Hi MeggieG, I am so happy you are doing this, so open to help others. I have my daughter who is 20 years old, lives at home, in 2nd year of University. I was banded on 3/27/07 @ Dr Ortiz (wonderful care). For me the hardest part is that 21 day of liquid (I cheat). My daughter would so much like to get a band, but I am afraid to spend that kind of money and for her not to adhere to the regimen. When she goes out with her friends, THEY EAT! So, I'm afraid that she would constantly force herself to eat, then vomit and get sick all the time. I also feel that anything you don't pay for, you do not appreciate. So, I told her to get a student loan, hoping that she would appreciate it more. What do you think?