Good day ladies! For those having troubles with insurance I have a suggestion. Suburban Surgical Specialists in Hoffman Estates, IL will do the insurance footwork for you! They will make the calls and lift some of that stress off of you. I was banded with them in 12/2009 but had to have it removed in 11/2011. I have kept off 40lbs but still not where I want or need to be. I am looking at the sleeve that I call permanent banding...lol. However, I am on Medicare now and it isn't covered.....yet! I hope this helps....best regards!!!