the US but she has made the process so easy and has really set my mind at ease! They have sent me a lot of information by e-mail and also a book about my procedure describing in detail what I need to do pre-op, what will happen during surgery, and also what needs to happen post-op to be successful. The packet also describes risks associated with surgery and other helpful information. So far I am very satisfied with the center I have chosen!

Dr. Alvarez and his staff were absolutely amazing!!! I had some pain the first day, and they did what they could to make me comfortable. They answered any questions I had, and were just all around awesome!!!

My first impression? I was impressed. I had e-mailed a question and was responded to almost immediately. Susan, DR Alvarez's coordinator, was on the ball. She got things handled quickly and efficiently. My next impression was of Rosie the shuttle driver. She was so nice and I felt already that I was in good hands. After picking us up from the airport we drove to a hotel on the U.S. side of the border and she checked us in. The next morning she picked us up early and took us to Dr Alvarez. The drive took maybe 20 minutes at most and was uneventful. I've been to MX many times so I was not too worried. When I met Dr A. what can I say that hasn't already been said. He is the complete package that all doctors should be. He has an easy going manner that put me right at ease. He was professional but not arrogant. I felt absolutely comfortable talking to him. I felt confident with his skills as a surgeon after reading so many testimonials. And doing all my research. He is a talented and gifted surgeon. All my questions were answered before surgery and I was very calm going in knowing I was in capable hands. I had a nice room/suite. The nurses were attentive and competent. The English speaking nurse was sweet and compassionate and put me at ease.I had very little pain after wards and I barely felt I had a surgery. It has been totally worth it. I'm losing consistently and feeling better and better mentally and physically. I would go to Dr Alvarez again without hesitation. I feel surgical competence and bedside manner are both equally important. Dr. A has it all. On a scale of 1 to 10 he is a 10+.rnThank you Dr Alvarez and the Endobariatric staff for giving me my quality of life back.

I had spent a long time reading and searching the internet to find a good doctor. I had visited a very good doctor in San Antonio and had explored the option of having a lap band. I had a friend that had a brother and sister-in-law that had both had a lap band. I called to see how everything was going and if they were happy. They had both lost weight but had developed complications. They ended up having by-pass surgery. That made me question whether this would be my best choice. I then started reading about Dr. Guillermo Alvarez in Piedras Negras in Mexico. The thing that got my attention was all the positive feedback from his patients. I had a nice visit with another doctor in San Antonio but would not have raved about our meeting. I then attended the Obesity Help conference in Houston, Texas where Dr. Alvarez was speaking. I had actually talked to him on the telephone before this meeting and was surprised that he spent so much quality time answering my questions. I could not tell by talking with him on the telephone that he was Mexican. He was very articulate and his English was perfect. This was important to me that we could clearly communicate. I did not want to have any problems and not be able to feel that he clearly understood what I was trying to relate. I had a chance to meet with him before his presentation and WOW was I impressed. Very professional, dressed like he was a model for GQ, warm and sincere. I confess...I am a big baby. I am sure that many of my questions were stupid but he never made me feel at all like they were. He had me when he said HELLO. After his presentation I was even more comfortable. He is very well respected by his fellow professionals at OH. His reputation is very good. Now if you are still reading I will begin with the good stuff. I am 60 years old and decided to have the surgery the day before Thanksgiving. I wasn't going to gain another 2 or 3 pounds during this holiday season. I refused to let anyone give up their holiday to make the trip with me. I drove myself from San Antonio to Eagle Pass and spent the night at the Holiday Inn Express in the US. The next morning I was picked up by a wonderful woman named Rosie and driven into Mexico. I never felt uncomfortable at all. Now all my friends and family were having a major fit. I had my cell phone with me and there were cell phones with US access close at hand the entire time. I had five people monitoring my every move from San Antonio. I had a nice pre-surgery meeting with Dr. Alvarez (again dressed to kill (no pun intended) in a gorgeous suit to answer any last minute questions that I might have before they took me to the hospital. I have never been treated as well at any hospital or by any doctor in the US and I have had some good doctors. The hospital was older and more basic in some areas but the rooms that Dr. Alvarez had for his patients were very nice and clean. A cordless cell with US access, a computer with internet connections, television, and couch which would make for a bed for a guest was available in each of the rooms. There is also an English speaking nurse that makes sure that you have all your questions answered. The room where the operation took place was state of the art. The doctor that took care of sedating me was extremely nice and made sure that I was comfortable. He asked me what kind of music I wanted to listen to before surgery...I don't remember telling him...I was out. Dr. Alvarez made several trips to see me after my surgery to check on me. The nurse made sure I was comfortable and I had many different nurses check on me throughout the first night after the surgery. I was walking around very soon and had whatever I was allowed to have. The next day...the doctor checked my incisions (which were very small) and tested to make sure that there were not leaks. I had a conference with him personally before I was taken back into the United States where he explained my aftercare process. He even makes you sign forms to insure that you know what you can and cannot do. He prepared a special bag with lists of instructions and all medications that I would need. I also had his cell number in case I needed or had any questions. I would rate him superior in bedside manner and surgical competence. There were three other surgeries while I was there and everyone got the same treatment. We were all happy campers. He has had his people contact me several times to check on me. He has sent me personal e-mails and phone calls since I was home. We are having a reunion in March to celebrate our new lives. It was a hard decision for me to make because of my age. I had diabetes, moderate heart problems, joint pains and aches. I was a very unhappy person. I waited two months before I decided to compose this testimonial. I still was not sure that it would work because it seemed so easy. I have lost 41 pounds so far since Nov. 26, 2008. I am not taking any diabetes medication. I am walking for an hour or more each day. I am happy and feel at least ten or more years younger and I still have 50 more pounds to lose. DR.ALVAREZ...he is an angel. He has a passion to help those who have battled their weight and want to live again.

