To prospectively observe the association of the LAP-BAND procedure on quality of life, anthropometric, metabolic and biochemical parameters in morbidly obese patients when performed by experienced US surgeons. The study will also include a complete economic analysis of the LAP-BAND procedure and follow-up costs Hypothesis: Measurements defining quality of life and the severity of obesity and obesity related comorbidities improve significantly over baseline with the LAP-BAND System treatment at 6 and 12 months post surgery when performed by an experienced surgeon.