All I can say is WOW!!! I was banded Oct. 6th. I was absolutely terrified to say the least (was actually crying a little). He helped reassure me right before surgery and as I was ready to deal with all this pain...there was none. My abs felt tight like I did a ton of sit ups...but no pain. The incisions are small (2 pokes 1 really small one, 1 small one and 1 in the belly button). I had no gas pain so I am assuming he got rid of it before he closed me up {thank you :-)}. All I can say is Dr. Ali is absolutely awesome and if I had to do it again....I would definitely have Dr. Ali do the surgery.