Guillermo Alvarez Bariatric Surgeon MD

I owe my life to Dr. Alvarez. I had a wonderful experience in Mexico and would do it again. I was never once scared or thought i was in any type of danger. his staff was wonderful and was very helpful. Anytime i had a question they had an answer for me. If you are considering Gastric Sleeve i highly recommend Dr. Alvarez and his staff. They will take great care of you.
Thank you again Dr. Alvarez for everything you did for me.
Liz Foshee

I was not fat all my life. When I got married I weighed 150 pounds at 5’ 9” and never gained any weight (except when pregnant) for the next 15 years. And then my 40’s hit and I begin to put on weight until I reached my high weight of 234 pounds. I tried Weight Watchers (multiple times), Jenny Craig (multi times), HCG, Paleo, Atkins and others. They would work as long as I was 100% disciplined, but as soon as I stopped, I’d gain it back and more. My blood pressure was beginning to climb and while I didn’t have any health issues, I knew it was just a matter of time.

In October 2013 I found out my cousin was going to have the Gastric Sleeve weight loss surgery. I had heard of bypass, but never had heard of the sleeve. I immediately got online and began to search to find out what it was and if it could be something for me also. I knew my insurance would not cover the surgery, so I look outside the US for a more affordable option. It was during my search for “Gastric Sleeve” that I saw the ad for Endobariatrics and followed the link to Dr. Alvarez’s website and then his You Tube channel and began to watch lots of videos.

My cousin had his sleeve surgery in November at our local hospital. Final cost: $50,000 (all covered by his insurance). When I asked my cousin how many sleeve surgeries the local doctor had performed, he did not know. To me, that was an important question. I not only wanted affordable, I wanted experienced as well with a great track record for success.
During my research I found out that there were lower cost options than Dr. Alvarez in Mexico. For $4,000 I could go to a strip mall, have the surgery done by a doctor doing 11-13 surgeries that day, and then recuperate in a hotel. While I didn’t want to pay $50,000 neither did I think the Walmart-type solution was best for me. I liked the idea of being in a real hospital with 24 hour nursing care with surgery performed by a doctor whose done over 6,500 of the sleeve surgeries (at that time) but not so many on a daily basis he got tired and worn out. I wanted him experienced, but fresh every day doing the surgery. I wanted him top of his game so I had the greatest chance for a successful outcome with no complications.

The clincher came when I could not find 1 person who had anything negative to say about Dr. Alvarez – and believe me, I called, chatted, and emailed lots and lots of his patients. I was even lucky enough to find a gal in my own home town who had had surgery with Dr. Alvarez and could meet with her personally. Her “before” and “after” pictures were astonishing.
Once I settled on Dr. Alvarez being the right doctor to perform the surgery, I had to decide if I was going to go through with it. Surely I could lick the weight problem by diet and exercise alone. What I haven’t told you is that I had been going to a Crossfit gym for several years and was only getting bigger. If you know anything about Crossfit, you’ll know it is a high intensity, hard core workout. I ate Paleo, participated in Whole 30 challenges but still saw my weight hang on.

I finally made my decision and scheduled the surgery for February 21, 2014. My husband of course knew and my cousin, but still to this day have not told our kids, my mother or any other family member. It’s a personal decision, but so far I’ve chosen to keep it a private thing.
At the last minute, my husband could not get off work so I traveled to Mexico alone and had the surgery by myself. I’m sure some people would have said I was crazy and I’ll admit I was a bit nervous. But the moment I met Dr. Alvarez in person and saw the facility, I knew I was in good hands.

Three days later I was on a plane heading home to start my new life. Surgery was on Friday and I was back to my office job on Tuesday – just 4 days later!

I have had NO complications I often read about on the online boards with people who took the low cost Mexican route or other US hospitals. I didn’t know it at the time, but I’ve found out later that Dr. Alvarez is one of only 11 bariatric surgeons world wide with the Surgeon of Excellence designation. There are surgeons and then there are SURGEONS. Thank goodness I chose the best of the best.

I am down to 190 pounds. At age 61 I am taking it slower. Probably won’t try to hit the 150 pounds mark, but will be very satisfied with the 160’s. It’s fun shopping my own closet to see what smaller things I can fit into next. Goodwill has become my weekly friend.

Susan, Rosey, Jessica, Anali, Dr. Alvarez and his entire surgical team are the best.
Instead of Crossfit these days, I’m kickboxing and loving it. I don’t think I’ll plan any marathons soon, but life is good.

