NWA & Dr. Alvarez

I am wondering if there are any people in NWA that have gone to see Dr. Alvarez? I would LOVE to go get my VSG with Dr. Roller but my insurance won't cover and Mexico is much cheaper. I am comfortable with my decision but I am looking for people to talk with locally. I hope to get my surgery before summer.

My DH is very supportive with my choice but is concerned this site has lots of posers soliciting for doctors. I would love to find people local I can show him.

Thanks!

There is a forum on here (at least there used to be) for WLS in Mexico. 

(Most surgeons will not follow patients who have their WLS performed in Mexico.  RNY at BMC in LR is only about 16,000 - 21,000 all inclusive.  It may behoove you to look at US surgeons, even if you are looking for the Wal-Mart prices for surgery.)

I went to Dr. Alvarez and so far so good!  I have a rheumy in LR that thinks things are great and still sees me.   I haven't been back to my PCP yet, but don't except any problems.  I did discuss WLS with him and he wanted me to get lapband and even wrote a letter to insurance (got denied of course).  I didn't want the lap band...I wanted the VSG.  And Dr. Alvarez is a lot more experienced than Mr. Roller--although I am sure he is a great doctor.   And to tell you the truth...doctors are a dime a dozen!  If one won't take you, then go find one that will. 

Go to the VSG board and ask around.

I went to one of Dr. Roller's seminars and still decided to have my surgery with Dr. Alvarez.  I can't find anything negative about Dr. Alvarez and he is extremely experienced with the VSG surgery.  A plus is that his price is $9,750 for the VSG.  My surgery is scheduled for March 23rd with Dr. Alvarez and I feel very confident that have chosen the right surgeon for my surgery.  I can let you know more after I get back from Mexico.


Dawn

I would agree with Wendy. While Dr. Alvarez may be a well qualified surgeon, he is a LONG ways away should you have any complications. Dr. Roller is the only fellowship trained (at Duke nonetheless) bariatric surgeon in the state of Arkansas so I wouldn't dismiss his credentials.

Besides that, he and I are married (just go ask him, he told me so ) and I wouldn't have my spouse living in another state much less another country. (inside joke...sort of...lol)

Good luck in your decision, it's one that only you can make. 
 

Hello,

( Shawna you look great!!! )

I couldn't agree more. I posted another thread about this very subject. Dr. Roller may be young but his credentials speak for themselves. I am not a "poser" for him but I do believe in what he does and his other post op patients do too.

I hope that you will reconsider and stay here for your surgery so you have a lifelong relationship with your surgeon...not just a cut and run.

Thanks,
Wendi