Guillermo Alvarez Bariatric Surgeon MD

I am not the type of person to write reviews however, because I read so many reviews when doing my research on having surgery in Mexico I only thought it was fair that I help others if I can in their decision making. I live in Florida and I have health insurance but it does not cover weight loss surgeries my cost would have been like 20K. Therefore, one day started surfing the web on this topic and came across a few Dr's in Mexico doing this procedure. At first I was like heck no what am I out of my mind? However, the more I researched the more I was like ok maybe I can do this. I narrowed it down to two Dr's one which was Dr. Guillermo Alvarez and another reputable Dr. in Tijuana. However, I must say the minute I saw Dr. Alvarez in his you tube video's I was confident that I had found my Dr. I suddenly felt a peace of mind. His English is perfect. I friended him on Facebook and became part of his support group. I messaged him twice and had a response within minutes. Now tell me what Dr. here in the states does that? None that I know. Well he's more pricey than the other surgeon and the other surgeon was about 2K less so I booked surgery, gave deposit and bought airline tickets with the other dr because I knew he was also good and was less. The minute I booked I regretted it so much so that I cancelled and lost my deposit and went with Dr. Alvarez. Always follow your gut. Let me tell you best decision of my life! I had surgery May 12, 2015 have lost 32 lbs to date. No complications at all! Susan his coordinator is AMAZING!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I have had some questions here and there and she has always been there to answer them. BY the way, Dr. Alvarez only does 3 surgeries a day which most including the other Dr. I almost chose do like 10 or even more a day (not good). He came twice a day to visit me at the hospital and so did another physician. I loved the fact that I was in a hospital not a center. I was in the hospital for 2 days and medicine was included in price. I could be here all day praising Dr. A and Susan. Anyone thinking about doing this do your research but I can tell you I did mine I checked every single website and found nothing negative about Dr. A. I reached out to his patients through facebook and everyone said positive things. Real patients. I bought his book. Saw all his videos. I have friends here in the States who have had this surgery and have had complications and knew nothing about complications or what to expect. I guess because they were being operated here they didn't research. However, because I was being operated in Mexico I researched a lot so I knew what to expect and what I was supposed to do. Dr. Alvarez sends you emails in all phases right after surgery so you are never alone in this journey. I am so happy I did this. I really wish I would have known about him and Susan before because this is the best gift I have ever given myself. I was diagnosed with type 2 diabetes 1month prior to surgery and had to take metformin however, since surgery I have not needed to take medicine not once. This is not a miracle cure. It's a tool and if you are serious about losing weight and have tried everything else then this is the best route to go. I hope I have helped someone who may be thinking about this but is scared. Don't be scared. In my research, I found out Dr. Alvarez has done more of these surgeries than the Dr. I was going to go with in Miami that insurance pays for. Less time under anesthesia than the Dr. I would have chosen here in Miami if my insurance covered or if I could have afforded out of pocket. Therefore, do your research and trust me if you do you will choose Dr. Alvarez.

Before I begin touting our tremendous experience with both Guillermo Alvarez, M.D. and his knowledgeable and friendly staff, let me take you back to some of my own pre-surgery worries.
With television and movies being what they are nowadays the term “Mexican Hospital” usually conjures up images of back alley procedures and organs being stolen against your will, so imagine my surprise when I found myself flying down to Piedras Negras, Mexico – which in all honesty is only 1 mile over the border of Eagle Pass, Texas – for what I consider to be the surgery of my lifetime. Few things can make you as queasy as; number one, having the nerves of the procedure itself, and number two, having the procedure done in an unfamiliar country.
In the interests of full disclosure, my wife and I also watch a lot of “Criminal Minds” and “CSI” too, which didn’t help matters either as Mexico tends to get a bad rap on those programs as well.
The other issue I know you’re probably plagued with; as was I, is the fact that you must rely on the word of strangers to make yourself feel comfortable about the surgery and its circumstances. And even though everything I’m stating is true, it probably seems miles away from a concrete guarantee.
Well, unfortunately this is the only issue I wasn’t able to fix for myself beforehand; it’s just something that you have to come to terms with, because until you go through it for yourself, talk from someone else is just that, talk.
Luckily for me and my wife – we received the surgery on the same day – we had compiled endless amounts of data on Dr. Alvarez and his past procedures beforehand – which I strongly urge you to do as this will make you feel loads better – compounded with the tireless efforts of Susan George – one of Dr. Alvarez’s best assets, who is not only a great LVN but is also a former surgery patient – and the knowledge that Dr. Alvarez had previously performed my mother’s Lap-Band exhumation when complications arose for her. Please note that Dr. Alvarez was not the doctor who put her Lap-Band in.
Anyway, now that I’ve got you good and amped up, let me defuse at least a few of your worries. As stated before, do your research, this will more than anything else give you peace of mind throughout the trip. Rest assured your journey to Mexico will be the most anxious part, because once you enter the hospital and speak with Dr. Alvarez, you’ll feel a bit silly at the thought that you ever needed to worry.
Dr. Alvarez has the unique ability not only to put his patients at ease, but he also makes each and every patient feel like they’re his only patient. This is a hard enough quality to find in a doctor period, much less from one who is thousands of miles away, but Dr. Alvarez takes on this challenge as boldly as the surgery itself, assuring you even after you’ve left the hospital that if you ever have any questions or need anything, he is at your utmost disposal.
The staff is fantastic and endlessly accommodating, and though they may at times throw you off a bit; as only certain members speak English, there is always an interpreter on hand for anything you need. We actually found several Apps you can get for your smartphone as well which enable you to speak English into the phone and subsequently have the phone translate to Spanish. This in my opinion was a bit of overkill once we got to the hospital, but it made us feel better beforehand nonetheless.
Since undergoing this life changing procedure; not more than 2 months ago, I’ve lost over 40 pounds and so has my wife and we have no intentions of stopping anytime soon. So although I know you may still have a few more than valid reservations about taking the plunge, I hope I’ve helped you even just a little bit on your journey toward life altering health and happiness.

