Hi there, I am interested in going to Mexico for VSG and was leaning toward Dr. Alvarez. I read there is a State Department warning to avoid all non-essential travel to Piedras Negras as of July 2013. While I am not a timid traveler, State Department warnings do have some credence. Can anyone tell me (who has been there recently - after the disruptions which began this summer) what they think of the safety in the city and the safety of the trip? It seems there have been some large gun battles in the streets in broad daylight...Thanks for letting me know your experiences.

This is what the warning says: "Coahuila: You should defer non-essential travel to the state of Coahuila. The State of Coahuila continues to experience high rates of violent crimes and narcotics-related murders. TCOs continue to compete for territory and coveted border crossings to the United States. The cities of Torreón, Saltillo, Piedras Negras, and Ciudad Acuña have seen an increase of violent crimes within the last six months, including murder, kidnapping, and armed carjacking." The link is here if you would like to look at the whole warning: http://travel.state.gov/travel/cis_pa_tw/tw/tw_6033.html

Hi I just sleeved by Dr. A on Sept 27, 2013. I thought it seemed to be safe. You are only going over the border a mile or so. You will see people on foot as well as a lot of cars. I even walked to a few restaurants a few blocks from the hospital to sit with others while they ate. I was not scared at all. The town is a little run down but there was a lot of outside activity. The hospital is older but clean. My recovery has been very easy. Any other questions feel free to ask.

I personally would not risk. Look into Tijuana.

Hi I was sleeved there Sept 12th. I had no issues at all. I even walked around outside the hospital. Dr. Alvarez is a talented surgeon. I felt completely safe on each journey of my trip. The hotels I stayed at were clean and very comfy. I went alone and would do it a thousand times over. Good luck to you in whatever decision you make.

I personally would not risk. Look into Tijuana.

If you clicked on the link Tijuana was on there as well.

I was just sleeved by Dr. Alvarez October 4 , 2013. No issues for me. Very professional Dr. and didn't have any problems.

So glad everything went well.

Thanks for the updates. So glad everyone had a good impression of safety. I am pretty sure I am going here! My husband thinks it will be fine as well, so going with it!!

Thanks for the updates. So glad everyone had a good impression of safety. I am pretty sure I am going here! My husband thinks it will be fine as well, so going with it!!

Hello!

When so you plan on going? I'm scheduled with Dr. Alvarez for November 22nd. I plan on driving to eagle pass from Houston with my husband and I'm a nervous wreck!.

Hello!

When so you plan on going? I'm scheduled with Dr. Alvarez for November 22nd. I plan on driving to eagle pass from Houston with my husband and I'm a nervous wreck!.

No need to worry :-) Dr. Alvarez, Rosie, Susan, and all the people at the hotel and hospital will take very good care of you. I went alone and had a very good experience.

I had my sleeve October 4, 2013 with Dr. Alvarez. No problems at all. Very kind Dr. and staff was great!!

I had my sleeve October 4, 2013 with Dr. Alvarez. No problems at all. Very kind Dr. and staff was great!!

That's great! How are you feeling post op?

Not too bad....stomach very bloated and swollen. I keep getting red and hot on cheeks, ears, and chest but Dr said it was common in fair skin people. Other than that glad it's over, happy to be home and great full for the new life I have been given by God and my Dr.

I've had surgery in Acuna and surgery in Juarez and my last surgery was in TJ and we loved it so much in TJ we stayed and vacationed some.

I am a nervous wreck too! I just upped the date and I am going Oct. 26th... I can't believe it actually!