dont be bumded.... Here a suggestion to you. I was banded on the 13th april 09. I tried to go thur my ins and becas i was a low BMI. But at the same time i had high blood pressure, and sleep problems all of which i was taking meds 4, but till was denided.Even if my ins were 2 accept me my out of pocket was going to be $11,000. I researched it over the net and founded a Dr.Joya in Mexico, Puerto Vallarta.He was great , the hospital was very clean and actually better the US hospital that my sisiter went 2 for her band. Private rm and your own nurse.I was up and walking without help in about 3 hours.I went under at 11:30 and i was talking to my husband at 12:52 pm. I had very little pain and my scar is very mininum.All of this for less then i would have paid via my INS.THE TOTAL PRICE WAS $7000.00.I would do it again in a heart beat.after seeing my recovery i have two more friends that are going in the next month.Think about it.He's great.