sparker1

Did Dr Alanis tell you that the best way to use the band was to place it and leave it alone? That's what he said during my initial consult, I had to ask him to repeat because that was exactly opposite of all I've heard. He said that yes, the band will work without a fill. He is not against fills, and will do them if you stop losing weight, but that compliance with the program and getting your head straight were two of the most important things. I asked him "You're telling me that I can lose 100 pounds with this band just the way you put it in?" His answer was "Yes". Overall, I was very pleased with Dr Alanis, in fact, I liked him very much and felt quite comfortable with him. He struck me as caring and interested in his patients, even telling me under what conditions he would not perform the surgery. I was just wondering if anybody else had heard this, from any doctor, not just Alanis.

I think I'm misunderstanding something someplace. Does just having the band in place cause weight loss? When I read some of the posts, it sounds like some of you are losing weight without a first fill. Is that right, or am I just not understanding? I am not banded yet, but am going for my first visit with a surgeon on the 17th. That is one question I'll add to my list. Thanks

Thanks for the support. I guess it is really is a case of cold feet. Thinking about something and going through with it are 2 very different things. Or maybe just fear of the unknown. Its the same fear you have when you learn to drive and find out that it is about more than just looking cute behind the wheel. And maybe, fear that after so very many failures, you will fail at this too and then you really will be a failure. But after all the reading and research I've done I'm not going to throw in the towel before I at least meet the doctor. If I can ask you, when I go for this first appointment, what should I expect? I'm guessing it will be more about questions both his and mine than much else. Am I anywhere near close?

Yes! And I haven't really made a good start yet. I've been researching and reading and lurking at WLS websites since the 1st of the year. My primary care wrote a predetermination letter for me and last week, she got back the request for my full medical records and other information. Her office called me and told me that it was time to make an appointment with the surgeon. Well I did and today, the surgeons office called and said that my insurance had been verified with no exclusions and they can see me on the 17th. That is next Thursday. I wrote it in my appointment book and then thought to myself "what am I doing? I've must be out of my mind." Deep down I feel like I shouldn't have to resort to surgery just to be able to stop eating. Then I feel like a total loser because I can't stop. My brain is on overload and I am scared to death. Actually scared of death. Afraid to die during the surgery, and afraid the food will kill me with out the surgery. Then I see the conflicting reports here and on the other sites about how careful you have to be, how you can never eat certain foods ever again, how this thing or that causes unbearable pain-then again some people say that they eat anything with no problem, just anything at all. It all sounds crazy. But at age 50, I've dieted my way all the way up to 330 pounds and don't see any other way out, but oh boy am I terrified and so unsure that I can even go through with it. My feet are very, very cold.

Thanks for your info. Sounds good. Just found out today that UHC has no record of receiving the pre-determination letter from my doctor. They said that the doctor may have mailed the letter rather than fax it. Now I've got to get back with her and have the letter faxed. This not be too easy, I've already spent half an hour two different times today! Not giving up though.

I have not used him, yet, but my doctor told me that he was an excellent surgeon. I am still waiting for approval from UHC, but should be hearing any time. What did you think of him? Where exactly is his office? I've read on Obesity Help that his office was always packed, but those postings were from 2006 and earlier.