An Introduction Post! :)

[Allieg8tor 85]

Hello everyone!

I'm Allie!

I'm 23 years old, but mentally, I'm more like 7 or 8. and I'm currently scheduled for surgery on October 2, 2013!

Well, I'm a little bit terrified of that, and I'm only two days into this liquid diet and it's proving pretty terrible, so I thought that maybe I should try and make friends with some people who may have a few similar interests with me! For the most part, I'm pretty sure I'm gonna tell you very little about my actual surgery in this post, I just want to have someone to relate to in other ways, the band is a give in, right? Okay, so here's a little bit about me, and if you want the short version, I bolded the important things:

A tidbit about my surgery and why?

I'm kinda unusual, I don't really want to lose weight for any normal reason, though I definitely respect the fact that I should want to lose weight to be healthy and all that, so I'm trying to convince myself of that, the real reason I'm sticking with it though is really only one health problem: Hidradenitis Suppurativa. HS is a skin condition that causes large sores on the body and it's pretty gross and terrible, but mostly PAINFUL! Anyways, one of the solutions to make the attacks less frequent is weight loss, so here I am. Though I am looking at the perks of this too, like a wider selection of clothing options! Yay!! <3

Some of the things I love most in this world...

I LOVE Glee! It's my absolute favorite TV show ever. It really is. Blaine Anderson is my favorite character, and, of course, Darren Criss is my favorite actor. I could talk about Glee all day, so if you're a Gleek, we should be friends! <3 Also, Klaine is my favorite pairing in the world and both Chris Colfer and his character, Kurt Hummel, are role models of mine. Other shows that I could talk about all day include: How I Met Your Mother, (Neil Patrick Harris is my everything though, he's amazing.), The Big Bang Theory, LOST, Dark Angel, Hetalia: Axis Powers.

Youtube. Or, in particular, several YouTubers! I love the VlogBrothers, John and Hank Green. John's Book, "The Fault In Our Stars", is probably one of the best books I've ever read in my life, I absolutely adore that book even though it makes me cry. Tyler Oakley! He is basically my spirit animal, I identify with him extremely closely. AmazingPhil and Danisnotonfire, Phil Lester and Dan Howell make my life better. They are just so honest and relatable.

Musicals. In particular, Glee! (Hehe), RENT, Across the Universe, Moulin Rouge, The Lion King (I and II), Grease, Children of Eden, Sweeney Todd, REPO!: The Genetic Opera, Rocky Horror Picture Show, Camp Rock (I and II), Little Shop of Horrors, Les Miserables...

Art. So yeah, I actually got my Associates degree in Art! I love all things art. I paint, I draw, I do it all. I just love, love, LOVE art! Here is a drawing I recently did of the aforementioned Darren Criss! <3 Isn't he gorgeous?

Cosplay. There is something about dressing up, you know? Dress up is fun! Here I am cosplaying Blaine Anderson from Glee this past year, I just really, really love getting to pretend I'm someone else for a while:

School. I am currently studying History and English at Texas A&M: Texarkana, and I'm thinking of picking up Psychology there as well. I'm also planning to return to Texarkana College, where I received my Associate's in Art, and I hope to pursue Drama and French!

American Girl and Build-A-Bear Workshop. Did I mention I'm mentally, like, five or so? Anyways, I'm pretty sure my Teddy Bear from BABW, Dare-Bear, will be with me as much as possible for cuddles during the harder parts of this journey, you know? After everything is in place and surgery has passed and all that, I'm going to go to American Girl with my best friends Michelle, Stephen, and Ryane!

Music. Deadmau5. Jonas Brothers. Darren Criss. The Beatles. Mark Ballas. Panic! At The Disco! Those are quickly, easily, my favorite musicians. But my music appreciation goes much further than this alone! I'm also studying Piano! I haven't played in a while though, I need to get on that, you know? I dream of performing as Mrs. Lovett from "Sweeney Todd" and Eponine in "Les Miserables" , and I love all their songs! Don't even get me started on my appreciation for movie scores. Really, incredible!

Speaking of Deadmau5, I cosplayed him in a sculpture I made: CD mau5head, yay! I also painted that watercolour picture featured down there. Yep, this some of my deadmau5 merch! <3

Tumblr.

Swimming. Just about the only way I will willingly exercise.. Probably my biggest problem on this journey, you know?