WELL IT'S BEEN SINCE OCT.23RD. I HAD VSG SURGERY AND I MUST TELL YOU IT'S BEEN A JOURNEY A GREAT ONE AT THAT. I AM DOWN 57 LBS. AND I NEED TO DROP ANOTHER 82 LBS. MY SHIN AND HAIR LOOKS GREAT, MY ATTITUDE IS WONDERFUL AND IT'S ALL BECAUSE OF DR.A. HE WAS THE MOST KIND AND UP LIFTING SURGEON I HAVE EVER MEET IN MY 48 YEARS. HIS CONCERNS AND COMMENTS REFLECT WHAT KIND OF A MAN HE REALLY IS AND THAT WOULD BE HONEST, CARING,AND ATENTIVE TO EACH OF HIS PATIENTS. HIS STAFF IS ONE OF A KIND, YOU CAN'T GET THE CARE IN THE STATES LIKE YOU DO IN MEXICO.....GO FIGURE. THE NURSES STILL WEAR THERE HATS AND I THINK THAT IS SO NICE TO SEE! WELL DR.A I HOPE TO SEE YOU FOR A REUNION NEXT YEAR AND I WILL SEND A PHOTO ALBUM SO YOU CAN SHARE MY JOURNEY. ONCE AGAIN THANK YOU FOR ALL YOU HAVE DONE FOR ME. I FEEL GREAT. TOODLES CAROL THURSTON, HOULTON MAINE

I want to take a moment to talk about my amazing experience under Dr. Alvarez care with my surgery. From the minute I was picked up in San Antonio, TX. I was met with first class service. The procedure I was scheduled for was explained in detail and went as smoothly as explained. Treatment by every member of Dr. Alvarez team was excellent. Everyone there was with showed warmth and always met with a smile. They are a class act and the kindest people you could ever want to meet. I can not convey how happy I am with the kindness and tenderness of my care while in their care. the concern and understanding was far beyond any expectation I could have ever had. I thank everyone for the most wonderful experience for the beginning of my new life. Thank you all on Dr. Alvarez's team. You Are the Greatest!!!!!

If you are considering having the VSG, I strongly recommend Dr. G. Alvarez. From the first contact with his coordinator Susan, I felt like I was a person that mattered, not just another patient. Susan walked me through every step and I knew right up until my surgery date that she was still there and would be there for me after.rnrnI can say that meeting Dr. G. Alvarez was no surprise. He sounded just like he did on the video on the website,www.endobariatric.com and I knew right then I had made the best choice for my surgeon. Dr. G. Alvarez has the best staff ever. They were all an A+ and they were so gracious and caring, I felt \"special\". rnrnI know some of you may have concerns about going to Mexico for surgery, but I never had even one concern. If you had your eyes closed when you walked into the Drs. office or into the hospital, and then opened your eyes, you wouldn't know the difference between Mexico and the United States. Well except for the fact that everyone was extremely friendly and there was no long waiting. When Dr. G. Alvarez says this, this and this are going to happen, it happened just like clock work!rnrnI am now three weeks out from my VSG and I still can't believe how smoothly my recovery has been. Last week was my first week back at work and everyone could already tell I had lost weight and looked great. Some even asked if I changed my mind and went on vacation instead!rnrnI can only say that this has been the greatest experience of my life.