My first impression of Dr. A was..."What
a super nice guy!" My impression of him only got better as
time went on. He is so kind, caring, compassionate, and truly sincere
and genuine. He has a way about him of making you feel so comfortable
from the minute you meet him. I have never been made to feel at
such ease with any other doctor. After arriving to his office,
he met with us and went over any last minute questions. He explained
everything he was going to do every step of the way. He always
kept us in the loop so we knew what to expect. He was extremely
attentive and visited me several times a day to see how I was doing.
He was receptive to my concerns and questions and was extremely
efficient at making me feel very comfortable. He also took excellent
care of my friend... (who came along with
me for support) and got sick while I was in the hospital. Dr. A's
surgical competence and bedside manner are absolutely fabulous.
I would rate him a 9 out of 10 and this has nothing to do with
competence or bedside manner. The only reason I can't give him
a 10 is because he is so far away. If he was in the States and
closer to my home, he would be a 10+++.
Bethany
Dr Alvarez and his whole team are
everything and more that everyone says he is. Kindness radiates
from his smile. There is kindness in the simplest touch. His team
is professional, compassionate and very kind. Dr A. is through
in explaining the procedure, the before care, the after care, the
diet to follow. I can't imagine there is a better surgeon out there
who cares as much for his patients as Dr A does. Dr A bedside manner
was second to none, as was his competence with the knife.
Tiffany Temple
I guess it I am like
many of the others. I was always "the fat girl".
I was 100lbs by the time I was in the 3rd grade. However,
I was a healthy kid. Wasn't very active, didn't have many
friends, because I was often teased. I was stood up by
a prom date, because him asking me was a joke, people wanted
to see my reaction. I was even forced out of my clothes
and walked across the stage of my graduation with only a slip
pulled up over my breast because I didn't have a white dress.
Little did they know that in 1994, there weren't many places
like there are today that sell plus size clothes…yet alone,
a white dress.. College wasn't much better, I did get my first
boyfriend who liked me for me, and the teasing calmed down a
bit, however, my life was miserable. At 300, I was unable
to do many things that my college peers were doing. If
I did go to the beach, I was often starred at, and I stopped
going when someone mentioned, "why is she wearing that".
Roller coasters were out of the question, and walking for long
periods of time…man forget about it. Due to my lack
of social life and male life(boyfriend lasted a couple of years)
I was able to concentrate and graduate college. Graduated
and had a kid. The males in my life always said "you
have a great smile", but I was often not their type, or
more of a sister. In 2005 Dad got sick. He was 400lbs, a
diabetic and I saw myself going down the same road I being 40
lbs under him, and 32 years younger than him. We both attempted
our last diet together. We both failed, but he didn't live
to talk about it. Scared, I started doing some research. I
found a company that specialized in the surgery I was looking
for. I checked out Obesityhelp.com to see some before and
after stories and read some pictures. All of
my family was skeptical about the surgery and was telling me "it's
not for the best". My insurance company wouldn't cover
me because the school I work for didn't include the "weight
loss surgery clause". I decided to go ahead and have
the surgery. I flew to Texas where an assistant picked
me up and drove me to my hotel room. It was a nice room,
no problems here. There were many local restaurants so
I decided to have my last meal around 9pm at McDonalds. The next
morning I was picked up and driven across the border of Mexico
to the Centro Medico Piedras Negras. I was provided a translation
sheet to some of the most popular Spanish phrases that you would
need to use after surgery. I met with the nurses who took
blood and were extremely caring, better than some American nurses
I've dealt with. I met with Dr. Alvarez who told me everything
that was going to happen during the surgery. He was
extremely friendly, speaking to me eye to eye because he was
sitting at the opposite end of the bed.His English
was remarkable. You could hear the accent, but I was very
impressed. He set down and talked to me a Sometime
around 2pm I ended up having surgery. I thought it would
have been earlier, and by this time, my almost 300lb self was
starving and still fasting. I remember being transported
from about 3 different beds before I ended up in the operating
room. Dr. Alvarez and another doctor talked to me the entire
time to make sure I was calm, because boy was I nervous. Foreign
hospital, no one except one person, and she wasn't a family member,
knew where I was, I scheduled this to happen in 2 weeks after
contact AAAAAAHHHHHH. After I woke up from surgery, I remember
the first thing I thought was, hmm…that's odd…I'm
not hungry. Then I went back to sleep. The next morning,
and my stomach was EXTREMELY SORE, like I did about 5,000 sit
ups.. I was offered ice chips and mango jello for breakfast.
