Guillermo Alvarez Bariatric Surgeon MD

I knew of 5 other friends who had seen Dr. Alverez for their weight loss surgery, and each of them gave rave reviews about what a wonderful doctor he was and what a great experience it was having him do their surgeries. The second I met Dr. Alvarez, I had to agree. He was such a warm and friendly man who showed he truly cared about me and my needs. The more I got to know him, the more I really liked him. His personal office was very modern and professional, and the hospital was older yet very clean. He currently is building a brand new hospital which I'm sure will be state of the art. You will first meet Rosie who will pick you up and take you everywhere you need to be. It's like having your personal driver who is so nice and a lot of fun. Then on your surgery day, you meet Dr. Alvarez, Dr. Rosales, and Christina (your personal nurse) who all go over any questions or concerns you have before the surgery. (And yes, they all speak perfect English). Christina personally makes sure you get all your lab and x-rays necessary and then gets you settled in your room while you wait for your surgery. BTW, the rooms all have couches for your spouse or friend to sleep on as well as T.V.s, phones and computers. Within no time, your surgery is done and all you have to do is recover. I was up and walking in just a few hours after my surgery. (The more you walk, the faster you recover). I didn't have any pain what-so-ever. The doctors, nurses, and medical assistants are contantly checking in on you to see if you need anything at all. You are on an IV drip to stay hydrated since you can't have anything to eat or drink for at least 24 hours after the surgery. After that you get ice chips and in 48 hours, you get clear liquids. I had my surgery on Saturday morning and was more than ready to go home by Monday morning. I couldn't believe how good I felt so soon after the surgery. We even went walking around the Riverwalk when we got back to San Antonio. I was a little weaker than normal, but otherwise, I felt normal. All in all, it was a good experience. Dr. Alvarez is a WONDERFUL man - so kind and compassionate. I have recommended him to a few other friends who will be seeing him this Spring for their surgeries.rnrnThe biggest things I would recommend to anyone having the surgery is to make sure you follow the post-surgery diet. Clear liquids for 1 week, then solid liquids for 2 more weeks. Three weeks is not that long to sacrific \"real\" food in order to prevent damaging your sutures. Oh, and bring a book or your laptop to the hospital. It gets boring the second day.rnrnI lost 20 pounds in 2 weeks and feel great! My friends and family say I look happier and it's because I know I'm on my way to a better life, and better body, and a better me. Thank you very much Dr. Alvarez!

Since it is common on this forum to report about one’s band surgery experience, I am eager to share mine. After as extensive research as possible, I chose Dr. Guillermo Alvarez in Piedras Negras, Mexico, across the border from Eagle Pass, Texas, about 150 miles southwest of San Antonio.rnrnMy husband, who is actually a physician himself, and I could find nothing but excellent recommendations for Dr. Alvarez. We had the usual initial sense of uneasiness about leaving the country for the procedure but were able to overcome this. We just could not see spending $7-10K extra to have the surgery at home in Texas. So off we drove to the border for what turned out to be a very positive experience.rnrnDr. Alvarez and his staff could not have been better. They took care of everything and made us feel at home with the entire venture. And while there was a slight language barrier, both his hospital staff and I were able to communicate easily. rnrnThe lap-band surgery itself is not a highly complicated procedure, and Dr. Alvarez has done over 1000 bands. For this reason, my typically skeptical physician husband was comfortable with my choosing him, understanding that most US surgeons don’t have nearly that much experience.rnrnThere were no unexpected surprises. All costs for the entire experience were included in the stated fee for the procedure. We knew that the hospital was old before we went, but it was very clean and all personnel were professional, courteous, and caring. My hospital room had not only TV but was newly remodeled with a broadband internet computer and a telephone for calls back to the US. We could not have been treated nicer.rnrnThe surgery took only about 20 minutes, and I left to return to Texas the next day after a night of observation in the hospital. No problems, whatsoever. Upon dismissal from the hospital, Dr. Alvarez brought together his patients to detail how to take care of our incisions, and eating restrictions for the first few weeks. rnrnSurgery was just over a month ago, and I return for my first fill this weekend. I have lost 15 pounds already and have had no significant recovery issues.rnrnI know that there are no doubt a number of great places to consider for lap-band surgery in Mexico, but I feel that I could not have chosen better than Dr. Alvarez. He is not only a capable surgeon but an all-round great guy. He exudes empathy and professionalism, and has put together a very nice package for anyone considering going to Mexico.rnrnI know that I read everything I could find on the internet before making my decision and that posts like this meant a lot to me. At this point in my journey, I remain very pleased with my decisions first to go to Mexico and second to choose Dr. Alvarez. rnrnI hope anyone reading this will do as much research as as they can before making your decision. Take the time to speak to some of Dr. Alvarez’s lap-band patients and you will immediately find out that he is a wonderful doctor. rnrnI hope this information is helpful.rnrndkoakiern

My experience with Dr. A was very positive. He made me feel comfortable right away. The hospital is a little weird, but very clean and they took good care of me. There was an english speaking assistant on duty round the clock. Aside from the anesthesia the first day, I've had no problems. I ran a slight fever the first night back in San Antonio which is normal come to find out. Susan called me that night to check on me and Dr. A returned my call as well. The doctors checked on my several times a day, and explained everything before I left. I would highly recommend Dr. A to anyone.

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