Hey Sunshine! The lap band controls your intake of food but can be adjusted to suit your needs. The plication limits your food intake but can not be adjusted. My insurance covered the plication as long as I do it in conjunctioin with the band. My doctors says it is the most effective way. The plication helps you get the weight of faster and the band helps to sustain the weight loss. Most insurances don't cover the plication alone but will if you do the banding as well. Hope this helps! Good Luck!