I haven't personally had it done - and wouldn't - as i'm the child of two failed cases - both of my parents have had serious failures, and needed corrective surgery (mum nearly died due to the complications). i have friends who have successes though so it can work

i'm pretty sure you have to pay or have private cover for it -

all i will say is if you are going to do it, make sure you make the lifestyle changes well in advance - do it as a last resort when you have the healthy lifestyle adn weightloss has halted and you just need the extra boost to your own efforts - don't do it to kick it off. you need to be motivated and well on the way to your goals and ONLY use it as a boost, not as the "easy way" kwim?