Dr. Guillermo Alvarez, Piedra Negra, MX

[AmyInOrlando 348]

I've chosen Dr. Alvarez as my Surgeon.... hope it was a good decision. Surgery is scheduled for August 1, 2013.

[aliekat55 157]

He was high on my list. then I found someone much closer in NC. (I live in Baltimore) otherwise I would have made the trip to Piedras Negras. my spanish is pretty good and i would have enjoyed trying it out. Perhaps if my sleeve is as good as I hope I will go to mexico for a paniculectomy. enjoy the process!

alex

[TheNewSusie 471]

Made a fantastic choice! He is amazing and his passion is helping people like us. Sleeved last July by him and down 81 pounds, 19 more to go!!

[phantompouch 19]

Amy: Wishing you good health and the very Best of Luck in your upcoming surgery!

My feeling is that if you could find a fine surgeon in the USA, that would be better......how did you come to choose this 'surgeon' in Mexico ? Have you looked at his CV and experience? All the very best-wishing you much success !

[aliekat55 157]

CV and experience is amazing. I am not convinced that simply by being a US surgeon they are better. I would argue that the best outside the US would match the Best in the US. the trouble of course is identifying the best in either location. I looked carefully and the reports by patients and how the surgeons responded after the surgery is an important data point.

My biggest issue with traveling is that the surgeon is not readily available if a problem develops, but that was not sufficient for me not to travel. The rate of problems seems to be lower than for Gall bladder surgery and I am familiar with how low that is.

IMHO

alex

[MCM13 87]

I've chosen Dr. Alvarez as my Surgeon.... hope it was a good decision. Surgery is scheduled for August 1' date=' 2013.[/quote']

We are going to him too. We're scheduled 9/30. I'll follow your progress.

[Scared@#@#less! 20]

Loved Dr A. Great choice. I was sleeved march 1st. Wonderful team!

[stephanie1678 80]

Amy: Wishing you good health and the very Best of Luck in your upcoming surgery!

My feeling is that if you could find a fine surgeon in the USA, that would be better......how did you come to choose this 'surgeon' in Mexico ? Have you looked at his CV and experience? All the very best-wishing you much success !

Why do you think it would be better to find a surgeon in the US?

I had my surgery scheduled with a local surgeon, until I did more research. He uses a 46 french bougie, and has done 36 sleeves. That was enough for me to run as fast as I could. Looking at more experienced surgeons after that, I would have had to travel for ANY of them. At that point, I wanted one of the best. I considered Dr Cirangle in San Francisco (decided not to go to him for various reasons that made me uncomfortable), Dr Alvarez and Dr Aceves. I chose Dr Aceves. IMHO any of those 3 are great.

[phantompouch 19]

Best Wishes on your surgery..... ! I am having it done in NYC..just waiting for an answer from the insurance company........

[AmyInOrlando 348]

I'm a month out now.... Surgery is on Aug. 1st. I'm still hoping someone having the surgery by by Dr. A the same day will find this post. I'm going to Mexico alone and having a sleeve Brother or Sister will make the next month a lot more reassuring and comfortable.

[Amanda D Greeson 15]

I'm a month out now.... Surgery is on Aug. 1st. I'm still hoping someone having the surgery by by Dr. A the same day will find this post. I'm going to Mexico alone and having a sleeve Brother or Sister will make the next month a lot more reassuring and comfortable.

I hate you have to go alone I am scheduled the 9th with Dr. Alvarez hope you fine someone with the same day. I am lucky to have my mom going with if it wasn't for her I would be going alone I have 4 kids and hubby has to stay home with them. Best of luck to you

[AmyInOrlando 348]

Amanda... I'll be fine, I've already been in touch with Nancy. We'll be having surgery the same day. I feel like when I get to San Antonio, I'll be meeting up with an old friend. We'll travel to MX together and be there for each other through the whole process. Between her and Dr. Alvarez's staff, I don't think I'll feel alone at all.

[gamergirl 4,610]

I too chose him for August 2nd. I was down to 3 different Mexico doctors, all of whom had great track records. What decided me on Alvarez was how responsive his office was. I reached out to all at the same time. To date, I have heard NOTHING from the other two's offices. I have filled out the online contact forms for all, and also left a voice mail at one.

In contrast, I have 8 emails from Susan within 48 hours, 1 phone call, health forms done, approval received, surgery scheduled. Responsiveness is important to me, given that the surgeon is in a different time zone, city/country etc. and I am hoping their speed to respond now is indicative of how they would react were I to need something after the surgery.

[AmyInOrlando 348]

Susan has got to be the most patient person in the world. She is so kind, supportive and understanding. I'm a Psych Nurse, and I can only hope that my Patient's feel the same way about me. Maybe dealing with Patient's over the phone and only one at a time makes it easier, but she is definitely my role model as a Patient Advocate. Dr. Alvarez did her sleeve too, so she's the perfect cheer leader for him as well.

[buckeye_girl40 203]

I totally agree.... Love , love Susan!!!! We still communicate and I'm 8 months out

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