I began my quest for WLS in the states...but after meeting with several surgeons, gaining insurance approval, I still did not feel 100% comfortable with my options. I attended the patient orientations, met with nutritionists and did extensive research. Still I felt a disconnect! Until I stumbled across some patient testimonial videos on YouTube...I became obsessed! I was amazed at the consistent positive responses all about Dr. Alvarez and his sleeve technique. Once I contacted the office I FINALLY felt that connection, level of compassion and professionalism I had longed for. Susan, the coordinator did more for me from a distance then the local medical practices I had consulted with in person.

I completed the paperwork, received my approval for surgery, and had my sleeve on 09/22/14. All prior reviews provide a pretty accurate picture of what to expect - no surprises. Dr. Alvarez is genuine and passionate about what he does. I went VERY informed so I did not have many questions when I arrived but I know if I had he would have made sure my concerns and questions were answered. His two assistants Jessica and Annali are there to assist you with any needs while hospitalized. As a nurse my expectations were high and the care I received was prompt, efficient, and patient centered. When I asked for something I received it...there was NO waiting. You can count on seeing Dr. Alvarez and/or his partners several times a day to assess you.

The day of surgery I was up and walking with very little discomfort several hours after returning to my room. I experienced NO gas pains at all. Day two I felt a bit sore on the left side, like a pulled muscle or strain. I walked the halls throughout the day napping only once.

Discharge was smooth, medications/instructions provided by Jessica. Dr. Alvarez and Dr. Rosales stopped by in the morning to answer any questions and to say goodbye.

I am now 5-days post-op and I have not had one regret yet. It is a huge adjustment and will take effort each and every day. If you would like to chat or ask any direct questions please feel free to message me.

Lose _2_Live :)

I was originally going to get Lap Band surgery until I had several friends suggest that I should get the sleeve. An attorney friend in Austin said several of her co-workers went to Dr. Alvarez. I began researching VSG and various self pay surgeons both in and out of the U.S. I decided on Dr. Alvarez and could not be happier with my decision.

I flew to San Antonio by myself. Rosie picked me up and drove me to Eagle Pass where I stayed in a nice, newly renovated hotel. Rosie was back the next morning to pick me up and we drove across the border. I met with Dr. Alvarez and explained to him that I was here by myself as my husband was with my children. I also told him that I am an only child and my Mother who is 80 was extremely worried about me. Dr. Alvarez volunteered to call my mother after the surgery while I was still in recovery to ease her mind. It meant the world to both of us as he explained to her how the surgery went and that I was doing fine.

The next day, I was feeling good and walked around Piedras Negras with 2 other people that I met at the hospital. We felt totally safe. It is a quaint little border town. No one bothered us and I was able to shop for some souveniers.

If I had it to do over again, I wouldn't change a thing. Dr. Alvarez and his staff took great care of me. The nurses were attententive and I always felt safe while in Mexico. If anyone is having second thoughts about using Dr. Alvarez or going to Mexico, it is safe, it is sanitary, and it is a life changing experience. Dr. Alvarez is the top surgeon in his field. Between myself and my family we have had several surgeons over the years and very few of them can compare to Dr. Alvarez.

Dr. Alvarez and his entire team provided excellent care, from the first initial phone call to Susan and continuing today, a month after surgery, being available to answer any questions that come up. I went to Piedras Negras by myself, and there were no problems. I felt well taken care of at all times. Dr Alvarez is a superb surgeon and he has put in place a well oiled machine for helping patients through the process, without ever losing his care and compassion for each individual. I highly recommend him.

I am a lapband to sleeve revision patient. Dr. Alvarez removed by lapband in February 2014 and my sleeve in July 2014. Both experiences exceeded my expectations. Both my husband and I are RNs, so we were prepared to be extra critical and cautious when my surgeries occurred. However, there was no need. The care I experienced from the physicians and the nursing staff was top notch. Dr. Alvarez and his physician counterparts checked on me multiple times per day. Any need that I had was immediately addressed by the nursing staff. I would recommend him to any of my family and friends. I initially chose him because of his reputation and skill level. It's not all about the price of the procedure. This is a life altering procedure, and you want the very best surgeon. I feel that Dr. Alvarez is it!