After years of dieting to now avail, I had VSG done by Dr. Alvarez on 3/15/12, yes, in Mexico. And, I'm still here to talk abot it! Everything went as planned and promised, despite what people said "you'll get shot by the cartell" that's a dangerous town" "don't go out by yourself". From the moment I was picked p in San Antonio by Rosie (as promised and arranged), things went as I was told they would; spent the night at the Holiday Inn in Eagle Pass, I did walk to Walmart and bought a book (and some sugar free jello), flopped in the hot tub there and enjoyed the quiet. In the morning, was again picked up (with my sleeve sista and her hubby) by Rosie, and ventured the 10-15 minute ride to the hospital. In the hospital, we met Dr. Alvarez (and Dr. Rosales), a real person, very pleasant and knowledgable. Then, off to lab and radiology (oh, Cindy and I flipped a coin to decide who went first) and then to our rooms. Our rooms were set up in little "pods" I would call them, a small hall with 4 rooms, one of them being a lounge with TV, fridge, etc for guests to hang in while patients nap. A computer was in my room, we had trouble with it, but I had brought my own which was easier anyway. Yes, I watched the needles be taken out of new sterile pakaging, although their IV system is not needleless as they are in USA, everything was new in regard to invasive items (IV's how we used to do them here). Surgery I don't remember (shocking, I know). Oh, and Jessica was there (as promised much of the time) to interpret. Pain was kept under good control, as was nausea (I did request and get a hit of pain meds and Nausea meds before my IV was removed). Dr. A or Dr. R. (and occasionally both) checked on me several times daily (more than the one required MD visit in US hospital). Clear instructions were given for aftercare, as well as emails checking on progress and asking about issues. 4 weeks out, I am down 17 pounds (not as shocking as some people's huge weight loss, but for me, I always lose so slowly (if at all), that I am thrilled with that! I never felt unsafe or in danger during any part, am losing weight, and it was money well spent! I do miss my stress eating ability at times tho' (lol!) Good luck!

Had my surgery 2 months ago and have lost 42 lbs!!! My story is probably just like most everyone else that has weight issues. I have been overweight most of my life, and always am able to loose weight but eventually it comes back plus some. My decision to have gastric sleeve was sudden, and I have no regrets... I decided in January I had to do this, and was going to do the lapband surgery. My insurance does not cover any weight loss surgery but that was just as well because they make you wait so long to actually have the surgery. Since I was a self pay patient I knew I would be traveling to Mexico for my surgery. I have been going to the same dentist for 30 years, in Matamoros, Mexico, so I started looking for dr's in or around that area. I came across Dr Alvarez, and so happy I did because since I was traveling from Florida by myself, I was somewhat familiar with the border area of Tx. I literally decided to have the surgery, and set the date all within a matter of 3 days. Also, after speaking with Susan, the coordinator, I chose to go with the sleeve instead of lapband.

