" First off, Dr Alvarez is a hottie. As a kid I always thought Rick Ricardo was THE MAN. rnBut that is where the similarities end. rnDr Alvarez is a professional in all his words and actions. Very caring and gentle. I loved having him and his associate come to check on me in their suits and tie. A definite improvement over the white trench coats the states doctors use. rnrnLoved his pick of staff, all had good personalities, were knowledgeable, spoke good English. The nursing staff, while not good at English were sweet and we got through the language barrier with some pantomime gestures on my part. You do get a translation sheet, but I'm bad about loosing stuff. I'll definitely not win at charades!rnrnIf I had to choose something I didn't like about him? I'll get back to you on that one when I find something. rnrnAnyone thinking about going to Mexico for surgery, do your homework on choosing your doctor. Dr Alvarez is loved by us that have used him. The hospital is a short ride across the border and there was no wait in line at the check point. The hospital reminded me of an ole country clinic I used to go to when I lived in Oklahoma. Clean and functional. You got good strait forward medical care.rnrnIn my research I did notice that Piedras Negras was NOT one of the towns that had border problems. That relieved my mind on that issue. rnrnTheir after care program, they give you detailed instructions. A good thing for me, for I have gone back and re read them many times. And if you have any needs they are just a phone call away or you can shoot them an e-mail. Susan keeps in touch by e-mail checking on me. I have so little problems, don't have much to report except weight loss. But that isn't a problem :) rnrnSurgery risks are part of the getting yourself educated process. Watching the video of the operation gives one a pretty good visual of what is going to happen. I'd like to see more of the instrumentation but that is just my technical side. With any procedure of this type, there are risks but I think they are minimal as compared to where we are headed with all this extra \"fluff\". AND following your doctor's detailed instructions, to the letter, is imperative to correct healing and having success with our weight loss journey. rnrnRating Dr Alvarez is easy, a ten in my book. When its time for plastic surgery I'm calling him for his opinion on who I should contact. rnrnIn my case, Dr Alvarez's surgical competence was perfecto. I had minimal bruising, came though the procedure in good form. The incisions were small and are healing well. rnrnThe first day I only felt like getting up for a short trip to the bathroom. The second day, I was up and walking about every hour and a half with three trips walking up and down the hall. I think this helped me to make my trip home uneventful. rnrnMy barium procedure, where we checked for leaks was very interesting. I could see the outline of my new stomach and my new bling that I can't show anyone. Drinking the barium and watching it go down ~~ Yay! rnNO leaksrnrnThe ONLY negative thing I have to say......rnI wish my bathroom would have had a better shower head. The water pressure was good at the sink but the shower was less than stellar. So if you plan on showering, make sure you request a room with a good working shower!!rnrnRemember, these are my experiences, to do your research and don't hesitate to choose Dr Alvarez!!rnrn"
