I just joined today. I am going to Mexico. I was in the same boat. I had it all planed out and had paid out of pocket for all of the pretests just to be told that my insurance would not cover it. So....I am taking out a loan and going to a very reputable Dr in Mexico. I was so disapointed about what had happened. The day I found out I wasn't covered was the day that I quit looking at anything that had to do with lapband. I thought it just wasn't meant to be. Call it divine intervention, that I just happened to be looking on the internet and found this Dr. Ortiz. I am scheduled for November 21. Good luck to you on your journey and self pay, we are soooo worth it!