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.

Ooh! I am right now!

I'm living with some friends this semester! I'm over by the country club. It's pretty awesome to find someone else going through this whose so close by!

I was banded on March 29 of this year. I've lost about 50 lbs. Are you being banded by Hekier/Keilen? I'm here if you have any questions. I'm still fairly new to the process but I've learned a lot so far and I'm willing to help in any way I can!!!

I was banded on March 29 of this year. I've lost about 50 lbs. Are you being banded by Hekier/Keilen? I'm here if you have any questions. I'm still fairly new to the process but I've learned a lot so far and I'm willing to help in any way I can!!!

Dr. Hekier, but I met with Dr. Keilen for my pre-op appt. today! She's so bouncy and fun! I really like her! <3 Dr. Hekier is really nice too, I like them both! I'm officially scheduled for 7am, Oct. 2nd. I'm getting a little bit nervous, but I think it will be okay. Was the post-op diet near as hard as the pre-op diet?

I've only seen Dr. Hekier so far! Oct. 2 is approaching quickly. It's hard not to be nervous and anxious, but it will be fine! The post op diet wasn't as hard as the pre op diet, in my opinion. I didn't have the urge to eat for a few weeks after surgery due to swelling. I actually dehydrated...DON'T FORGET TO DRINK LOTS OF FLUID!!! As you go through the different phases in the post op diet, you get VERY creative with your food choices. Have plenty of protein shakes on hand. By the time I got to the mushy stage, I almost OD'd on soup, LOL. Dr. Hekier told me not to even worry about weight loss prior to my first fill. Your main focus should be on healing. YAY...let the countdown begin!

I've only seen Dr. Hekier so far! Oct. 2 is approaching quickly. It's hard not to be nervous and anxious' date=' but it will be fine! The post op diet wasn't as hard as the pre op diet, in my opinion. I didn't have the urge to eat for a few weeks after surgery due to swelling. I actually dehydrated...DON'T FORGET TO DRINK LOTS OF FLUID!!! As you go through the different phases in the post op diet, you get VERY creative with your food choices. Have plenty of Protein shakes on hand. By the time I got to the mushy stage, I almost OD'd on Soup, LOL. Dr. Hekier told me not to even worry about weight loss prior to my first fill. Your main focus should be on healing. YAY...let the countdown begin![/quote']

Thanks!

I'm not too worried at all about losing weight during that time. I lost 33lbs over the summer adapting my body to everything, and I think that will give me plenty of time of being happy with my weight loss while I undergo all the surgery and healing process. I actually don't think any of this has been super hard because I've not really done anything cold turkey, I've just kinda taken baby steps into it all, so I think I'll be fine. I'm a little nervous about surgery, but I'm really excited for two months from now, you know? When I'm all healed up and right on track! I think, at this point, everything will be fine as long as I can get to the 3rd!

I'm sure that, when I can get to the soup, I'll be "soup"er happy about it too! (That was a lame pun, forgive me!) I really want some broth!!

Ms. Betty and I disagree in a few places though, but she's still really sweet and willing to work with me. I'm not at all a fan of putting terrible, artificial sweeteners in my body, so I'm trying to put xylitol or stevia in everything instead of Sweetn'Low, or Splenda, or Sucralose, or any of those.. I guess I can't help it sometimes though. I'll probably make my own sugar free cocoa when I get there! XP

Also, the life without a straw thing is gonna be kinda difficult, because my dentist tells me to use a straw because my teeth are so sensitive. As it stands right now, I might end up with a sippy cup! I was a little bothered by that at first, but then I thought about it and I find myself wondering why people think you should grow out of spill-free cups in the first place? I'll never have to worry about spilling my drink on my laptop again, while keeping my teeth comfortable and not swallowing too much air! It's kind of a great idea, once you get past the fact that I'm "too old" for one.. XD

Tomorrow is the day. Nerves have eaten me up today, but tomorrow, after surgery, I'll be glad I did it.

Allie good luck to you! I hope everything goes well ! Take care - let us know how you are doing!

Allie good luck to you! I hope everything goes well ! Take care - let us know how you are doing!

I'm doing extremely well, I think. At first, the gas pains were excruciating, but as I got home and walked, walked, walked and took deep breaths, and even found a comfortable way to sleep on my stomach (as I always do), I've only had slight discomfort. My throat hurts though, but it's all good. I feel proud of myself for having gone through it all well! I'm so happy! I'm finally banded! No more surgery fears! I'm on a roller coaster that's only going up!

Thank you so much for your concern and asking about me. I'm excited about the next steps.

Honestly, I'm having a little trouble keeping liquids down. I have barely had one full bottle of Water of the whole day and I've only had one shot glass full of low-sodium chicken broth.

I also took a bit of pain medicine too fast earlier, I think, and I'm gonna try to use a baby syringe that they sent with it next time, because I ended up with 2 hiccups, and that scared me.

I only have 4 incisions, and they're in a horizontal line, and they're really high up, so I'm really grateful that I can still sleep on my stomach. <3

My church sent me the most beautiful flower arrangement! It's absolutely gorgeous! I love it. Very autumny!

I lost 41 pounds on my own between July 2nd and October 2nd, and I weighed in at 295 today! I got myself out of the 300s and I feel great over that, because I did that by adapting myself to the LAP-Band diet! I'm very excited about this next part of my journey, and I think I'm well prepared because of the summer! Here's to the future! I'm on a roller coaster that's only going up!

Thank you, and everyone, for all your prayers/well wishes.

Yay! I'm so happy you are doing ok - take good care !

Sent from my iPhone using LapBandTalk

You've made great progress already! I hope you continue to heal well. Good luck on your journey!!!

Oh, one more thing...keep trying with the liquids. Small sips all day long. I became dehydrated the first week after my surgery. Trust me, it's not a good feeling!

I'm taking small sips all day, I'm focusing more on the Water than the broth, and I've been able to drink more and more throughout the day/night. For someone who doesn't get very nauseated usually, I've experienced quite a bit of nausea, but the nausea medicine has been great and practically works instantly!

Here are my beautiful flowers:

Those flowers are sooooo pretty!!!

Aren't they? My church, Seventh Day Baptist Church of Texarkana, sent them to me. They make me feel so much better and so happy whenever I see them! <3

HAPPY HALLOWEEN, LAP-BANDERS! =D

This is one of my favorite holidays! Do you guys love it too? <3

This picture is kind of an art throwback! I did this one is high school, quite a few years ago!