My surgeon hasn't even submitted my paperwork to the insurer yet because I have one more visit to go. But, just in case, I'm already thinking of Plan B 'cause a woman's gotta do what a woman's gotta do!

Can anyone who has used Dr. Alvarez in Mexico give me their experience with his office? Thanks for any information you can provide!!

I'm going to Dr. Alvarez in July! He's is great, I had the pleasure to meet him a few days ago and couldn't be happier. Susan, his assistant is wonderful. She always replies to emails pretty quickly and is always ahead of the game. I can answer questions if you'd like.

Thanks SweetSusie! I wish I had known about the seminar in Houston! I definitely would have been there, but I've just started exploring the self-pay/Mexico option. How much are you paying and do you pay all up front before you get a date? Did you meet past patients at the seminar? Do you have any worries about that whole crossing the border thing? That doesn't seem to bother me a whole lot. Any of your insights would be great! I'm all ears!!

You can try Youtube, I have found a lot of people that Dr. Alvarez did their surgeries and they all seem to rave about this doctor and the care they got from his facility. Look up VSG/Dr. Alavarez and you should be able to find a bunch of people and their testimonies. Best of Luck to You!

In order to hold ur date it is $1000 deposit, which also gets deducted off the total of $8750. It holds ur place and you can change it at anytime, it's also non refundable. I'm not worried about the border because I've crossed the border before , not this border but the tx/matamoros border, and nothing happened. He's a little more costly but I went with my feeling and how he treated me and always responds to my messages and calls. Susan his assistant will answer all ur questions too. If you go to his website you can try out financing on his website . I got approved but it fell through because he's not certified here in the USA. He has done about 4200 sleeves and his leak rate is very low. The leaks happened only 5-6 times and it was either a revision on someone eating a sandwich or something while healing. Their fault not his. I'm happy with my decision and look forward to his help each day.

I met a few patients and they looked great. He had a patient reunion that he has every year but I couldn't stay. The other patients looked great and I can't wait to be their shoes.

Wow! Ever since I started the process through my own insurance, I've gotten more and more anxious! My last visit to my current surgeon is June 12 and then they submit the paperwork. I have my heart set on an August date (my birthday month) because I'll be 46 and have just made up my mind that I'm doing it this year! I spoke with Susan and she was already setting August dates. It's good to know that if I am denied, I can still do this without the hassle of an appeal, etc.

Did you have to provide any information prior to the date like medical records, etc.? All of the hoops that you have to jump through for the insurer to pay is mind boggling and downright annoying. The medical tests are cool, but this 3 mo diet is sooo annoying!

No they don't need ur medical forms because when u fill out the patient history form it kinda answers all the questions they need answered. Good luck with ur doctor but even if someone here offered it cheaper I would NOT change my decision.

Thanks SS!! You've really been helpful! Please let me hear from you as your date approaches! I can't wait to hear how it goes and to hear how much you've lost!! Great success to you!

Thank you skinny! Good luck with ur insurance. Pm me anytime hun

You can try Youtube' date=' I have found a lot of people that Dr. Alvarez did their surgeries and they all seem to rave about this doctor and the care they got from his facility. Look up VSG/Dr. Alavarez and you should be able to find a bunch of people and their testimonies. Best of Luck to You![/quote']

Oh, and thanks Willow! I did look some of The videos! Great idea!

Had my insurance not covered this- dr Alverez would've done it- despite my hubby saying absolutely not in Mexico. It's a vacation and a surgery. Done deal

Even if I had insurance approval I feel I would not even think twice about my decision

I had my sleeve done with Dr Alvarez on April 27th and would do it again in a heartbeat. This man is passionate about what he does and his staff is top notch. The compassion he and his staff have are unmatched in my opinion. They take care of you from start to finish. They will pick you up in San Antonio and bring you to and from his office in Mexico. My wife was with me and his assistant Jessica walked with her everywhere, everytime she ventured out and made sure she was good to go. At no time did she feel threatened or scared. I simply cannot put into words how much I would recommend this man. He ONLY does three surgeries a day unlike others in Mexico who are hurding 10 people a day like cattle in and out. I highly recommend you check out his YouTube Videos and if you have any specific questions please let me know and I'll be more than happy to help you out anyway possible.

I had my sleeve done with Dr Alvarez on April 27th and would do it again in a heartbeat. This man is passionate about what he does and his staff is top notch. The compassion he and his staff have are unmatched in my opinion. They take care of you from start to finish. They will pick you up in San Antonio and bring you to and from his office in Mexico. My wife was with me and his assistant Jessica walked with her everywhere' date=' everytime she ventured out and made sure she was good to go. At no time did she feel threatened or scared. I simply cannot put into words how much I would recommend this man. He ONLY does three surgeries a day unlike others in Mexico who are hurding 10 people a day like cattle in and out. I highly recommend you check out his YouTube Videos and if you have any specific questions please let me know and I'll be more than happy to help you out anyway possible.[/quote']

Thanks Sergeant! The more I hear about him the better I feel. Are you pleased with your results?

I cannot put into words how pleased I am. When I started this journey I was 269 lbs. Today I'm 209 and still moving downward. You can also head over to Obesity Help and read TON's of reviews on him. I just posted one Keep the faith and God's Speed in your endevor.