Everything was set up prior to my arrival in San Antonio. I was picked up at the airport, and Rosie, the driver picked us up at the hotel. She drove us to Eagle Pass, and checked us into our room. I have to say I was not nervous at all. I knew I had a problem, and needed help, and was at the point that I needed to do whatever I could to get the help. So, I went shopping!!! There is a mall there, and I took a cab to the mall and shopped. The next morning Rosie picked us up, and we were on our way!!! My life was about to change, and I was so excited. We got to the hospital, met Dr Alvarez. He is great, and the girl that was with me was a little nervous but he immediately eased her mind. She decided to go first, and I would go second, since I was not at all scared or nervous. Dr Alvarez will go over your personal risks, if any, and then I met Jessica, and she speaks perfect English. She was our personal nursing assistant. She will help you with anything, and took great care of us throughout our stay. Everyone was great!!! The nurses are all so nice., There is a slight language barrier with some but they are so experienced with anything that could happen, you just have to say a word, and they know exactly what to do.

I would give you all the details but if you are considering surgery with Dr Alvarez, I will give you my email, and phone number so we can talk.

The surgery went great, and I was up within a few hours. Dr Alvarez called my mom, and my sister to let them know I was out of surgery, and doing great. He answered all of their questions over the phone since they could not be there. There is a phone that is in each area, and you can use it as often as you like, so I was able to call them as soon as I was up and around. Dr Alvarez was there most of the day and checked on me several times.

I had a copy of the book that Dr Alvarez wrote, and not only is all the follow up info in there, they also went over it again, and made sure I understood everything. Also, he made it clear to email or call with any concerns I had after surgery. Since everything has been great Dr Alvarez has only had to email me to check on my progress. He truly is here to help, and I am so happy I chose him to help me through this journey to loose weight. Dr Alvarez gave me the tool to be successful in my weight loss journey, and now it's my job to use it!!!

My experience was fantastic. Don't get me wrong, I did not feel great after the surgery but overall my care was great. I felt bad, had gas, and was throwing up. However, they were able to comfort me, and reassure me that it was normal, and it would not last that long. Here is my email [email protected]
If you are serious, and need any info or just want to talk to someone, feel free to contact me, and I will give you my number so we can talk.

I would recommend Dr Alvarez to anyone thinking about having weight loss surgery.

My entire experience with Dr. Guillermo Alvarez was a pleasure, start to finish. I'm a big believer in "Pay it forward!" :-) So here's my honest, objective appraisal.


I know there is violence in Mexico, it's all over the news! But truly, it would be like saying don't go to the U.S. because people get killed there. Some people just cannot wrap their brain around that, unfortunately. My husband was SO against it til he talked to other patients of Dr. Alvarez. Then he understood the reality which is that you should have NO concerns re this part of Mexico... its so uneventful that you could literally be in Georgia, Canada or Hawaii. The Mexico part's just a formality.


You can blink & miss the border crossing. The hospital is just about a minute inside the border & is safer than my own neighborhood, which is VERY safe. I saw absolutely NO people around the hospital. You literally walk from the van about 10 feet into the hospital. It's totally private & absolutely like being in a hospital at home. If/when you go, you'll be telling others the exact same thing afterwards.


I live in Dallas, TX. I flew to San Antonio, where Rosy met me immediately. We proceeded in the Clinic bus. I had my surgery March 1, 2012. In 4 weeks I've lost 20 lbs. I weighed 190ish and I'm 5'2". This surgery is the ONLY real solution to weight loss. Believe me, I had tried EVERYTHING & always gained it back. Now I it's like a switch was turned off in my brain & food is no big deal. I just eat healthy.


Dr. Alvarez speaks English as well as you or me! Plus all of the instructions are laid out in easy-to-understand directions. Dr. Alvarez's book explains it all, & it's free take-home reading for after surgery. You also get the take-home meds free, which makes it very simple.The Dr. and Susan, his main assistant, are both just a phone call away... but I haven't needed anything.


Dr. Alvarez is MUCH less expensive than doctors in the U.S. but that really was immaterial. Money was not a factor for us; I wanted the best doctor. No one is better than Dr. Alvarez at this. He is highly-skilled and has the surgery down to a science. It takes approx. 35 minutes for him to do the sleeve surgery and change your life. I cannot recommend him enough! He has a compassionate and respectful bedside manner.


I am forever grateful to him for his outstanding medical care (as well as that of the entire staff). I endorse him and the hospital with complete confidence. Patients are treated like family. I never enjoyed surgery before, that's for sure... but I blossomed from Day One after this surgery.


I have no vested interest in wherever you go. This is just free info, worth whatever you can gain from it. Best wishes!

Dr. Guillermo Alvarez is an amazing doctor. I went to Mexico to have the gastric sleeve surgery and Dr. Alvarez and his staff were THE BEST. The entire experience from beginning to end was amazing, supportive, painless, and caring. His staff, from picking me up at the airport, to taking me to the hotel and then to surgery and after, was excellent. I had better care in the Mexico hospital than I did at the hospital in California that I had to stay at for a prior unrelated surgery.

