Hi there! I am in Jax as well. I just joined this group today after reading all the posts for the last few months. I am scheduled to be banded on Feb 20th by Dr. Herrera at St. Vincent's, he was recommended by my Endocrinologist. I had my endo send my letter of medical necessity, I requested one from my PCP as well though I am not sure if it was ever sent. I first saw Herrera in Oct at the required seminar and was approved by BCBS of SC in late Jan. I was told to follow-up with my docs for the letter 30 days after the initial request to them. Don't get discouraged, I thought for sure I would not be approved due to not having any co-morbidities. I know at St. Vincent's you are required to pay a $500 administrative fee and they do the hounding for documentation and paperwork submittals for you. It is a very quick process once you get approval. I started the pre-op diet Friday (no fun!) and it seems like just yesterday I began the whole process.