RidinMyHDDream

Thanks Elisabeth for setting up the new challenge! I've adjusted my starting weight to today's weight since it's the last weigh in for last weight challenge. (sorry, just wanted to see how many times I could get the 'w' word in....lol) I'm afraid 11 might be a little agressive considering I've been on the slow boat but I want to get to Sturgis next month at my 70 lbs gone mark. I'm 3 down from last week so I am going to do my best to get the next 11 gone as well. Good luck Ladies! I know we can do it!!! :whoo: JULY, 2007 CHALLENGE Name.............................Starting….Current…...Goal….....To Go losingjusme..(Christine)......293...........293... .........276...........17 tann.............(Tammy)........224.......... 224............212...........12 juliegeraci..........................232.......... 232 Josette..............................322.......... 322 Inner_me.....(Chris).......... ..295...........295 Elisabethsew..(Elisabeth).. .274....... ...274 .............265.............9 Waterlily1072...(Nicole)...... 272..... .....272 Libra..(Angela)................... 218...........218 Lapbandit……...............… .206………..206 RidinMyHDDream.(Carol).. ..267...........267............256.............11 FaithMD............................ 327...........327

Congrats Allen! You'll have to give us a complete update after the big trip! I'm sure you'll do great! I'm on the countdown to Sturgis which will be my longest ride ever! :peace:

I concur Elisabeth. It helps me focus on my goals. I think we decided to keep it to a monthly thing though instead of over a long stretch. So if we're ending on the fourth do we run till 8/4? Or do we just want to make it from the first of this month to the first of the next and so on?

Here comes the sun do do do do Here comes the sun and I say it's alright.... Yeehaw!!!!! Break from the rain today and went on a ride with the chapter to....what else....eat! lol Little bit of chicken, green Beans and some potato salad. The only rule I break when riding is the not drinking thing cuz I have to stay hydrated. So that waiting an hour stuff goes right out the window. Wait, I'm on a bike, there are no windows...lol Randy, I'm not sure what route we're taking to Sturgis. I'm meeting one of the ladies I'll be riding up with on Tuesday at our chapter meeting. Hopefully I can get more details then. I do know we're leave S.A. on the 4th. I'll let you know what I find out. I hope everyone else is getting some sunshine! :peace:

Congrats Jim! I know it's a lot but look at the return you'll get on your investment! :whoo: Trust me, it'll be great for you! I hope we dry out soon too. Lots of riding planned this weekend and on the fourth. Does anyone know how to 'size' a picture down in here? I tried to post one but it was HUGE...lol :peace:

Well my least favorite time of the month is here and has me pinned down today at home. I swear I'd gladly donate my parts if anyone needs them...lol I'll take my 1 pound though I'm sure I won't make my goal. Do we want to start the next monthly challenge at the beginning of August or should we have it from the 15th to 15th so we don't lose motivation? Congrats ladies on all your victories!! July 4th Challenge Week 10 Name.............................Starting….Current…...Goal….....To Go losingjusme..(Christine)......317...........285 .............295...........-10 tann.............(Tammy)........257.......... 226............232........... ..-6 juliegeraci..........................232.......... 232..............220...........12 Josette..............................340.......... 322..............315.............7 Inner_me.....(Chris).......... ..306...........295 .............280...........15 Elisabethsew..(Elisabeth).. .281....... ...270 .............260...........9 Waterlily1072...(Nicole)...... 278..... .....272 .............252...........20 Libra..(Angela)................... 230...........218........... ..205...........13 Lapbandit……...............… .208………..206……..…..185…….....21 RidinMyHDDream.(Carol).. ..281...........269 .............256...........13 FaithMD............................ 341.5........320..............310.. ........10

Hey Cindi! Wow..no kidding about freaky accident. Glad your DH is okay. I'm sick of the rain as well. We got caught on Friday night in a major downpour in College Station. Couldn't see a thing. Our new 'spot' in town is the Exxon at University and Texas. We'll always go by now and say "remember when we spent 40 minutes there waiting out the rain?" lol I'm kind of starting to think about Galveston. I know some people from our chapter are going. I just found some going to Sturgis that I can tag-a-long with so I'm really excited about that! :whoo: Love the prayer too. I'll share it with my friends. If someone will share info on how to post pictures that would be great. I'm challenged at times and haven't figured out how to do it. Randy, long time no hear. Tell Ms. Joy 'Hi' for me. I hope she's doing okay. I think we're planning on getting a trailer for next year's ROT. If we do I'll post our location on this page so people can stop by and we can have a lap band meet and greet...lol :peace:

