Hi my name is Erika and this is my first thread. I am looking into getting the lap band done for about 2 years and have a few questions. First has anyone payed out of pocket and about how much is it? I also hear a lot of things that scare me about the surgery like the band being to tight or slipping and it being painful, should I worry? I was also wondering what my first steps should be in getting the surgery done? I am 21 years old and weigh 275lbs, I was just wondering if this is my best option? Someone please help. :-)