Blah…never
liked mango, but again was surprised, I wasn't really even hungry.
I was told to so some walking…and I'm naturally stubborn,
so I didn't walk that much the first day. The second day
I walked around and was later released where I went back to my
hotel room. Had some flight problems but eventually made
it home. I had surgery on Thursday, and was able to go
back to work on Monday. I had little complications, but
that's what happens when you leave your antibiotic in your luggage
and your flight is canceled. After surgery was hard. It
took me a little bit just eating soup. For the first several
months, you will sip sip sip sip sip sip. I thought I would
be sipping for life…but trust me, it goes away. One
still sips, but not one sip and then break lol. My
taste buds did play with me for a while. Foods like corn
flakes, milk, orange juice, bread, sugar, and ground beef didn't
taste right. Sugar I just couldn't do at all. After
about 10 months or so, and the foods tasted right again – McDonalds,
for some reason still doesn't. I did pick up many good
eating habits, like peaches , pears, oranges, greens, fish and
pasta salad were things I didn't like until after surgery. I
was told to start eating over again like you were a child trying
new things. The hardest thing about this surgery is the
fact that I had to try different things (and I lost my boobs
lol). I am one that gets set in her ways J When I
want a sandwich, I take one slice of bread and cut it in half,
width wise, so you have 2 very thin slices of bread. All
sugary drinks, I have to water down. That might seems strange,
but it's good to me that way. I would of NEVER of done
if before. My 2 cups of sugar per 2 quarts of koolaid have
turned into 1 /2-3/4 cups of sugar or 1 cup of splenda per 2
quarts. I eat very little, but I'm satisfied. Sometimes
I have to remind myself to eat, because I'm just not hungry like
I use to be. I have energy like never before. I
can't keep the men off me, or asking for a date. I haven't
really dated much in my bigger days, so many times I don't know
how to take a compliment. I often still think like a big
girl, thinking something won't fit, etc. I have tried to
ride every roller coaster that I couldn't get on. It was
funny the first time I sat in the seat of Apollo's Chariot and
it actually clicked shut, I literally gasped. If I had
the chance to do it over again, I would…in a heartbeat.
I'd tell more people than what I did. Even though the hospital
did have vonage and wireless internet access, I would of brought
a cell phone with international access. Other than that,
it was the greatest investment of my Iife!!!!! I fluctuate
between 152-158lbs and I'm 5' 8". My confidence and
self esteem has NEVER been this great. My blood work is
ok…I have a little low ferritin, but my doctor recommended
an over the counter supplement for iron and that should do it.
I don't have too much excess skin, but it's there. I'd
rather have that, than the fat I did have. I'm a
new person and I do owe it to you Dr. Alvarez for changing my
life!!!
Larry Reynolds.
I must say WOW when talking about
Dr. G. Alvarez. This Dr. is truley amazing. I met Dr. A the morning
of my surgery 05/14/07. He is so friendly, easy to talk to/with.
He discussed what he is going to do. I had a prior surgery back
in 99 for a hiatal hernia. That procedure was called a Nissen Fundiplication.
That was an open incision. Dr. A explained how he will perform
the VSG on me. It was time to go into the OR. I was talking to
him as he was scrubbing up and preparing for surgery. I was thinking
to myself, theres no Dr. in the US that would do what Dr. A is
doing. Dr. A is so pleasant, very personable, very compassionate,
and extremely professional. after surgery, he helped me get off
the gurney and back into bed. He came in several times to check
on me and all was well. When I... [Click here for more] woke, I
wasn't sure if surgery was even done. I had NO PAIN AT ALL. I had
to pull my gown up to convince myself something had been done.
