Guillermo Alvarez Bariatric Surgeon MD

My first impression of Dr. Alvarez was DAM! I'M SO FAT, AND HE'S SO HANDSOME!!!! I know...I know...just couldn't help myself. My impression never did change over time...It only got better. I was crying when I first walked in his office, and his beautiful nature as a human being was way overwhelming...SUCH a gem of a doctor! He made me feel safe and secure IMMEDIATELY! And NO, not cause he's handsome! :-) The office staff....mainly Susan, his coordinator was simply awesome. She ALWAYS took the time to answer my calls and/or email. She's # 1 in my book! What I liked most about her was she seemed concerned and caring, giving my questions full attention. Anyway, Dr. A went over everything....what the results should be...what the risks are....how important to follow the rules...and to top it off, I CANNOT thank the Dr/staff enough for their show of utter respect not only to me, but to my son!! They each totally made my son feel at ease, and like it was VERY important for him to know everything as well! And I cannot thank them enough for that! Surgical competence and bedside manner are rated a 12! Dr. Alvarez and his staff are the top of the line. I sincerely thank them for giving me back my life! Wow...HOW do you thank someone for that? I must say....I have NEVER experienced a doctor in the States like this one....I just haven't. God Bless Dr. Alvarez

I had my revision surgery with Dr. Alvarez on May 12 and the whole experience went like clockwork. I flew in on May 10th from Korea to Dallas (14hrs), spent the night in Dallas and the next day flew to San Antonio where I met up with my sister and then Rosie who took us to Eagle Pass. The next day was on to the office to meet the Dr. and his staff and it was just like everyone else had said; very friendly, very knowledgeable and a great staff. I had a botched lap band which the Dr. removed and then performed the VSG. I had only minor discomfort with no pain then or since. The nursing care was great and my sister and I always felt comfortable and assured that we were in good hands. The only negative, and a very small one, was that we were in one of the older rooms and the couch was a little uncomfortable for my sister. Once in San Antonio, we had the hotel shuttle take us to the Walmart where we stocked up on water and Crystal Light. The next day my sister flew back to Chicago and I to Dallas where I spent 2 more nights before returning to Korea. I highly recommend Dr. Alvarez and his team for any bariatric surgery. They are real professionals and very caring.rnrnI have lost 10 lbs. since surgery and 33 lbs. in total since my preop diet.

I had the Realize band placed 5/15 and it was a great experience. Dr. Alvarez and Dr Rosales are really kind and professional. The whole staff is very nice and dedicated to your comfort. My parents ended up going to the hospital and when Dr Alvarez found out, he had me put in larger room and went to talk them before my surgery. I am a Registered Nurse and was recommended by another nurse, who had the band placed a while back. My mom , also an RN was really impressed by the whole experience. When you get there, you go to his office and talk to the doctors and they answer all the questions you may have. Then you are taken to your room by a nurse, then to the lab and xray. Once back in the room the nurse starts an IV and the anesthesiologist comes to introduce himself, and then he gave me something that made me sleepy, Next thing I remember is being taken to the OR and Dr Alvarez asking me what music i want on, and then next thing I knew I was back in my room. The doctors came back and checked on me several times that day and the next. I really had a great experience. There is no real pain, just soreness. The hospital is old but not bad at all. I will continue to see Dr Alvarez for my fills.

I couldn’t have had a better Doctor than Dr. Alvarez. Dr. Alvarez, his staff and the hospital staff were very professional. The hospital was super clean and the staff was very attentive. I had no problems with the language barrier even thru I only speak English. Dr. Alvarez is very well versed and knowledgeable in this field, he is also very well spoken and that in it’s self makes you feel so at ease and you feel like you have known him forever. He meets with you and who ever is with you and explains the whole procedure to you and then asks if you have any questions.rnrnPriscilla then takes you to get your lab work and chest x-ray, she then gets you settled into your room so you can relax until your surgery. I’m so lucky because I live in Eagle Pass and can continue to see him for follow up appointments. I have to tell you I felt more comfortable with Dr. Alvarez, his staff and the hospital folks than I have ever felt with a doctor before. Dr. A and his staff are total professionals but yet have the best bedside manor that makes you feel like friends or almost family, not patient and doctor. rn

