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missing day or two now and then isn't a problem. But stopping them completely or missing too many days can cause deficiencies over time.
As a newbie, I want to thank you for sharing your story and being so open about it. Many of us who have had surgery or are going to have surgery do not realize how alcohol can impact us. I am only 10 mos post op and I have lost 140 to date. I recently started becoming more social and that entailed going out with others who were drinking and yep you guessed it I picked up a bad habit. My weight loss has stalled. I am not dealing with a bit of an issue of wanting to socially drink every night and it is hard to NOT. I CAN'T seem to drink normally, NOW. I hope I can overcome this and get back on the right path. No one should ever take drinking, even socially after surgery lightly. It can easily get away from you.
Congratulations on your 18 months of sobriety, on your reconnection with your sons and I, wish you continued success and many good things to come. I hope you continue to update us on how you are doing.
AW
I don't plan on stop taking my vitamins, but curious to know what's the worse that can happen? I hate separating pills each week and trying to find deals on them. I find walgreens to be helpful with buy one get one half off or free plus I can use rewards. There's just days where I wish I didn't have so many medications to take = 12. I have to use the 4 slot 7 day a week pill holder to keep it all figured out.
You have had some great responses. Consider all of your options. Do you have home equity or retirement funds that you can borrow for the surgery? Look into a medical credit card. Explore options in Mexico. Consult with other surgeons, even if you pay a fee to do it. Some surgeons are better with insurance than others.
Looking and feeling healthy is something worth paying for if you can find a way. One of my friends spent about $35000 on lower body lift, breast inplants, and repairs to her arms and legs. Her husband said it was worth every penny and he enjoys it more than the car that they would have spent the money on.
Real life begins where your comfort zone ends
It may depend on what insurance you have. A lot will count that as cosmetic, instead of health-related, which is completely stupid. I would fight it if I were you. My friend, who had the same problem had to fight for it to be done for her. After several medical reports sent, and other things, she was able to get it done, FINALLY! What I would do is find out, and speak to whomever you have to, to see what it takes for it to become a medical necessity, and what proof they require, then go about getting such documents/items. If worse comes to worse, and if you could afford it, I would search around different insurances, talk with them, and see if there are any that allow that surgery to be done, as well as the requirements, and if you have to wait so long for it to kick in, in order to get the procedure. No matter what, don't give up hope. Fight until you get what you want. It might be a tough fight, but it will feel soooooo good once you get that panis apron removed...Later, if you are able to afford it, then you can work on the cosmetic abdominoplasty if you want to change it, or they could only take so much off, per insurance regulations. You'll persevere, I have a feeling you got the fighting spirit to get it done. Good luck, and hope this helped some! 
Elfcat
Even after several years, still taking it a day at a time. No matter what, though, I'm here if you need me! 
Unfortunately most insurances will not pay for excessive skin removal unless you have documented issues with it. Like rashes, sores, etc. Sometimes with a write letter from your doctor documenting the issues you have they may cover the removal. Many people just save money to have it done themselves.
Dr. Sanchez Lapband 9/12/2003
hw305/revision w280/cw197/gw150
Revision from Lap Band to Bypass on 2/4/2015 by Dr. Pohl
I don't know why My insurance will not pay for my excess skin that hang down to my knees it hard for me to walk.
danluvsme,
Great observation. 18yrs out for me.
For me, it took a few years just to figure out
where to put my hands when standing at rest.
I had always rested them on my big belly.
Even with my arms down at my sides,
They they were held out from my sides
by my width.
After losing over half of my body weight,
I struggled to not feel awkward
when standing. Sounds silly,
but that small detail took quite a while
to stop noticing.
As for Keeping weight off for good,
I just started following my Dr.s' post-op regimen,
and it has kept me on track.
Proteins First, nearly no "White Carbs,"-
(White Bread, Rice, Potatoes, most Pasta, Sugar)
I have them in small portions
or I will have uncomfortable gas.
Some white carbs have specific results.
Potatoes put me to sleep
Literally as if I have been given a sedative.
Sugar gives me "dumping syndrome."
More than a large tablespoon
of something sweetened with sugar,
and I'm making several trips to the bathroom.
My body responds to Sugar
as if it were food poisoning.
This has made it very easy to avoid Sugar.
Chocolate loses it's appeal
when it is effectively "Ex-lax."
After only a handful of attempts
to eat sugared sweets,
and suffering it's effects,
I was no longer attracted to sweets.
I do use Stevia products as those with
Sugar Alcohols have the same laxative impact.
I've kept my weight off by listening to my body-
Starting to feel full? -Stop eating immediately.
I have thrown away "Half" of so many entrees.
Our natural tendency is to finish
what we've put on our plates,
even if it seems a small portion.
And-
Yes, it's a waste of food and $
if I've ordered slightly too much food,
But Far, far cheaper than
fighting a battle with my weight.
Has worked for me.
Your Results May Vary.
Best Wishes-
DxE
MKMGirl, all need to know it is not an easy fix. there are other programs one in Memphis did some selected surgeries on teens.2 decades ago.. is life changing in many ways... totally changes morbidities. Young man will need lots of emotional support and counseling- the changes can occur so fast- hard for an adult to process obesity clinic best place to start.
DxE,
Great tips! Good job on staying the course!!!.
i will be 25 years post wls on oct 31... I noticed heart rate is a little low- like mine... If it drops from that as a resting and your energy suffers- try adding iodine.. i use sea kelp tablet, other topical forms are available...also K2 moves minerals back to bones and teeth. when research came out on k2 researchers said would require 30 lbs broccoli per day to get required amt..with my minerals yo yo ing-i have lost most teeth..
