One thing I considered was whether insurance would cover any subsequent treatment/surgery if there were complications, now or later. I investigated, and they will not pay for any treatment of band-related complications. The daughter of an acquaintance of mine had to have her self-pay band removed due to erosion and infection and she ended up with over $100K of debt.

The surgeon I chose costs more for self-pay ($17K) than others I've seen, particularly Mexican surgeons. But he is local to me, the cost includes all fills, AND he will cover the costs of any complications. That, to me, was worth the extra money.

Good luck making your decision -
Alyson