Guillermo Alvarez Bariatric Surgeon MD

I was most concerned with competence & experience when it came to a VSG, price was secondary. With Dr. A I seemingly got the best of both worlds. There is a ton of information on OH and the forums, not to mention the rest of the web; after spending the better part of 3-4 days reading & researching the choice seemed clear to me. Aside from one grumpy patient who did a lap-band revision, NOBODY has a single negative thing to say about Dr. A. That is why I chose him. Were there things I would have liked to have improved? Sure. The hospital isn't state of the art (i.e. brand new & shiny), and I didn't get one of the upgraded suites. I wasn't thrilled with Rosy texting while driving us down & back from San Antonio (which IMHO is extremely dangerous). However in the big scheme of things like the size of my room were really, really unimportant. Would I have liked to have been able to goto a hospital tied to a hotel on the Pacific? Sure, but in my research the quality of the Dr. just wasn't the same. NOTHING beats experience. Overall the care was great---anytime there was any discomfort from gas/pain/etc the nurses were happy to give you more medication. Use the translation sheet they give you---it helps the nurses identify which medication to give you. I spent 1/2 the first night walking---at least 20-25 minutes out of every hour up & about---and it helped much more than the GasX strips did. Was I totally pain free? No--I just had major surgery (including my gallbladder out), and I had some serious (or so I thought) gas/burping/pressure that walking helped alleviate. I threw up some blood---that happens. I couldn't drink anything more than a few drops of water/melting ice for the first 48 hours after my surgery. I was up & walking all the time. But at 48 hours, at the airport in San Antonio, I was able to down a small Starbucks iced tea inside of an hour & from then on it was easy breezy.rnrnNow I'm almost 5 weeks out since my sleeve. I've lost 54lbs, 35 since the surgery. I have absolutely zero hunger pains---by far the best part of the sleeve. I'm doing things I haven't done in years (last week 4x hikes + 1 day of snowboarding). If anything I have to force myself to get enough calories to be able to train (hike, ride bike, swim) at the effort I want. I'm doing about 2 hours of moderate ++ exercise everyday & the weight is falling off----and unlike previous diets I have zero fear that it will come back. I'm down 3 pant sizes already---probably closer to 4 as my xtra fat pants were tight on me when I started this. I'm almost 50% of the way to my goal & have zero---absolutely zero regrets (except not have been able to do this 10-15 years prior).rnrnYes, it requires a lifestyle adjustment---I am drinking 2 protein shakes a day, and eating a salad + fish at night, as well as some type of protein bar (or two) instead of Whoppers/Double 1/4 pounders, however because I'm not hungry all the time my inclination to go thru the drive-thru is gone. I am still eating a desert at night---a few bites of chocolate or ice-cream, but with the exercise I'm doing I'm not worrying about the extra 100-300 calories per day, + I believe it is helping me fool my body into not thinking it is on a diet. The scars are small, and within a year (using Maderma) they should be pretty much gone.rnrnIf you are considering doing this surgery you need to go into it with the mindset that for the first 6 months to a year all of your focus is going to be on eating right & working out. Us guys have it much, much easier than the women---the weight seems to fall off of us. You will need to walk/workout at least an hour a day, 5x a week for you to achieve substantial rapid weight loss. You will need to modify your diet, drastically, to accomplish your weight loss goals. The sleeve is not a cure-all; it is an incredibly powerful tool that coupled with some willpower & a commitment to 6-12 months of eating right & exercising, will get you to where you want to be. I am speaking for myself, but my experience with Dr. A was fantastic---I had my concerns & reservations when I showed up for my surgery (on all of 2 weeks notice) & his manner, confidence, and personality (combined with his reputation) alleviated all of them. I have zero regrets & recommend anyone considering VSG to SERIOUSLY consider the extra effort it takes to make it to Piedras for the surgery.