Books. Personal favorites include: "The Fault in our Stars" by: John Green, "Struck by Lightning" by: Chris Colfer, "The House on Mango Street" by: Sandra Cisneros, "The Knight of the Cart" by: Chretien de Troyes, "The Hunger Games" by: Suzanne Collins.

My family and God. They're gonna get me through this.

Well, that's everything. Let's be friends! Come on, after reading all that, you know I'm awesome! Let's encourage each other on this journey, okay?

Edit:

(I'm just gonna add cool things I've found or something, and this is one of them! Check this out! It's a goal weight bucket list! Share yours with me, okay? We can really encourage and get to know each other this way!!)

-Look good in cute clothes' date=' shopping spree! (Maybe even design some of my own?)

-Take a dancing course, and actually accomplish it instead of struggling to breathe/hurting too much.

-Gain back lost flexibility.

-Have abs (hey, it could happen! <img src='http://www.lapbandta..._DIR#>/wink.png' class='bbc_emoticon' alt=' ' /> )

-Enjoy walking in NYC next time.

-Ride amusement rides I couldn't before.

-Be lifted by a lover.

-lose the fear of breaking furniture and love my loft bed!

-incorporate my weight loss into my art somehow, paint dance?

-wear a flattering swimsuit proudly.

-buy a cosplay costume, instead of having to make one.

-wear a regular sized Halloween costume for a girl.

-get complimented on the weight I've lost and actually believe the person.

-eliminate my Hidradenitis Suppurativa, or, at the very least, significantly decrease its attacks.

-learn to like exercise, and love swimming even more, fear free of watching eyes.

-be in a musical, accomplish the dancing numbers, play one of my dream roles.

-be hugged by someone who can wrap their arms entirely around me.

Many, many more.

[dylanmiles23 2,198]

I think you are great. Good luck with everything. The band is a tool, that helps all get in control of our over eating. I wish I did something about my weight when I was in my 20's not 60's. I am probably your mother's age.

​You will learn a lot of this great site. You can ask any questions and you may not like the honest answers (some people can't handle the truth) but everyone is here to listen and help each other.

Arlene

[Allieg8tor 85]

Thank you, Ms. Arlene!

I'm really happy your journey is going so well!

I've been off and on about going through with this for a little while, but I'm pretty determined. I've already kind of adapted myself to the diet, a little bit, and I'm proud of that and consider it a little victory in and of itself, it can only help! I've already lost 29 pounds! Yay!!

I found this forum earlier today when I realized it wouldn't hurt to have some friends going through this too! I don't know anybody going through it where I live currently, and I'd just do better communicating online anyways, as most of my generation might say, you know? I really, really appreciate your post though, and I appreciate this forum! I've already learned lots just browsing!

[dawalsh 919]

Hi Alleg8tor,

You are awesome and I'd be proud to call you my friend. You are beautiful inside and out and extremely talented! My late father was a fine artist specializing in oil, watercolor,acrylic, charcoal, pastels and pencil. I love, love, love your artwork!

Eventhough I'm much older than you I'm a Gleek too! My favorite male singer is Clay Aiken. Feel free to keep in touch with me. You can personal message me by clicking my name. God bless you on your weight loss journey. For sure, you will be much healthier as the weight comes off!

[HotButterFly 981]

I neeeeed a respirator, 'cuz I'm running out of breath.... (In my Jovi voice) LoL

I absolutely LOVE your artwork!! Welcome & good luck!!

[Allieg8tor 85]

I neeeeed a respirator' date=' 'cuz I'm running out of breath.... (In my Jovi voice) LoL

I absolutely LOVE your artwork!! Welcome & good luck!![/quote']

Thank you! I've got tons of art work in all different styles, but those are just a few of my favorite pieces!

Thank you for wishing me luck, but I think finding a few friends on here will keep me on track just fine, you know?

[jamilyne 102668 1,207]

You just sound fun! I'm 44 and it's refreshing to see someone so bubbly and fun! You sound great! Your art is great - you sound so intelligent and talented and you are adorable! Welcome

[Allieg8tor 85]

You just sound fun! I'm 44 and it's refreshing to see someone so bubbly and fun! You sound great! Your art is great - you sound so intelligent and talented and you are adorable! Welcome

Thank you, Ms. Jamilyne!

I don't see why we have to /just/ talk about the LAP-Band, you know? I joined here so I could find friends who are going through similar things, not just a mentor. I've always found that, for me personally, I can better understand something when I'm figuring it out with a friend than when I'm trying to get help from someone who already completely understands it. That's a personal thing, but I know from being a college student that I'm not the only person like that!

