Hi, I am from West Central Indiana. I live in a small town. I found Dr. McEwen through the Internet. I really liked him and his office helpers. They are all very professional and friendly. I will get my band on Aug. 8th and can't wait. I also am paying for this out of my pocket. My insurance company does not fill that I am worth it I guess. But my husband does. I start my pre-op diet tomorrow. So to all of you waiting I know how you feel. Whenever I saw that gastric bypass surgery commercial on TV when the lady says that you are my favorite doctor in the whole world, I wanted to cry. I wanted to feel like that too. With this site I feel I got alot of new found friends and supporters out there that really do care. Good luck to all and may we all be bless with what we want.