Has anyone used this |M.D., I have a leak somewhere & considering changing to a gastric sleeve. Does anyone know anything about him?

I had my Lap Band done with Dr Alvarez in November. He is great! His staff is wonderful. His patient coordinator Susan is always there if you need anything. The hospital is old and kinda scary at first but it was all in all fine.

I had surgery in March and a tighten in May since then I have not lost a pound. In fact I have gained a few pounds. I dont know why not. The surgeron I have will not tighten the band until I loose another 10 lbs. I do fight hunger this is getting a little digusting. Help! Any idea who might tighten the band in Houston Tx.

Has anyone used this |M.D., I have a leak somewhere & considering changing to a gastric sleeve. Does anyone know anything about him?

I wouldn't use him to do a revision from band to sleeve. A very high percentage of his patients who do this come back from Mexico without a sleeve. He tells them that their stomach is too scarred for it, but I think it's more likely that he doesn't feel he has the skill to do it since most other surgeons are able to convert bands to sleeves just fine for 99.9% of their patients.

I'm glad he's not like Huacruz and does them anyway and kills people, but I think it would be horrible to spend $5000 to get your band taken out and then not have enough money left to get a second opinion or second surgery.

If you want to do a revision, you need to go to a very experienced surgeon. In Mexico, I would recommend Dr. Aceves and Dr. Rumblaut to do this without hesitation. In the US, I'd go with Ganger or Cirangle/Jossart (LapSF). I'm sure there are others in the US, but these are the ones I know enough about to be willing to recommend them without hesitation.

I am a family practitioner in Texas and have known Dr. Alvarez for the past 3 years. He has been practicing close to three years now, it is a lie he has been doing it for 1 year. Personally have referred patients to him and all of them have had excellent results. The hospital is old but his clinic and level of training are outstanding. Highly recomend this surgeon.