The day afetr surgery, 05/15/07 was my 42nd B-day. Dr. A came in
with balloons and wished me a happy birthday and talked with me
for a bit. Again, No Dr. in the US would do that with a patient
unless your insurance was going to pay. I feel a great connection
with Dr. A. He has certainly changed my life for the better. My
advice to future patients, go with confidence. Dr. Alvarez is a
GREAT surgeon. He will treat you extremely well. I would do it
all over again with Dr. A. Feel free to contact me if you ahve
any questions regarding my journey in this. I have gone from 330lbs
to 267lbs in 12 weeks. Dr. A. keep up the good work. This is certainly
your calling. UPDATE: It is 2/29/08 and I have lost 102lbs and
feel great! It's been 9 months and thanks to Dr. A I will be alive
in 30 years. I am anxious to see Dr A again next month in San Antonio.
He's AWESOME!
Dr. Alvarez is a wonderful surgeon
and person. He and his team are very warm, personable, and accommodating.
The whole trip was very fast and everything was taken care of.
Everyone said how much they liked Dr. A, but you don't really know
how great he is until you meet him :) Besides being a very warm
and friendly person he is very skilled at what he does, and my
recovery time was very quick. I was walking outside the day after
surgery, and never had any pain. I would recommend him to anyone
considering the VSG.
Cindy Ferrell.
I had spent months trying to get
approved for lapband surgery. Within that time I began to have
serious doubts about whether lapband was my best choice. Then someone
mentioned vertical gastric sleeve. I did research and through my
research I learned about Dr. Alvarez. So I called and spoke to
Susan his Coordinator. She was very helpful and nice and she put
up with my nerves. And let me tell you I was nervous. I scheduled
my surgery for September 18, 2007. I eargerly and nervously looked
forward to my date. Could this really be the tool that would change
my life forever? My experience was a 10+. We met Dr Alvarez the
morning of our surgery. I remembered being so nervous. But when
I met Dr Alvarez he answered my questions and concerns and he calmed
me down. He is... [Click here for more] an excellent surgeron.
The care in the hospital was great. Dr. Alvarez was wonderful.
Checking on me several times each day while at the hospital. Even
checking on me before surgery. I can honestly say that I had no
pain. Just a bit of discomfort. But no real pain. As we were getting
checked out of the hospital Dr. Alvarez gave us each a big hug
wishing us sucess with our new tool. He sent instructions and medications
for us to take with us. And he gives you a surgical report to take
to your Doctor here in the states that describes exactly what he
did in the surgery. And I can call or email Dr. Alvarez or Susan
his Coordinator and they get back to you right away with any questions
I may have. It has been 1 month since my surgery. I am down 19
pounds. I have not been hungry. I LOVE MY SLEEVE. So if you are
thinking of having Vertical Gastric Sleeve and you are considering
Dr. Alvarez, I would recommend that you do not hesitate. He and
his staff are the best you could ask for. It is the best thing
I have ever done for myself!!!
Like most
people, I have been LARGE all of my life. I did not weigh or
measure before the surgery, which I know wish I had done. I
weighed approximately 475 lbs, wore 56/58 pants and 4X/5X shirts.I
was diabetic and had extreme hypertension. I was taking 15
pills a day, and still had severe hypertension. My insurance
copay for all of the medicine was approximately $600.00 if
I filled all of them at one time, so I would split the refills
over 3 months. I could not get out and play with my daughter,
or work around the house like I wanted to. So on May 27, 2007
I changed my life, for the better, by traveling to visit Dr.
