mexico vsg Our experience with Dr. Guillermo Alvarez in Piedras Negras

[gamergirl 4,609]

My husband and I got sleeved last Friday, August 2, 2013 by Dr. Guillermo Alvarez and I wanted to post a review for those of you who may be considering him. We would recommend him without reservation.

The whole process was extremely smooth from start to finish. From calling and emailing to get the surgery scheduled to actually having the surgery, and then leaving, there wasn't anything that rankled, or made me think twice about our decision. I found them to be highly responsive to all our requests (starting with the incomparable Susan who typically responds within the hour to emails), and found them to be extremely professional, without being distant and uninterested.

When looking for doctors in MX, I had a few criteria that mattered to me. I wanted someone very experienced, whose complication rate was low, who operated in a hospital with an ICU and ER in case of emergencies, who seemed approachable and believed in educating patients. Dr. Alvarez is very experienced, posts his complication rates on his website, operates in a hospital, and is very approachable. Dr. Alvarez's presence on youtube, Facebook etc. speaks well to his view that education is as important as the surgery.

While in the hospital, we received very attentive care. We probably saw Dr. Alvarez at least 3 times a day after surgery. We also saw Dr. Gabriel 2-3 times a day. The anesthesiologist visited us before the surgery and then stopped by to check on us after the surgery. Nurses were in an out all the time. I mean ALL the time. Whenever we asked for something, we were accommodated immediately.

From what we could tell, the nurses in the hospital are not fluent in English. Dr. Alvarez compensates for that by having coordinators available at all times. We dealt with three individuals during our stay who were fluent in English and were available to us as soon as we rang the bell. They translated for us and led us around the hospital.

While I understand that everyone recovers at a different pace, I do think the surgeon's expertise has something to do with an easier recovery. I will say we have had relatively easy recoveries so far, considering what was just done to our innards.

I cannot think of what else they could have done to make us more comfortable throughout the process. Please PM me if you have any questions I can answer for you.

And in case you're wondering, no I didn't get paid to write this review. In fact, we paid them for two surgeries and I'm still writing this review

[AmyInOrlando 348]

Hi Urvashi, It was great meeting you and your Husband. Thanks so much for this post. You saved me a lot of typing. All I have to say is "DITTO". Unfortunately, I had to be one of "those people" with complications. I was surprised to wake up to find Dr. Alvarez found a large hiatal hernia he had to repair before he could do the gastrectomy. I would definitely recommend Dr. Alvarez to anyone considering this procedure. I was impressed with the attentiveness and professionalism of everyone. I'm sure I'll be jumping up and down in a few weeks, but right now I'm still pretty weak, the gastric reflux is very uncomfortable and the shortness of breath is a concern. I know it's all part of the healing process. My sleeve sisters are doing better with recovery then I am, but they are 10 years younger and didn't have the hernia repair. The worst part is getting down that liquid antibiotic, but tonight's your last dose. You will survive. Take care and stay in touch. Amy

[guate_mama05 64]

While I understand that everyone recovers at a different pace, I do think the surgeon's expertise has something to do with an easier recovery. I will say we have had relatively easy recoveries so far, considering what was just done to our innards.

gamergirl I think you are SO right about the expertise of the surgeon has something to do with recovery! I've thought that for a while myself!

Glad you and your husband had a wonderful experience and I wish you both continued successful recoveries!

[Kristin1969 57]

Thank you for this post - it was exactly what I've been looking for. I am having GS with Dr. Alvarez in 6 months - 02/10/2014. I am excited and nervous but so appreciate your post because it puts me at ease.

[Butterflyhigh 504]

Thank you for posting your story. I am researching doctors in Mexico and have a few questions:

Can you tell me a little about the transportation situation? Did you fly to San Antonio and then drive a rental car from there or did someone from the practice pick you up?

What was the hotel accommodations like, what hotel chain did you use?

Was there anything interesting in the surrounding Mexico area for my travel companion to check out? Was there any opportunity for the patient to sightsee?

Did you have a private room to recover in?

Thanks so much and I hope you are doing well in your weight loss journey!!!

[sbarbiegirl 109]

Thank you for posting your story. I am researching doctors in Mexico and have a few questions: Can you tell me a little about the transportation situation? Did you fly to San Antonio and then drive a rental car from there or did someone from the practice pick you up? What was the hotel accommodations like, what hotel chain did you use? Was there anything interesting in the surrounding Mexico area for my travel companion to check out? Was there any opportunity for the patient to sightsee? Did you have a private room to recover in? Thanks so much and I hope you are doing well in your weight loss journey!!!

I was sleeved by Dr. Alvarez 09.27.2013. I'm down 86 pounds. I could not be happier. You can fly to San Antonio Rosie the driver will pick you up and take you to Eagle Pass. You will stay at Holiday Inn. Nothing interesting to me in Mexico. You can walk on foot to a few stores or restaurant if you feel safe. You will have a cordinator to get your travel companion food or drinks. You can pay in American cash. You will have a private room. Let me know if you have any other questions.