anyone have info on Dr Guillermo Alvarez in Piedras Negras?

[cajun 46]

I am considering VSG.My medical Insurance will not cover the procedure so am saving up to pay myself. But I am doing research before choosing a physician.

Am wondering if anyone knows how Dr. Alvarez might compare to Dr Aceves? I read good things about both of them. Anyone know comparitive data on number of sleeves done, complication rate, infection rate, cost?

Thanks!

[kaykay 1]

I can't give you specifics. Maybe someone else can, but from what I've read on this forum and on another, the two doctors both enjoy very good reputations among their patients, and I have heard people say they believe you would be in good hands with either doctor. Both doctors' patients appear to be very loyal and supportive of their choice of physician. Regarding cost, I understand that the price is comparable of both of them, depending on what specials they are running. Cost of air fare might be a consideration.

Edited August 7, 2009 by kaykay

[Rosebud2 26]

One of the deciding factors for me is that Aceves is F.A.C.S. That was important to me.

Both doctors have very loyal followings. Personally, I liked having three days in the hospital for follow-up. A bit boring, but it put my mind at ease. If I had an emergency, I wanted medical staff right there (especially so far from home.)

[kaykay 1]

I will mention that I did see one patient of Dr. Alvarez on another board who was not totally happy with her experience. Felt she was given inadequate pain med and a couple of other fairlyminor things that didn't specifically relate to the surgery. This was the only patient I have ever seen that wasn't overwhelmingly positive so we don't know how valid that is, but felt I should probably go ahead and mention it.

Edited August 14, 2009 by kaykay

[MacMadame 81]

Oh, that's not the only one who wasn't overwhelmingly positive... that's why you have search around on all the boards.

[andi5285 0]

Oh, that's not the only one who wasn't overwhelmingly positive... that's why you have search around on all the boards.

I have in fact been reading many many many boards and posts. I really haven't seen anything negative having to do with Dr. Alvarez himself. As far as someone's pain meds...I saw one that said the nurse administered them too fast and it was painful. But that's the nurse, and I've had less than gentle nurses here in the states. I have also contacted several people that have used Dr. Alvarez and they have all be very positive and highly recommend him. I saw on another post you said he has had many leaks and a death. Would you be so kind as to pm and send me where you found that information b/c I cannot seem to come across it.

That being said, even the best of surgeons have complications now and then. The % of complications is probably more important than never having them at all. These men are not gods. If a surgeon has operated on 2000 ppl and lost one patient, obviously that is not awesome, but that is still a low risk. It also matters if the death was due to malpractice or negligence or just an unfortunate complication.

I cannot find information regarding a lawsuit against him or anyone who was not very pleased with him. If you know someone personally please ask them to contact me. I take it you do not have first hand knowledge with this doctor, so unfortunately I cannot accept your opinion as a fact. I have been looking for less than positive information, but that seems to be very hard to find. You are really the only person I have seen say anything like this regarding this doctor which is why I am asking you to provide me with more information.

I am researching Dr. Rumbaut too as I have heard he is very good. He has also had 1 death and a few leaks over the years of his practice. This is major surgery and it is a risk everyone has to accept going into it. I have a family member that died after an even less complicated procedure as this due to a clot. Its unfortunate but it happens.

[cajun 46]

When I was doing my research I had narrowed my choice down to Dr Alvarez or Dr Aceves. Both seemed very appreciated by their patients and I did not find any personal complaints other than the one person who complained about the pain medicine. She admitted to a lot of personal issues in her post so I did not hold that against Dr Alvarez.

I expect that both are good surgeons and really the decision is up to each person. However the things that made me end up choosing Dr Aceves were:

1. Dr Aceves had 18 years experience doing laparoscopic surgery, versus 3 years for Dr Alvarez. Being a nurse for over 30 years, senior citizen myself (62), I strongly value experience in the person who is cutting on me. Maybe that's my gray hair talking!:001_smile:

2. The hospital where Dr Aceves operates is a full service hospital, but it appeared to me that Dr Alvarez' was a lot smaller from what I could tell by online descriptions. I felt that a full service hospital, with an ICU, was essential in the event of some serious complication.

3. Dr Aceves has been elected to leadership positions by his peers several times, in his professional organizations. That tells me that he stays current and is a leader in his field. That gives me confidence in him.

Best of luck to you in your own decision. I'm sure you will choose wisely since you are certainly doing your research!

[andi5285 0]

Thanks, it really is a tough decision to make.

I live in Houston so I am able to drive to San Antonio to go to Dr. Alvarez. I am not sure I am going to want to fly after, plus the cost of tickets adds to the total cost. Dr. Aceves would certainly be on my list, but I figured if I was going to fly I'd rather go to Monterrey than San Diego since the flight is much shorter from Houston. I get claustrophobic and nauseated on planes as it is, I can't imagine if I'm in pain or not feeling well.