I can't recommend Dr. Alvarez enough. He is professional, with excellent surgery skills, people skills and bedside manner. I have no hesitation in recommending him. In fact, I have recommended him to all of my friends and family who are interested in bariatric surgery.

Thanks Dr. Guillermo for making my dreams come true for a thinner, healthier and happier me!!
Hugs,
KathieM

I can't thank you enough, Dr. A. Your staff is perfect. I loved all the nurses, they took such good care of me and of my husband. Every little need was met with such a great attitude. Seeing you on youtube for the questions of the week, and then meeting you and your associates in person gave me such confidence going in.
Of course, I couldn't shake the feeling of 'what the heck was I doing going to Mexico?' - until I got there and everything was just great. I wish (Really Wish) I could have stayed longer. It was beautiful, the hospital room was very homey. I wouldn't change a thing.

Dr. A
First things first.. Thank you for giving me back my life. To be totally honest I had a huge problem with the thought of weight lost surgery, it just was not a option, especially in a hospital in Mexico.
My wife did all the leg work on research and information we needed so if the experience went according to the text books I can not say, but what I can say is that it was the easiest procedure that I have ever had to endure. You and your staff are very professional and it show's, starting with the ride from San Antonio and back, your staff were in control and all I had to do was get comfortable and enjoy the ride.
I appreciate your devotion and desire to become and expert in your field because by doing so you have given me a chance to turn around the life that was literally slipping away from me.

I believe that your comment to me after the procedure that this decision "would save my life" is the most intense statement I have every heard.

I am your typical American man I never go to the doctor for anything my wife is my doctor. So having the VSG done is totally out of character... But if I would have known that I would feel this good and that I was that in that bad of shape, I would I have met you ten years ago. Tell your staff "Thank you for taking care of me and my wife". I would do it again without a doubt.

So if your a doubter like I was and you are telling yourself this is not for you.. Give it up!! this is exactly what the doctor ordered and Dr. A and his crew are some very special and talented people that will make you feel like you were at home.


Once again Thank You! I will never forget that you saved me from myself.


Wesley B.

Ps. My wife did not write this.. It is for real.

I heard about Dr. Alvarez from a friend in my hometown. I discovered that there were several people in my local area that had used Dr. Alvarez and I asked their opinions as well. Not one had anything negative to say about their experience. This made me suspicious, of course, so I sought out more information to find the flaw which I knew had to exist. I found nothing negative about Dr. Alvarez and his staff.

I was self-pay so I scheduled my surgery and had it done on August 1, 2011. I must say I have never had a medical procedure that was so well organized and efficient. Nothing went amiss and I had very little discomfort.

One of the unique things I found about Dr. Alvarez is his personal involvement with his patients. He remembered every patient from my home town and even kept in touch with many of them since their surgeries. I never found him to "repeat" himself as if all of his information was rehearsed so I knew I wasn't just a name on a chart or the next one in line. I never felt the assembly line feeling you sometimes get with very busy physicians or practices.

While I was there, a patient next door to me had an emergency situation (a blood clot) that was dealt with very efficiently and quickly. She actually had the blood clot for several months but never had it treated, and Dr. Alvarez and his peers took care of her with such intensiveness. Her mother is a nurse and was with her. They were both convinced that if they had not used Dr. Alvarez that the results of the blood clot would have been fatal.

I had searched in both Memphis and Little Rock for a surgeon, but none had the amount of experience with the gastric sleeve that Dr. Alvarez had. I am so pleased with my choice and feel blessed to have found him. I would recommend him without reservation to anyone wanting to change their life with WLS.

My entire experience with Dr. Alvarez and EndoBariatric was great. They had everything so well planned out and everything went the way they said it would. Dr. Alvarez was very nice and I'd watched so many videos of him on YouTube that I felt kind of like I was meeting a celebrity. Susan, his coordinator, was great. She answered ALL my questions, before and after. She had VSG herself, so she has personal experience as well. Rosy, the driver who picked me up in San Antonio and did all the driving was great. She's very nice and I talked to her pretty much the entire 2+ hour drive to Eagle Pass. (She was a very safe driver.) The hospital nurses speak almost no English, but I know some Spanish so we were usually able to get our thoughts across to each other. Dr. Alvarez had one nurse who spoke English around in the daytime, and another at night. Dr. Alvarez and/or his assistant (Dr. Rosales?) would come check on me a few times per day. It's an older hospital, but very clean. Dr. A's office is more modern and very nice and smells good. I was well informed of the risks of the surgery. Aftercare is strictly emphasized (post op diet, exercise recommendations and restrictions, etc.) Susan sends you several emails with all kinds of information of aftercare requirements. I would rate him as a 10 out of 10 and I would recommend him to anyone who was thinking about surgery.