My BMI is 33 and i was also self pay. I when to Tijurana, Mexico because here in Los Angeles the cost was 15k. I save a chunk of money and drove to Tijuana which is 2hours drive. I am a size 14 and aiming for size 4. I been on a roller coaster since 1996. I have lost on my own 70lbs but is hard doing it.. i took diet pills, starved, workout like a crazy woman, vegan, low calorie, jenny craig, you name it i had done it. i want something pertmant that can help me stay at a steady weight. people were telling i was crazy for doing the surgery because i wasnt fat enought , but they had no idea all my body discomfort from carrying all this extra weight.
Good luck with your banding