If you ever want to see more art or just talk or be friends or anything like that, I've got plenty of more bubbly to go around! (Though, not "bubbly" as in carbonation, because I heard that's a no-no after surgery, so it's just all natural personality!

[Bandista 7,466]

Hi Allie -- so happy for you taking control of your health like this! And fun to have you here on LB Talk. Love your painting of Darren Criss, though I have to confess I have no idea who he is. Boy, you really nailed the texture and color of the leather in the jacket -- the whole feel; gorgeous! And I love the collage work on the mask. You are very talented! Okay, I had to look up Cosplay, which I was reading as co-splay rather than cos-play. Costume Play -- of course. What fun! One hour with you would push my social and my tech skills forward about a decade, ha! But I'd rather have my hour with you out shopping once I reach my goal. Okay, make that a full day. I'm going to need some help finding some really fun clothes! Let's see, for music I love Pink Martini -- do you know them? If not, you will really love their big orchestra, a lot of theater. I am a band mom -- our son plays bass and classical guitar -- I love to go out and hear music but we live in a very rural area on sixteen acres. I'm a serious gardener and I work at home as a writer (for pay work these days is grant writing, mostly). Two dogs -- one is a real mess and on Prozac double dose every night; the other is full of pizzazz, a little too much at times. My husband also works from home (he's a techie) and I love the saying, "I married you for better or worse but not for lunch." I am pre-band, getting there in the process leading up to the big day. I am choosing the band because I have not been able to get my weight off in so many years and the self-defeating nature of that makes me so glad when I see some one young deciding to take measures to insure a high quality of life. There's so much life to live, so much fun to be had -- it's going to be work but work can be fun, too. Very glad you're here. Best wishes!

[Allieg8tor 85]

Hi Allie -- so happy for you taking control of your health like this! And fun to have you here on LB Talk. Love your painting of Darren Criss' date=' though I have to confess I have no idea who he is. Boy, you really nailed the texture and color of the leather in the jacket -- the whole feel; gorgeous! And I love the collage work on the mask. You are very talented! Okay, I had to look up Cosplay, which I was reading as co-splay rather than cos-play. Costume Play -- of course. What fun! One hour with you would push my social and my tech skills forward about a decade, ha! But I'd rather have my hour with you out shopping once I reach my goal. Okay, make that a full day. I'm going to need some help finding some really fun clothes! Let's see, for music I love Pink Martini -- do you know them? If not, you will really love their big orchestra, a lot of theater. I am a band mom -- our son plays bass and classical guitar -- I love to go out and hear music but we live in a very rural area on sixteen acres. I'm a serious gardener and I work at home as a writer (for pay work these days is grant writing, mostly). Two dogs -- one is a real mess and on Prozac double dose every night; the other is full of pizzazz, a little too much at times. My husband also works from home (he's a techie) and I love the saying, "I married you for better or worse but not for lunch." I am pre-band, getting there in the process leading up to the big day. I am choosing the band because I have not been able to get my weight off in so many years and the self-defeating nature of that makes me so glad when I see some one young deciding to take measures to insure a high quality of life. There's so much life to live, so much fun to be had -- it's going to be work but work can be fun, too. Very glad you're here. Best wishes![/quote']

Hi! Thank you for your kind words! I can't wait to look up Pink Martini! Your son sounds very talented. I often think I might go into writing and have taken a few workshops! I know the feeling of never getting to spend time with those you love, but I imagine its a little different when you are married, so I hope you guys can find some genuine down time to just appreciate each other! At least you have proximity on your side though! I might look into creative writing in the future! I love writing and I've taken a few workshops with authors who generally think I write pretty well, which is a huge compliment from someone published! I also illustrate characters for one lady's books sometimes, but I think they are more for her personal visualization.

I have a dog too, her name is Baby Girl, she's a Pomeranian, she's basically neurotic, but she is adorable, sassy, and spoiled rotten too. I also have an albino chinchilla, her name is Chilla, not because I'm unoriginal, but because I like puns, and there's something about people asking, "what's up?", and replying, "oh nothing, just chillin' with Chilla!", or some fun variation like that. I have a cat too, I've had her since my fifth birthday, she's very old. 5 year old me named her Mittens because she has little, white paws that look like mittens. Despite being old enough to have survived the little ice age, she's pretty healthy. My mom believes she will outlive us all. I'm cautiously optimistic on that front, but I'm too much of a realist to fully believe that, and so I just love her as much as I can when I get to be with her.

