dr. abkin and bertha patients.. info needed

Hi Everyone, so i attended my pre-op workshop today. i was very excited, it seems real now. Anyways, I found out today that Dr. Abkin and Bertha no longer do restriction fills in their office, they only do them at the hospital....which makes me wonder... If my insurance doesnt cover them, how much am i setting myself up for? also, even if the insurance covers it, doesnt this restrict me on the amount i can get? is there anyone out there with insight on this topic... i need guidance... also, anyone out there choose to have the thinner access port? is it worth it? from the workshop it seems as if they discourage it.. Also, they do not require a pre-surgery liquid diet... should i still go ahead and do one? i know i have many questions.. sorry.. but i need answers

Sorry, I can't help.  I got my first appointment with Dr. Bertha on 7/18/07.  Good luck with the surgery and I would call your insurance company to find out if the fills are included. 

I had Dr. Bertha do my surgery on 6/11/07. Unfortunately though, I had Lap RNY, so I can't help with your questions, but I highly recommend you call your ins co & Dr Bertha's office and I am sure together, they can answer all of your questions. Best of Luck to you! Amy - Lap RNY 6/11/07 Surg/Now/Goal 254/221/135 86 lbs to goal

I am having RNY and had my pre-op class the day before yours. I cannot answer your question about fills but I believe many practices fill them at a hospital.   At my consultation, Dr. Bertha said a two week pre-op diet was not a requirement.  He did caution against going crazy, eating too much and gaining weight before surgery.  If your weight has remained steady or you have lost since your initial consultation they don't require a pre-op diet.  If you want to do one I guess you could but why put yourself through that if they do not require it?  They said to have your "last meal" (again stressing not to go nuts) two days before surgery.  Watching what you eat may make the bowel prep easier.  I may decide to do a semi-liquid diet the week before but not on full liquid.  I figure I will have enough liquids after the surgery.