I am self-pay also. The hospital I work at is a bariatric surgery "Center of Excellence" but the employee insurance plans specifically EXCLUDE bariatric surgery!!!! SO, I am going to Dr. Aceves in Mexicali, Mexico. He has a great reputation and has done hundreds of bands. The package is only $7,000 exclusive of airfare (about $600) but that is much less than the $20,000 out-of-pocket "employee discount" offered by my employer! Surgery date July 15th. All I had to fill out was 2 medical history forms and I was accepted. Can't wait!! Christine