Okay, so, my art! I can show you more if you like! That was my first time ever drawing leather and I was so, so happy with the way it turned out! I'm actually selling prints of him now, which is awesome, and there might be a commission in the works too, which is REALLY AWESOME! So yeah, you're the first to really notice that, but I'm super stoked about his jacket! My Deadmau5 mask was made with my best friend Ryane, and I wear it all the time for events, but it's been my most famous cosplay piece. Deadmau5 himself complimented it and reblogged it on his tumblr, needless to say, that was one of the best days of my life. After being in several newspapers and such after debuting it for a convention called A-Kon in 2012, I have dubbed it "Being Famau5" ("being famous", because deadmau5 is pronounced "dead mouse")

16 acres? Wowza!! I plan to live in a city in the future, but that's just because I need an art community, and they tend to thrive in urban areas. I live at three places, but mostly, for now, I stay with one of my best friends, Michelle. She is like a sister to me. We live in our little, shared room in our (biologically her) Uncle Robert's house.

Now, about the Band journeys, it looks like we're both newbies at this, and I've been struggling with this decision since I was first diagnosed with HS. I've backed out of it 3 times prior to having the serious dedication and mindset I have this time. We all probably wish we would've gone through with it sooner, you aren't alone in that. At 23, I wish I would've done it at 19! The important thing is that we're doing it, we're getting healthy, and we will have quality life, for however long, and quality trumps quantity forever, but health generally adds quantity, so we're getting a larger quantity, better quality life! The beautiful thing is, because of this website, we can do it together! Isn't that awesome! Yay technology!! Let's be awesome friends, reach our goal weights, and take that awesome, full day of shopping spree you mentioned!

[jamilyne 102668 1,207]

Allie : I will tell you a little about myself as well - I am married with 4 kids (23,22,15&8). I have 2 dogs: honey (collie) and hunter ( black lab); a cat named kitty (tuxedo); a guinea pig (Oreo) and a little blue parakeet (birdie). I live in homestead, fl and I work in downtown Miami as a legal assistant.

My hobbies are reading & I love spending time with my husband (who I adore) and my kids (adore equally).

I had lapband surgery on Sept 13 (Friday the 13th) lol. My starting weight was 240 and today I weighed in at 227. I'm still recovering from surgery, but I've been back to work since Tuesday. I'm going to rest a lot this weekend!

Would be glad to be friends with you - this site has really helped me before the surgery and afterwards. You are going to do wonderful and I hope that your medical condition lessens because of the surgery. You are bubbly and have a great personality and I honestly want all good things for you!

[Allieg8tor 85]

Allie : I will tell you a little about myself as well - I am married with 4 kids (23,22,15&8). I have 2 dogs: honey (collie) and hunter ( black lab); a cat named kitty (tuxedo); a guinea pig (Oreo) and a little blue parakeet (birdie). I live in homestead, fl and I work in downtown Miami as a legal assistant.

My hobbies are reading & I love spending time with my husband (who I adore) and my kids (adore equally).

I had lapband surgery on Sept 13 (Friday the 13th) lol. My starting weight was 240 and today I weighed in at 227. I'm still recovering from surgery, but I've been back to work since Tuesday. I'm going to rest a lot this weekend!

Would be glad to be friends with you - this site has really helped me before the surgery and afterwards. You are going to do wonderful and I hope that your medical condition lessens because of the surgery. You are bubbly and have a great personality and I honestly want all good things for you!

Thank you so much Mrs. Jamilyne!

That sounds like a family to be proud of! I'm glad you are so happy and all your animals sound adorable! This site has already helped me a bunch and I'm really, really grateful for that!

I'm really happy to hear about your progress and I'm glad the band is working for you so far! I can tell that this place will be able to help us both go through this process successfully, happily, and healthily! <3

[Allieg8tor 85]

Day 4 of the pre-Op diet was much easier than the earlier days! I'm hoping day 5 follows in it's path.

[Armonet 117]

Allieg8tor, we live in the same area!!! Good luck on your journey. LBT is a great forum and has helped me tremendously.

[Allieg8tor 85]

Allieg8tor' date=' we live in the same area!!! Good luck on your journey. LBT is a great forum and has helped me tremendously.[/quote']

Awesome!! Whereabouts are you? Thank you. I'm getting more and more excited every day!