Guillermo Alvarez Bariatric Surgeon MD

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.

Dr. Alvarez was very thorough in explaining how I might feel a different times, and I'm glad my boyfriend paid attention because I as not very focused. He came by the room everytime he was in the hospital, and I was so glad to see his smiling face. Dr Rosales is his assistant and we saw just as much of him, his English was excellent as well. Both are very kind, open to questions, and very generous with pain medications both inpatient and to take home. I decided to go with Dr. Alvarez because he has so much experience doing the VSG, unlike local providers here.

This man is extremely sweet. He jokes with you and makes you feel at ease...as well as his assistant Dr. Gabe. I loved them both. If only the Drs in the states were as awesome as these men...My mother had the surgery with them about a year ago. She loved them and talked nothing but good things of both of them. I agree with her whole-heartedly...they're amazing and quite gentle in surgery I haven't had much pain at all...The only thing I didn't like was the night staff. They're great, don't get me wrong, but no one speaks english...not 1. even when you point to the chart they still looked confused. VERY SWEET though and good RN's. Everything was always super clean. I work at a hospital in the states and I was impressed that I was always seeing someone cleaning. The Dr gave you all the aftercare advice needed. It's YOU who has to follow this advice. I got paper work from one of his RN's that had all the risks and everything you'd ever wanna know about the suregery VIA email. I would rate him and his staff a 10. He speaks fluent english and I would say he's one of the top surgeons in the world. I have not felt much pain and I have been giggling, walking around, shopping, everything...I'm so happy I had this surgery and had him as a Dr. Go for Alvarez!

So far I feel very confident with the doctor and his staff. The comforting words and encouragement from Susan are really taking the edge off of the upcoming procedure. It will be done in less than 2 weeks.

My Surgeon is HEAVEN SENT!?!?!?!? Dr. Alvarez and his staff are wonderful people who go out of their way to make sure that each patient is comfortable. From Susan the patient coordinator, Rosie the driver to Cynthia the day nurse, they are all wonderful people. If anyone had concerns about anything I will tell them to fret not becuase they are in safe hands. There is nothing negative that I can say about this doctor and his staff. Even my father who is very old school had a great time and he was very pleased with the whole experience. My only regret about my whole experience is that I wish that I had the surgery performed ten years ago. I enjoyed my experience so much that I am planning to go back to see Dr. Alvarez for my fills, I am planning them as mini vacations.

Dr. Alvarez was the best doctor I've ever had! I couldn't believe it in the US when your in the hospital you might see your doctor twice a day, but while I was in the hospital Dr. Alvarez an his partner would come check on me atleast 8 or 9 times a day even in the middle of the night I was shocked how awesome I was treated! If anyone is looking to have weight loss surgery please look into Dr. Alvarez it's the best thing I ever did he stays in contact with you long after surgery it's like finding a new family his staff is there to help you every step of the way! I wish I could have Dr. Alvarez for my family doctor I've never found a doctor with a heart as big as his, you can tell he really cares about his patients long after your surgery!