I just had mine done in Mich. Insurance paid for most of mine but I think I remember my doctor saying that the hospital only charges 14,300 for people paying for it out of pocket. He is a great doctor and I couldn't have asked for a better hospital. My doctor was located in Grosse Pointe MI and his name is Dr. Hawasli.
I was banded by Dr. Hawasli out of Grose Pointe MI. He was fantastic. The surgery was done at St. Johns and I couldn't have asked for better treatment. Hawasli, Abdelkader A, MD
I asked my doctor this question and he told me that the results are the same in the end, but the lap band takes a little longer. I got the lapband because I didn't like the risks of bypass.