First off, Dr Alvarez is a hottie. As a kid I always thought Rick Ricardo was THE MAN. rnBut that is where the similarities end. rnDr Alvarez is a professional in all his words and actions. Very caring and gentle. I loved having him and his associate come to check on me in their suits and tie. A definite improvement over the white trench coats the states doctors use. rnrnLoved his pick of staff, all had good personalities, were knowledgeable, spoke good English. The nursing staff, while not good at English were sweet and we got through the language barrier with some pantomime gestures on my part. You do get a translation sheet, but I'm bad about loosing stuff. I'll definitely not win at charades!rnrnIf I had to choose something I didn't like about him? I'll get back to you on that one when I find something. rnrnAnyone thinking about going to Mexico for surgery, do your homework on choosing your doctor. Dr Alvarez is loved by us that have used him. The hospital is a short ride across the border and there was no wait in line at the check point. The hospital reminded me of an ole country clinic I used to go to when I lived in Oklahoma. Clean and functional. You got good strait forward medical care.rnrnIn my research I did notice that Piedras Negras was NOT one of the towns that had border problems. That relieved my mind on that issue. rnrnTheir after care program, they give you detailed instructions. A good thing for me, for I have gone back and re read them many times. And if you have any needs they are just a phone call away or you can shoot them an e-mail. Susan keeps in touch by e-mail checking on me. I have so little problems, don't have much to report except weight loss. But that isn't a problem :) rnrnSurgery risks are part of the getting yourself educated process. Watching the video of the operation gives one a pretty good visual of what is going to happen. I'd like to see more of the instrumentation but that is just my technical side. With any procedure of this type, there are risks but I think they are minimal as compared to where we are headed with all this extra \"fluff\". AND following your doctor's detailed instructions, to the letter, is imperative to correct healing and having success with our weight loss journey. rnrnRating Dr Alvarez is easy, a ten in my book. When its time for plastic surgery I'm calling him for his opinion on who I should contact. rnrnIn my case, Dr Alvarez's surgical competence was perfecto. I had minimal bruising, came though the procedure in good form. The incisions were small and are healing well. rnrnThe first day I only felt like getting up for a short trip to the bathroom. The second day, I was up and walking about every hour and a half with three trips walking up and down the hall. I think this helped me to make my trip home uneventful. rnrnMy barium procedure, where we checked for leaks was very interesting. I could see the outline of my new stomach and my new bling that I can't show anyone. Drinking the barium and watching it go down ~~ Yay! rnNO leaksrnrnThe ONLY negative thing I have to say......rnI wish my bathroom would have had a better shower head. The water pressure was good at the sink but the shower was less than stellar. So if you plan on showering, make sure you request a room with a good working shower!!rnrnRemember, these are my experiences, to do your research and don't hesitate to choose Dr Alvarez!!rnrn

I could not have been happier with my choice of Dr. Alverez as my surgeon! My wife used him for her VSG and was very impressed. I was interested in the same surgery to help lessen the negative affects diabetes and some other issues were having on my life related to my weight. I really enjoyed having a surgeon that I could have a conversation with and not be talked at. From the moment I contacted his office I was treated in a warm and professional manner. When I chose Dr. Alverez I knew I was getting a highly competent doctor, I did not know that I was joining a family. From the moment Rosie picks you up and you meet the Doctor and the rest of his staff you know that you are being treated by people who care about you. All your questions will be answered, there will be no false expectations, and your aftercare will be laid out for you. The hospital is a safe, clean environment. Overall I would rate my experience above the care I have received in many facilities in the states. Also it has been just over a month since my operation and I have lost 50 pounds, and already seeing improvements with my diabetes, high blood pressure, and the sleep apnea is gone.

I met Dr Alvarez last year when Tod was contemplating having lap band surgery. Tod spent many hours researching different bariatric procedures, doctors, and hospitals. Tod and I went to a seminar in San Antonio that Dr. Alvarez was hosting. (We had also attended other seminars with different doctors here in the states.) We met some of his staff and past patients. They were all really nice and had nothing but good to say about him. When we left the seminar, Tod said that is the doctor I want to do my surgery. He was very impressed with Dr. Alvarez. I must admit at first I was a little leery of him going to Mexico for his surgery. Dr Alvarez is a very caring, professional, and an excellent doctor. Dr. Alvarez has a wonderful bedside manner and will sit and talk with you as long as needed. You will not feel rushed when talking with him. So when it came time for me to have my surgery, which I had the Vertical Sleeve, of course I chose Dr. Alvarez! I knew all my medical needs would be professionally handled and that I was in good hands with Dr. Alvarez. rnDr Alvarez's office staff was helpful, friendly, and very informative. Susan did a great job for both Tod and I when we were getting prepared to start our new journey. She provided all the necessary information about the surgeries we were about to have, along with pre and post op information. If we had any questions she was always there with an answer, we never had to wait more than a day to get our questions answered, most of the time it was within hours. The other thing about Susan is, she is genuinely concerned about you and wants you to feel as comfortable as possible with your journey through bariatric surgery. rnRosy who is Dr Alvarez's patient driver, what can I say, she is just wonderful. Rosy picks patients up from the hotel and brings them to his office and then brings them back to the hotel when their hospital stay is complete. From the first time I met her, I knew she was a good person. She talked with Tod and I all the way from the hotel in San Antonio to the hotel in Eagle Pass and then to the doctor's office. It was like we knew her our whole life. She was just that easy to talk with. When we saw her the second time for my surgery it was like a reunion with a friend I knew for a long time. rnDr. Rosales who is Dr. Alvarez’s assistant is just wonderful also. He is very informative and knowledgeable about the different bariatric surgeries. Dr. Rosales would do his rounds after surgery and when he came in it was so nice to see the smile on his face and the caring atmosphere he created. I was very impressed to have 2 doctors checking in on me daily. It’s not often you get that!! He sat with me during my discharge and went through the medications I would be leaving the hospital with. He explained what each one was for, what the dosage was and then asked if I had any questions about any of them. He provided me with my surgery report to give to my family doctor, my release back to work, and a listing of the medications and their purpose. He also talked with me about my post-op itinerary, what foods I could eat, schedule of when I could introduce new food items and when I could start exercising. rnFuture patients should know that if and when they go to Dr Alvarez they can be assured they will get the best care. If the thought of going to Mexico for you surgery is concerning to you. I can assure you, you have nothing to worry about. Dr Alvarez, his staff, and the hospital are all great. The hospital is different than what you may be use to in the states. By that, I mean it is not the huge fancy buildings you see here in the states. It is a small hospital, but I can attest it has all the things you need for your hospital stay. It is very clean, the nurses on staff at the hospital are professional and courteous, and I was given very good care during my stay. rnI honestly have been thinking while I am writing this testimonial of something that did not go well for me, I can honestly say I cannot think of anything. So in closing, if you are thinking about bariatric surgery, Dr. Alvarez is the doctor to choose. rn

