Dr Alvarez in Mexico

[clydejr]

Hello to all, I am new to the site. I am looking into having the gastric sleeve and I have even begun the process with a local surgeon in Louisiana. I hear plenty of good things about Dr Alvarez, and of course how much cheaper it is but I was wondering if anyone could give me a ball park of the true costs, including flights, transportation, etc.

thanks Clyde

[tammy73]

I had my surgery done with Dr Alvarez on November 8th. The total cost of my surgery including 2 nights in hotel and 2 nights in hospital, surgery, meds etc was $8999. There was no surprise costs involved. They have you fly into San Antonio. My flight from Detroit to San Antonio was about $300 round trip. Rosie the driver picks you up in San Antonio and take you to your first night in Eagle Pass TX which is right on the border. It was a very nice hotel. You have a relaxing night in the hotel and she is back first thing in the morning to take you across the border to the hospital. Very easy process crossing the border. I was in the hospital 2 nights and then you are taken back to San Antonio where you spend you last night once again at a very nice hotel. I am 12 weeks post op and I honestly can say I would not change a thing. Dr. Alvarez and his team are amazing and I was very well taken care of. If you have any questions that I haven't answered please feel free to send me a message. Best of Luck.....Tam

[clydejr]

Hey Tammy, thanks or the response. Hope everything is going well for you. One last question i forgot to ask. Is there any kind of insurance or post op complications. The doctor I am looking at in the states includes a policy for 1 year post op in case of complications, of course that is for cash paying pt's.

Thanks again, Clyde

[swimhard4]

I hear only good things about him and he has been on this site before helping people with their questions! Seems to be very caring about his profession!

[tammy73]

I am not honestly sure about your question. I had arranged with my physician here in Canada that she would take care of me in case of any complications. I have had no complications by the way and I am doing wonderful. Dr A and his team are always there for you. I can send them an email and generally have a response within 15 minutes. The surgery was easy...no catheter, no drainage tubes. You have an interpetor there if needed. Most of the nurses spoke english and they take very good care of you. The hospital is older but very clean. Rosie the driver is so friendly and very nice......You will not have any problems with Dr A. He is a wonderful and very caring man........Good Luck and best wishes......By the way my surgery was 12 weeks ago, I have lost 50 pounds and this week started a weight loss boot camp that is brutal and I certainly wouldn't have been able to do that 50 pounds ago. It has changed my life.

[swimhard4]

Tammy, do you know how I can get a copy of his book? Would it do any good for me since I had my surgery 6 weeks ago?

[tammy73]

You can purchase his book by going on his website. Bariatric Surgery Mexico - Weight Loss Surgeon Mexico I ordered one for my friend in Australia and it took about 2 weeks to get to me in Canada. He will also autograph it if you like. I think it is a great book. Easy to read and lots of resources. I refer to my copy of it from time to time. Good Luck and enjoy the book if you decide to order it....Tam

[swimhard4]

Thanks, Just ordered the book! Its not expensive and sounds like it will have some good ideas!

[tammy73]

Awesome......I hope you enjoy it....

[cyndieph]

I received my book last week, read it in about 2 hours. Nothing in it that I didnt already know from my doctor. I was sleeved on 12/27/10. I thought it was a waste of money.

[sandyfromoz]

You can purchase his book by going on his website. Bariatric Surgery Mexico - Weight Loss Surgeon Mexico I ordered one for my friend in Australia and it took about 2 weeks to get to me in Canada. He will also autograph it if you like. I think it is a great book. Easy to read and lots of resources. I refer to my copy of it from time to time. Good Luck and enjoy the book if you decide to order it....Tam

HEEHEEHEE! Tammy, I'm like a little kid waiting on a letter from Santa

[gloeygirl66]

Dear Clyde,

I also had my surgery with Dr. Alvarez and was totally impressed. I have had 8 previous surgeries and have never had this kind of round the clock attention. His staff is very loving and attentive. Dr. A will sit, listen and explain during his rotations. He only has 2-3 patients in the hospital so he takes his time. He is not rushing like most US doctors do. He has his own set of rooms which have been remodeled just for his patients. Each room has wooden floors, a nice size bathroom, a US landline phone for free calls to the US, a TV, a refrigerator, computer, free wi-fi and a sofa sleeper for your guest. Also, his book was great and gave lots of information. It was my bible for the first month. Buy it beforehand so you can get well informed. His diets are more strict than other doctors, so his patients rarely have complications and lose weight faster. Best of luck!!

[corinne2u]

the cost is $8,999- and i live in fla so plane tickets for me and a guest were about $490 round trip. also the cost of getting a passport to get into mexico.