If your thinking about having surgery, I would strongly recomend Dr. Alvarez. He makes feel completely at easy and you are his first priority, No If's and or Buts...He is genuine in his feelings and you can see and feel that.rnHis office staff and representives are always there if you need them, before and after surgery. My Daughter And I went to Piedras Negras for surgery together on Jan 5th,2008.rnI would'nt change a single thing. I wish I had done it at a younger age. ( I'm 43 now.)rnrn This is what I just wrote him Please read on.rnrnI've been thinking alot about you lately, I wanted to thank you for everything that you've done and for the person that you are. You took such great care of us ( Heather & I )rnI just wanted to catch you up on our progress. I'm not quite sure how much I weighed in your office, but Just for the sake of argument I'll say I weighed 278 lbs.rn rnWe had surgery Jan. 5th 2008, Today is May 13th 2008, So it's been 4 months 7 days Since our surgery.rnI currently weigh 193.8 lbs as of this morning ( May 13th, 2008 ) That's a total of 85 lbs. Lost WOW Can you believe that.. I have a goal of 150 lbs I'm not sure that's obtainable my height is 5'7''rnI was wearing a size 26 in pants and I'm now in a 16 just about ready to move into a 14.rn rnI keep a daily journal of what I eat and my weight.rnJan. 5th---278.0 rnfeb. 18th-----234.8 rnMarch 7th----226.0 rnmarch 31st--213.6 rnApril 18th----203.8 rnMay 5th------199.8rnMay 13th-----194.8rn rnHeather is doing good too, She's lost 85lbs as of today she weighs 201lbs we usually stay close in weight loss. We've just started exercising I joined a gym and I ride the stationary bike 3 miles three times a week and I also do water aerobics.rnI'll send some pictures soon, I haven't taken a picture yet.rnI don't really get to hungry, food isn't always on my mind like it used to be, Actually I could take or leave it...rnFood is only a source of nourishment now nothing more. which leaves me more time to think and do other things more important.rnrnI hope this helps someone, rnI'm am on Obesity helprnunder Juditw if you have any questions.rn

My first impression upon meeting Dr. Alvarez was he's so young, professional. very personable, compassionate, and extremely handsome! It's only been less than a week since my surgery! His staff, Rosy, Pricila, Susan, and Dr. Gabriel impressed me with their total support and professionalism. Tho he, Rosy and Pricila speak fluent English, there was a slight language barrier with the nite nurses. It really didn't matter because they just did their jobs. You can use the translation sheet if needed. The hospital was pretty old, but extremely clean. I found it really interesting. Dr. A has 4 beautifully remodled bariatric suites just for his patients. Myhubby and I stayed in a nice big room complete with a computer, tv, shower, fridge, sofa for hubby to sleep on, and you even have a phone to call anywhere you want and you can receive calls as well. That's pretty cool :) If you have any hang ups about having VSG in Mexico, I did too at first. I chose Dr. Alvarez from other's profiles and experiences and knew I was in good hands. From that first conversation with Susan, I felt it was the best choice I could make, and it definitely was. rn On a scale of 1-10, I would give Dr. Alvarez and his staff, along with my experience, an off the chart 11. My experience was top notch in all areas. :):)rnrnVegas, Baby in '09!!rnrn

Ok even after all of the wonderful things everyone has said about Dr. Alvarez...and even after the fact that I could not find anything negative on this man...I finally made my way to Mexico to find out for myself about this experience....and I have to say...Dr. Alvarez was all everyone said and then some...This surgeon rocks! Wonderful personality...extremely professional...a true leader in his field...he is unlike any doctor or surgeon I have encountered here in the States...and I am a nurse and have encountered many doctors. Dr. Alvarez genuinely cares...he has a heart of gold and loves his job and you can tell he really cares about you and your outcome. I cannot remember a doctor ever giving me a hug!!I was impressed with everything from his surgical expertise to his bedside manner. I will be talking about this experience for some time to come. Dr. A also wants to know how we are coming along and says he stays close with all of his patients. If you ever need him post op he says to call or email....Susan his coordinator is wonderful...when Dr. Alvarez is not available..Susan will always answer any question we have...She is a true gem...love her to death!rnHeck I am not even home yet...and writing all of this...that is how good I feel and I am three days post op! I just took a 2-3 mile San Antonio River Walk hike! I feel great...Thankyou so much Dr. Alvarez!!rnAt 1 week post op...I have no regrets:-) I have lost 8 lbs now and feel better then ever. I had fibromyalgia symptoms for years now..always waxing and waning...since surgery all of my fibro symptoms have dissappeared...if any of you have fibromyalgia you know what I mean...that aching heavy feels like you are walking upstairs all of the time is completely gone and so is the fog that comes with it. What a wonderful side effect that this surgery had on me. I will be forever grateful to Dr. Alvarez. rnIf anyone is at all skeptical about going to Mexico...please don't be...You will be extremely well taken care of there and in excellent hands of one of the worlds best bariatric surgeons!

I just wanted to share with everyone the WONDERFUL experience that i had with Dr. Alvarez. Going in to this, like most, i was nervous not knowing what to expect. From my first meeting with Dr. Alvarez all my fears were put aside. I really appreciated the fact that he was very attentive to everything question i had. The fact that he himself would respond to my emails (within the hour) really impressed me. The day of surgery i started having anxiety and he sat with me and reassured me that i was ok. His staff was GREAT!! loved my nurse Priscila...i would recommend Dr. Alvarez to anyone who is considering having Lap-Band surgery!!! And his bedside manner was excellent. He checked in on my several times and made sure that i was comfortable.

I'm self-pay, so all options were available. I read so many good patient reviews on Dr. Alvarez and I wanted a Doctor with his kind of experience. Susan is very easy to work with.

My hole trip to Mexico was great. I loved it there everyone was so nice. Dr A is AWESOME! He is a very dedicated doctor. I am so glad I found him,I would not change a thing. It just amazes me how I could go to another country and get better care in a hospital then I can in my own country. I was not one bit scared at all. It was truly the best thing I have ever done!