I spent much of my time looking at the possibility of having surgery in the states or in Mexico. To have surgery in the states I would need to gain more weight, develop full blown diabetes (right now I am borderline) and have another weight related health problem. After scrutinizing three Mexico doctors and their patient reviews, here on Obesity Help, and on youtube, I chose Dr Alvarez. I ended up asking Susan the coordinator, a ton of questions, and she was good about getting back to me, and helping me understand things, she is great.
We (me and my husband) were picked up at the San Antonio, La Quinta by Rosy. It was a long drive, but I did not mind at all because I would rather have someone in the driver’s seat that knows where we are going, with experience, and she did that well. Rosy had already informed us what to do and what not to do when went through customs. On going across the border I was expecting what I had seen years ago on some of the major border crossings, once inside Mexico, chaos, children selling stuff, a lot of movement. This was not the case at all, I have to repeat, it was calm and quiet and uneventful, and there was very little traffic. The border patrol knew Rosy and she handled everything.
We met with Dr Alvarez, and from there it was just a matter of procedures, weight, blood, and x-ray. Because I was so nervous the time seemed to drag, but once I was given the drip for the OR, I remember trying to get onto the gurney, from there, I awoke, and had to ask, did I really have surgery? My husband said I asked everyone that came in the room the same question. I was surprised to find out from my husband that before the doctor could do the surgery he also had to repair a hiatal hernia.
The care I received was outstanding, I kept accidentally hitting the call button, and always someone would show up. I saw Dr Alvarez and two of his associates the two days I was there. What I really liked is that the staff at the hospital was so quiet, professional and helpful. The rooms are set in an alcove, sort of away from the hallway. My room was private as was the bathroom and shower.
The only thing that went wrong was my IV insertion, which I have had a problem with the insertion once before here in the states. It was very painful and eventually became infiltrated. Because I was still feeling the drugs of OR, I don’t remember but my husband said that I would not let anyone take out the IV and redo the right hand, unless the doctor did it himself. My husband said that Dr Alvarez showed up later in his regular clothes, I remember him coming in and telling me the IV had to be switched or I would become dehydrated. It was then changed to my right hand, after that there were no more problems with it. If you have any medical issues do let them know so you won’t have a problem like I did.
I am extremely happy that I chose Dr Alvarez and his staff, they were all very professional. My husband is thoroughly impressed with the care I received. Jessica even ordered dinner for him on the second day. Everybody, from Susan, my first contact, to Rosy, the driver, to Dr Alvarez and his two associates, his assistants, Annali, and Jessica. They all speak perfect English. Dr Alvarez keeps in touch and has been updating me on when to move on to the next level of my food intake.
If you are contemplating having this surgery, I highly recommend Dr Alvarez, you won’t regret it, I know I don’t. I am happy I made this choice, and I am feeling good about life and eating less.

Dr. Alvarez is the most caring doctor I have ever met!

Coming from Arkansas and traveling to Mexico alone was scary. However, once I met Dr. Alvarez my anxiety level dropped. He gives off a very positive vibe and greets you with a warm welcome:-)

Dr. Alvarez is present from the beginning of your stay till the moment you checkout and head back to the U.S.. He consistently checked in on me and the other patients to see how we were doing and answer any questions.

Also, his staff was amazing!! They were very helpful and wonderful company:-) I will forever be great full for the top notch care I received and I highly recommend Dr. Alvarez and his team to help you get to a healthy lifestyle!!

God Bless <3

I had VSG on July 7 in Mexico with Dr. Alvarez. I was on the fence for a long time about going to Mexico. I live in WV so you can imagine the comments I got regarding my decision to go. I am so GLAD that I listened to myself. It is the best thing I have ever done for myself. Dr. Alvarez is wonderful! I've had no complications, actually he is so good at what he does I had to ask if I really had surgery because I felt so good afterwards. His staff was great, the hospital was clean. Most think after surgery it's over, but I've heard from him every week since surgery and anytime I've had a question he has always gotten back to me so quickly. I would do it again in a heartbeat. Thanks Dr. Alvarez for changing my life.

I chose Dr Alvarez after doing research and finding that his bariatric surgery was as impressive as was his education.
The former patients positive experience and positive outcomes were factored in as well in my decision making.
Dr Alvarez has laid everything out for his patients, and has done the homework for them. His VSG is done with care, the highest quality products. He double secures the procedure with sutures, which many doctors don't do.
I have contact with the Dr should a concern arise.
I had 2 assistant surgeons to Dr Alvarez with whom I was very pleased.
My Anesthesiologist was great. He must have used the right size ETT, because I never had a sore throat. Not something I can say about my US anesthesiologist in previous female surgery.
All physicians visited frequent as well did my nurses. Every need was well cared for.
The hospital in Mexico was cleaner than the hospitals in the US and I have worked several in the state of Tx as an RN.
The nursing staff in MX is unparalleled.
I was not impressed with the US nurse Susan George LVN (she was rude) however she is mostly just an intake person.
My surgery and post op recovery went well and uneventful.
I am very pleased and impressed with my Doctors, my outcome, and mostly with Dr Alvarez.