Hey Kimmi, I live in the Springfield, Mass area and had my lapband surgery on 8/17/06 at Bay State Medical, by Dr. Haag. I am an insulin dependent diabetic and take meds for hypertension, I choose to do the lapband because I don't need to lose over 100 lbs and I felt more comfortable with the less invasive surgery. I am now 30lbs less and I am taking less insulin, I was on two shots a day and I am down to one (only if needed do I take two shots), but the majority of the time I only take one and I feel so good. I am gonna see my doctor and ask if I can try getting on oral meds, and if all goes well I can get off of everything. My doctor told me that I should go for what ever surgery I felt comfortable with. I wish you all the luck with your decision. If you need a friend, let me know.