I am thinking about getting banded and I have Pacific Care Insurance in Southern CA. I did call once to see if they cover the proceedure and they said they did. What is the 1st step to take to get started? Do I go see my family doctor and get reffered? I am at 33.4 BMI but I had and aortic dissection Jan 2008 and I am not able to loose the weight like I should with exercise and such because I am not supposed to get my heart rate up and it is very hard for me. I have spoken with my doctor(s) and they all are ok with it. So I need to get some advise.