I was so nervous to think of myself going to Mexico to have surgery. We all think of crazy things when we think of leaving our country for surgery. Let me tell you that it was wonderful. Dr A and his staff were so nice. If you are considering this surgery look no further- Dr A has more experience than most doctors in the states. I asked a local doctor how many surgeries like the VSG he had done when I was looking for a surgeon. That doctor told me \"8\"- yes eight. Dr A has performed thousands. No one can even come close. And his after care was second to none. I have emailed him from my blackberry to his email address several times. He has always resonded to me within just a few minutes....I mean literally two minutes. Ask a doctor in the states how often that happens....never....rnrnThis surgery has already changed my life and I look forward to every new day. rnrnGod BlessrnThank you Dr Alverez and Staffrn

I would highly like to recommend Dr.Alvarez, his staff is kind and attentive.I was very nervous when I met Dr.Alvarez but he put me at ease when he took the time to answer all of my questions and my concerns. Dr.Alvarez is not only a competent and skillfull surgeon, he also has incredible bedside manners. I've never experience a doctor who is attentive inside and out of the hospital. I've recommended family and friends who are thinking about bariatric surgery, because of my positive experience. Overall I am very please and I recommend Dr.Alvarez to anyone considering weight loss surgery.

I am extremely happy that I chose Dr. Alvarez for this procedure. I was very scared because my mother had gone through a gastric bypass not less than a year ago. She has a six inch vertical cut in the middle of her torso and she came home with a feeding tube and two very large draining tubs. She was not allowed to eat or drink anything by mouth for a month after the surgery. This was a very freighting experience for me. rnMy surgery by Dr. Alvarez was a great experience. The doctor’s and staff were very helpful and accommodating. Everything from the hotel stay, which was very enjoyable, to the pre-surgery meeting, the sugary itself, and the after care was made as comfortable as possible. My surgery consisted of five small incisions, one right under my breast bone and four across my tummy. Right after the surgery, I felt no pain just a little discomfort, which was quickly remedied by the nursing staff. The second day after my surgery, I was allowed to have jell-o and/or juice. Both the doctor’s and the staff were very vigilant for both my mother and my every need during our stay. Every question and/or worry was answered immediately during the debriefing, where the doctor explained the home care needed and the medication scheduling which are included in the take home packet. rn rn

I was highly impressed when I first met Dr. Alvarez. He was kinds and personable and very professonal. We were very impressed with the staff. They were very professional also and even the night crew who spoke a little english understood what our needs were. The doctors came in several times to check in on us and the staff was in every 2 hours after that. We did'nt get much sleep but I'd rather have care over sleep anyday. We were so impressed with the overall care from everyone that we would recomend this VSG surgery to our loved ones. As my husband wouod say\" Proofs in the Puddin\" we will be skinny in 6-12 months and will keep you informed on our blog. Hats off to Dr. A.....

Dr. Alvarez, is a kind, gentle and most importantly knowledgeable surgeon. He made me comfortable w/the surgery I had chosen (the VSG) and confident in his abilities. His staff is outstanding (the patient coordinator, the young lady who drives patients too and from the hospital and one of his nurses are OUTSTANDING) I ABSOLUTELY loved Dr. Alvarez and his staff.

I haven't talked to Dr. Alvarez yet, but I have talked to Susan, and she is wonderful! She has been his patient, so if she has been there, done that AND works for him---that says a lot in my book! Maybe I could work for him? MMM, that would mean moving, so maybe not. I HATE to move :) rnrnrnOk, I have had surgery. Dr. A is very nice, as is his associate. I loved his nurse and Rosie was great too. Susan is the bestest ever! (As tigger would say). Dr. is caring, compassionate, hard working, and all around a good guy. I have lost 5 pounds in the first week, which is less than I thought, but hey, I am glad with anything. I hope that after my body \"de-shocks\" from the surgery that I will be on the downslide hill even more.rnrnThe rooms were nice(but needed new/better mattress for the hospital bed). Facility was in an older building and had more \"old fashioned medical things\" such as nurses with white uniforms and caps--but very caring and always there to help if needed. I always saw someone cleaning and it was very quiet at night so I could sleep, which is different than my hospital stays in the US.rnrnDr. A or his associate checked on me at least 4 times a day and his nurse that many also. My dad was in the hospital for a month and you MAY see the doctor once a day, and except CVICU, you only saw a nurse when you pushed the button.rnrnThe only bad thing was my IV. The anes. doctor had a rough time getting it to go right...I think after the 4th or 5th and three different spots on my arm, he got it.rnrnDr. A is great! I hope the sleeve is the bestest thing ever! It hasn't been a hard surgery or recovery.