I have diabetes, renal damage and have had 10 eye surgeries to keep from going blind.My insurance denied the lap band. I went to Mexico and had a wonderful experence. Being a Paramedic I was very educated on procedures and how surgery should be done. I was very impressed with my surgeon.I paid $8,500.00 that was $1000.00 higher but I took 2 people with me (my husband and a Paramedic),I will go back if I need any more procedures done. You can have a band put in that is approved in the states so that you do not have to go back for fills. I was banded 11/11/05 and have lost 48 lbs.