Come over to the Lap Band Forum, you will get lots of answers there. I had Lapband on 4-1, in Tj. Mexico w/ dr. Corvala. I too went thru Beliteweight as well. They are wonderfull. As was the surgeon and hospital. I would do it again in a heart beat. I paid $8000. plus round trip airfare for me and hubby. I spent a total of 9200. Well worth the $. So far i'm down 34lbs and feeling soooo much better. I get my first fill on the 30th. I really like the idea of the band that it is adjustable, and doesn't make a permanent change in my plumming. Also, bandster don't have the issue of dumping and malobsorbtion. We digest our food and get our nutrients from all we eat. It doesn't just go thru us. We learn to eat in a healthy manner, portion control, better choices etc... And when we are at goal, it's easier to maintain.  Good luck with you decision and God bless. PS. ck our my profile, more info and pics about Mexico.