I'm sure you're more familiar than I am having been a nurse, but my understanding was that the number of surgeries was just as important. As in once they do over a certain number they are over the learning curve. Dr. Alvarez, so it says, has performed hundreds of the sleeves, which is better than a number of the surgeons here in Houston.

I agree that I want to be in a hospital not a clinic. The facilities in Monterrey, or even here in Houston, probably are superior, but from the people I've talked to the hospital is older but it is a full hospital. It is clean and the technology is updated.

I really wish I could go around and meet them all before hand!

[cajun 46]

If you are not in a rush to do the surgery, maybe you could take your next vacation and at least drive over to see Dr Alvarez and Dr Aceves. You would not have to drive in Mexico because both of them have a driver who picks up patients/visitors on the American side of the border and takes them across. Have some fun along the way. I have heard that they welcome visitors and am sure you would gain some information that would help you decide.

I read in research that once they have done over 300 they have fewer complications, so I agree with you on that. But since Dr Aceves has been operating for so long, I figure he has seen a lot more wierd stuff and knows what to do when just about anything happens. Anyway, when the doctor looks like a "kid" to me, (which a lot of doctors look like since I am getting "up there") I tend to feel worried that maybe they don't have enough experience to satisfy my high standards. Some would say I'm too particular...but that's me!

[andi5285 0]

LOL. Ah, well I guess my being young is an advantage. Most people are older and more experienced. But hey, having high standards sure never hurt anyone!

I was hoping to have the surgery in December between my school semesters, but driving down there one weekend might be a good idea!

[Malaika 50]

Andi, welcome to VST - we're happy to have you join us --

[cajun 46]

LOL. Ah, well I guess my being young is an advantage. Most people are older and more experienced. But hey, having high standards sure never hurt anyone!

I was hoping to have the surgery in December between my school semesters, but driving down there one weekend might be a good idea!

You can find information on their websites (see ads on this page) to call their coordinators and ask them to schedule an appointment with the surgeons to talk about their program, and to ask about being picked up on the American side. Best of luck to you in your research. As you read these forums, I'm sure you will come up with a good list of questions to ask them. Take a look at the post entitled "how to choose a mexican surgeon"...the search engine will find it for you.

Have fun on your trip!

[cajun 46]

" am researching Dr. Rumbaut too"

I don't see any listing of data on how many sleeves Rumbaut has done on the OH website...have you seen that site? Bariatric Surgeon Profile - Roberto A. Rumbaut, M.D.

Maybe the data there is old....but you could call and find out from his coordinator how many he has done.

[MacMadame 81]

I have in fact been reading many many many boards and posts. I really haven't seen anything negative having to do with Dr. Alvarez himself.

I've seen plenty. Here are two that stuck in my mind:

cuzimthebaby's Profile

http://www.obesityhelp.com/member/politicaljunkie2/uzone,blog/action,comments/blog_id,156709/blog_post_id,194651/

The later one stuck in my mind particularly because of the threat if she told people what happened to her.

[andi5285 0]

Thank you for finding a couple examples. The first one is a comment on the facilities and it was a year ago. I'm sure she's not making it up, but there are 200 other examples that say otherwise. So maybe it was a fluke and also I suppose things could have changed in a year. We wouldn't know unless we saw it ourselves. Though she did say she "LOVED" the doctor.

And the second does sound creepy, but there are always two sides to every story. If the nurses weren't wearing gloves when they put the IV in then why didn't she say something? I've been stuck plenty so that seems odd not to notice something like that. Her complication is unfortunate but that could've happened with any surgeon. Some people just have complications. And as to what he said, I don't know. I didn't hear it. Who knows he meant by that. She did say something and I guess I don't know if there were any consequences. Tone is very important and I could hear that meaning there could be consequences to his reputation, or I guess it could mean he'd send the cartel after her. I would really have to speak to her first hand and get more information. I'm not defending the man b/c I've never met him, but even you have to admit he can't possibly be an asshole all the time unless you believe all the people on here that are happy with him are lying. Maybe you do, I dunno. I have been reading all the posts I can find on here and these are the first two negative I have seen. I will keep reading for sure, but even elsewhere on the web I found a site that recommended Alvarez, Aceves, Joya, and Rumbaut for sleeves.

I suppose you are trying to be helpful by telling people what you've HEARD. But that's not the same as your experience. If you just say "well I've heard plenty" that doesn't really mean anything to anyone. Its great to have people's best interests at heart, but I think it would be better if you sent them straight to the source. Otherwise it just sounds like office gossip.

I know for most people who have to fly either way it probably doesn't matter that much which one they pick, but it is hard to just cross him off the list without talking to more people who've had negative experiences or visiting myself as it will be almost $1000 less than flying and I won't have to be uncomfortable on a plane. If he didn't seem to have the skill or as many people who are very happy then it wouldn't be hard to look elsewhere, but that is what is very conflicting.