Alvarez. My wife and traveled to Eagle Pass and spent the night
in the Holiday Inn Express. The next day, Rosie picked us up
and carried us across the border to Dr. Alvarez's office where
we were met by Dr. Alvarez who explained the procedure to us
in detail, alleviated our fears and concerns and then he walked
us to our hospital room and checked me into the hospital. While
in the hospital, we were provided a cordless phone for our toll
free use, so we could call friends and family. After surgery,
Dr. Alvarez checked on me and then left me in the care of the
nurses. We did not speak Spanish, but the handout of common questions,
with Spanish translations, worked great, we could show the nurses
and they then knew what we needed. The next morning he arrived
and released me from the Hospital and Rosie drove us back to
Eagle Pass. I asked Dr. Alvarez to secure me a room in San Antonio
and we drove to the Hotel, stopping along the way to walk, and
spent the night and drove back home the next day. I was off work
for that first week and went back to office work the next Monday.
I have learned that being a LOSER is great. My journey is not
over, but as of today, I have lost 173 lbs. I now wear size 40/42
pants and XL/2XL shirts. I have the energy to do things I have
always wanted to do. I am even taking horse riding lessons, along
with my daughter. I am now off all of my medicines except four.
My natural birthday is June 9th, but May 28th is my new birthday.
I cannot express how much better I feel and only wish I had done
this sooner in my life. Thank You, Thank You, Thank You, Dr.
Alvarez.
Jimmy
Sherri Padgit
Hi...My name is Sherri. I have
been overweight the majority of my life. In the past 8 years
though the weight really climbed up until I reached 300lbs
and am only... just barely 5 feet tall. I did not have
much of a life at that weight and would cry daily because of
the pain in my body. In August 2007 I had the Vertical
Sleeve Gastrectomy surgery with Dr. Alvarez. I chose to go
to Mexico because I was self pay and also because of all of
the fantastic reviews Dr. Alvarez had. Susan George his coordinator
set everything up for me and she is just wonderful to work
with. As you can see by my before and after photos I look like
a completely different woman now. To date I have lost 108 pounds
in just a few short months! I feel so much younger and alive
and I feel like for the first time in my life that I am actually
living! No more crying because I hurt...I may cry sometimes
only because of this wonderful transformation and this new
life that is ahead of me. There just are not enough words to
describe how I feel and the gratitude I feel for Dr. Alvarez!
He is a surgeon who truly is passionate, caring and all about
helping people get their weight off. Thankyou! If anyone would
like to ever contact me you can email me at sherrigirl98@yahoo.com.
Amy Hourritier
My Whole Mexico experience went
beyond my expectations! Let me start of by saying everything
is so well coordinated from Rosie picking us up at the Airport
to the Hotel Stays And the operation, to the day we leave.
Dr Alvarez is such a Amazing surgeon and wonderful person ,
its incredible how he makes you feel at ease once to get to
talk to him in his office. My Mom and I felt so confident in
him. He comes and visits you a lot after surgery. You can be
confident in what he says is exactly how it is going to be,
for example, I had a bit of a sore throat after surgery and
he said he was going to give me some anti inflammatory meds
for that and in 48 hours it will be back to normal and sure
enough that's exactly how it went. He does all the possible
to make you and your guest feel comfy . I have never met a
doctor quite like him. Yes, The hospital is a older hospital
with old style ways but very clean, and the nurses take very
good care of you. and when we where there, they were constructing
4 new suites just for his patients I am pretty sure they are
going to be great! I am so very happy I chose Dr Alvarez to
perform my V.S.G.
Mike and Misty
D
My wife misty and I are thrilled
with our results from our surgeries with Dr. Alvarez. She
got the Lapband and I got the Sleeve Gastrectomy…as we
enter 2008 we are down a combined 220 pounds! We cannot
say enough wonderful things about Dr. Alvarez and his staff
there in Piedras Negras. The facilities, procedure, and
care were first class all the way! Dr. Alvarez is not
just a wonderful and skilled Doctor but a very caring person. Not
only is he our doctor, but also our friend. He has made
it possible for us to make great healthy changes in our life,
but also adding quality and many years to our lives. We
can never thank him enough! Have any questions, feel
free to email us! Mike and Misty D misty@mymexicopsjourney.com
Hi. My name is Monica and in
February 2006, I underwent lap-band surgery with Dr. Alvarez.
