I am a 52 yr old woman with insurance but am seriously considering Lap Band. I have previously been to see Dr. Murphy who years ago did a tummy tuck. There are sooooo many advertisements for Lap Band, here and overseas. How do I get started? Who in Denver does this and has a good reputation? Are overseas or Mexico really a choice at all? How long can the effects really last. I am actually relatively in shape but obesity runs in my family and I am probably 220 lbs and have been for over 7 years. I have knee problems (arthritis) that is painful when I exercise but I still snowboard, cycle etc although it causes me pain but I figure once I stop, I might as well give up. I am being treated for some depression and now my HGB A 1c (determination blood test in Type II Diabetes) is climbing. I need to know if one pays for this are the effects long term? What constitutes who can have Lap Band? Who in Denver is good? Recovery time? Although i am in the medical field I know NOTHING about this surgery other than numerous readings on the internet which are confusing me?