tomi I learned alot about it last week while at the hospital with my dad. he was on the bariatric wing and his dr does these all the time. one thing I learned is you can never have soda again. ever! what? no sugars ever again. yes it is something you have to think long and hard about. there are meetings to go to for information purposes that everyone that has one has to go to. it can take up to a yr to get prepared. long proccess! not sure my insurance would even help pay for it but due to being diabetic they might. something I have to check into.