As you can see in my before and after photos, this surgery
has made a world of difference in my life. I have lost 100
pounds! I am able to move about much easier with less strain
on my joints and I am just loving life again. I would highly
recommend this surgery to anyone looking to make changes in
their own life and as long as you know this is a "tool" and
you have to do your part, then anyone can do this. Thank you
Dr. Alvarez for helping me regain my health and happiness in
my life.
Willie
My name is Willie. I was a patient that had
undergone lap-band surgery in Monterrey MX. and I weighed over
350 pounds. I lost 70 pounds with the lap-band but eventually
had to have it removed due to terrible reflux problems. I underwent
a revision surgery in October 2006 with Dr. Alvarez. He removed
my lap-band and converted it to a sleeve gastrectomy (VSG).
At that time I weighed 290 pounds. To date I have now lost
110 pounds and I feel so good. I have had no complications
and no more reflux. For me, it was the right choice to make
to take care of my reflux problem and help me continue to lose
the weight I needed too in order to become a healthier person.
My thanks to Dr. Alvarez for helping me.
Susan George
My name is Susan. I was banded in May 2005 in
Monterrey Mexico. I had high hopes that the band would take care
of my obesity issues once and for all. In January of 2006, I
began to have some issues with my port and ultimately it was
deemed I had an infection. I had only managed to lose 35 pounds
with the band and was becoming more and more discouraged despite
doing everything right. In July of 2006, I had to have my Lap-band
system removed due to severe infection and inflammation. I was
told I would have to wait another 3 months to heal before I could
consider any further WLS. I had the option of placing a Lap-band
again or going with the VSG. Since I felt I had already been
through enough with the band and was tired of all the maintenance
issues of it and the foreign object issue, I decided to have
the VSG. The worst part of waiting was the fact I had gained
back my 35 pounds I had lost with the band.
In September of 2006, I had the VSG surgery performed with Dr.
Alvarez and his associates. It has made a world of difference
to me and I am within 8 pounds of my goal. Losing weight with
the VSG has been effortless, I have had no problems whatsoever
and I feel like a new person. In my own humble opinion, anyone
considering a surgical procedure for weight loss should consider
this surgery.
It works and I have never looked back. Thanks again for changing
my life in more ways than one!
Dr. Alvarez has the best bedside
manners I've ever experienced. He was extremely knowledgeable.
He came to visit me several times each of the 2 days I was
in the hospital. He shows genuine concern for his patients.
As for his surgical competence, the man is just awesome. My
5 incisions are very small and neat. I have had no pain from
them at all. I was up and walking the day after surgery with
no problems. I'm 5 days post op and I have resumed to my normal
activities. I would rate Dr. Alvarez a 20 out of 10. He has
exceeded my expectations of him. I would recommend him to anyone
having any weight loss procedure, especially the VSG. He has
performed hundreds of VSGs with no mortalities or leaks. He's
one of the best VSG surgeons in the nation.
Bobbie Wilson
My first impression was even better than
I had expected and I had HIGH expectations. It only got more
admirable over time. He was so attentive and went way above
the call of duty to make sure we had a great experience. The
support staff that I was fortunate enough to get to meet were
outstanding. There was nothing about him I did not like. And
I'm serious. He is the best. I can't imagine trying to get
one up on this man. He has a fairly strict aftercare and expects
you to adhere to it. This is extremely well laid out in written
pages of aftercare instructions that you are... [Click here
for more] given prior to your surgery so you will know what
is expected of you. He lists all the risks of the gastric sleeve.
Overall on a scale of 1 - 10 - I'd have to give this man at
25. He is totally awesome. Both his bedside manner and his
surgical competence are GREAT. Like I said earlier I had high
expectations BEFORE I let him operate on me and I am even more
impressed now that he has done my surgery.
