I would recommend starting by going to two or three seminars in St. Louis and finding a doctor that you like and feel comfortable with. Insurance may cover it and it may be excluded, (which is a whole different subject that requires lots of discussion). If it's excluded by your insurance the costs seem to be consistently around $16,000.00. That's for the hospital and doctor and pretty cheap for changing your life. My last colonoscopy was over $4000.00.
Get information, talk to support people and if you can find someone who has had the procedure. We saw an aquaintace whom we hadn't seen in a few months and she looked so good. When we asked what she did she was very proud to tell us Lap Band. We've seen her again and just seeing her is an inspiration.