I was in the same boat as you (granted I have insurance that would have covered it but I didn't want to spend a year preop). I am rather healthy, no issues from the weight yet but I knew it was a mater of time. You can't haul around an extra 100+ pounds for most of your life and not expect health issues. I hit the "enough is enough" stage about a month ago and decided to self pay. I was banded on the 3rd and so far so good, 30 pounds down from the Preop diet start 3 weeks ago. FYI In the Southern California area well recommended Dr's with 12 months of fills / checkups post op are running 12-15k and from what I have read its a good bit cheaper in other parts of the country and ALOT cheaper if you are up for going down to Mexico.
Good luck on your quest