I'm also going to Dr. Alvarez. I am scheduled for January 18th. I told my mom in sort of a tricky way. First when I told her I was looking into this surgery with a local Dr. I then casually mentioned that there's a doctor who'd I really like to go to, who is the best and wrote a book about it, but I just didn't know. I mentioned that the VSG is the only surgery he does and that he won't even do lapbands anymore because of the complications that go with the band. She asked more about the the doc I mentioned. I then explained that he is in MX and everyone just raves about him, but I didn't know about going to MX. I then threw in that not only is he better and more experienced, but he's also less expensive than this local doc I was considering. She said, she'd go to MX to the better doctor. I couldn't believe it! Never in a million years did I think my mother would be supportive. She is very afraid of me becoming a diabetic and having to have shots the rest of my life.

At first she thought I was rushing into it, but when I told her I was looking into the lapband 5 years ago, but after researching it, I decided against it because of the complications, she realized how long I have been struggling and researching this. She was adamently opposed to the lapband. I read lots of posts to her from people on this board (and reviews of Dr. Alvarez) and it seemed to convince her. I feel incredibly lucky to have her support!

That's awesome that she's so supportive! People are actually kind of ticking me off. "You did research this, right? Are you going to be able to let anyone know how you're doing?"

Naw, I just picked a guy out of the phone book in some 3rd world country and decided to let him poke some holes in me and mess around all up in my guts and I also decided to spend 2-3 times as much as other people to have it done, just for the heck of it!

Lol. This is why I have only old my mom and my husband. What is your surgery date? Would you mind telling me about your experience afterwards, since i'll be right behind you?

December 21st. I will definitely post about how things are going!

I have done my research and I have chosen Dr. Alvarez. I was thinking of choosing a Dr. in TJ, MX so my husband approached a person from MX who had just been to TJ and she said stay away!! I am going to heed her warning and go to Piedras Negras, MX which she said is beautiful. There is No WAY I can tell my Mom or Dad or my Brother (He's an RN). They just wouldn't understand... I will tell them after the fact! Hopefully they will forgive me for not telling them. I am shooting for surgery in Feb of 2014 and just applied for my passport card today. Would love to hear of others experience with Dr. Alvarez.

Hey sorry for the delay in replying. I"m almost never at this site anymore. You'll LOVE Dr Alvarez. He's a great surgeon and his staff is top notch!