Be strong young Katiewalker..... I felt the same way. Seemed like I could eat anything. I had my third fill last month and I would agree that there is more of a difference. I still have to really watch myself at night because it's easier for me to eat then. I was supposed to go back on the 19th for an appt but I knew I didn't need a fill. The last time I went and didn't get a fill within 2 weeks I was grumbly hungry and really in need of it. This time I rescheduled my appt for 2 weeks later to see how I feel then. The hardest part of this is dealing with the habits we had before. I know weekends are usually a shut down time frame where kicking back for me leads to the old habits of boredom eating. I have to get up and get moving to avoid that. Luckily I have my Harley and my HOG chapter helping with that. Keeping busy with new stuff and not at home as much. Just keep fighting the fight! You're doing great!!! Faith, congratulations on getting your band. The pain will pass and as you see the pounds start to drop you'll forget about the pain completely. Sort of like childbirth...lol If anyone remembered how much pain that were in they wouldn't do it again. Luckily for us, this is a one time thing! :peace:

Hey Allen! Congrats on the banding and I'm happy to hear you're feeling good! I'm sure you'll do fine on the trip. You'll be back to solids by then. Just make sure and concentrate on getting your Protein first. Take along your Vitamins cuz you'll need those every day without fail. And drink, drink, drink. I'm primarily a Water drinker but I found that a gatorade every now and then really helps me rehydrate. Sandra! Welcome! Several of us are here in Texas. We're talking about a meet up at ROT next year..lol Since we'll all be banded a year by then and looking fabulous I just got back from a ride to College Station. Othen than a little rain it was a great trip. We wandered back all over the place to get back to San Antonio. I will probably upgrade next year. I love my 1200 low cuz of the way it handles. I did get to test drive a Dyna this weekend and man was that fun. I think my ticket count might escalate...lol But that's next year's goal. Hope everyone had a fabulouse weekend! :peace:

Welcome Babs, I took my longest ride post banding. Put over 1300 miles on the bike and wasn't bothered at all by the diet. Just make sure you stay hydrated! Have patience on your journey. It's the toughest part! :peace:

Hi Melinda..sorry I don't have an answer in that area but you surgeon surely will so listen to what he says. The rain returned to Texas again but it appears to just be a quick visit and then back to the sun. We're riding over to College Station this weekend for my Babee's 5000 checkup. Got to have her ready for the next big trip which should be Sturgis! I hope everyone's doing well and enjoying the summer so far! :peace:

Can I just say "phew" only one pound up after all the bday celebrating. I'm thankful for that. Was supposed to go to the doctor on Tuesday but I postponed for two weeks. Not really in need of a fill. Last time that happened within two weeks I was starving. So I thought I'd go an extra 2 to see what happens. Tammy and Christine! Congrats on surpassing your goals! Nicole, extra good luck on the position. Sounds like you have great odds in your favor. Faith!!! Best of luck tomorrow. Remember you'll be uncomfortable but it will pass. Just keep the end goal in site!! Big hugs to you!! July 4th Challenge Week 8 Name.............................Starting….Current…...Goal….....To Go losingjusme..(Christine)......317...........291 .............295...........-4 tann.............(Tammy)........257.......... 228............232........... ..-3 juliegeraci..........................232.......... 232..............220...........12 Josette..............................340.......... 329..............315...........14 Inner_me.....(Chris).......... ..306...........295 .............280...........15 Elisabethsew..(Elisabeth).. .281....... ...270 .............260...........9 Waterlily1072...(Nicole)...... 278..... .....272 .............252...........20 Libra..(Angela)................... 230...........219........... ..205...........14 Lapbandit……...............… .208………..206……..…..185…….....21 RidinMyHDDream.(Carol).. ..281...........270 .............256...........14 FaithMD............................ 341.5........327..............310.. ........17

:whoo: Christine!!! :whoo: You're doing it! Success in spite of struggles is a great thing! Keep up the great work! Nicole, I was wondering where you were. Good luck with the new job. You'll get used to the 'grind' and the schedule changes in no time! Well I survived my bday weekend but I'm not getting on the scale until weigh in day and a couple of really well behaved days...lol I'm afraid of what all the celebrating did.

Remember Katie, the force is with you and if it's not...we are!! Angela, good luck with the move. I know it's hard work but a great calorie burner! Christine, oh my goodness how I feel for you. Try explaining costochondritis to an 8 year old. My daughter had it and she would just look at me and wince in pain. We finally got a name for it after multiple tests. We were told, I think, ibuprofen to take because it's an inflammation of the breast bone. Did you get in a wrestling match with Mickey?? I'm sorry you're feeling badly but it does come and go. My daughter no longer experiences the pain but it's been 13 years. Keep the faith and hopefully it'll pass for you too. Many hugs to all! And it looks like monthly challenges might work better for us so we could start on 7/5 like Tammy suggested. And Tammy! you go girl. I'd love to count on that much a month. Hopefully I can do the same.

Well after being stuck for nearly a month and a half I got angry and decided to shut my mouth and open my eyes. I raised the level of exercise and I really paid attention to my portions. 7 pounds gone. In a week. :whoo: Katie, I took my own advice and just rededicated myself. :rockon: It was also a birthday present to myself. Bday's not until Friday and I'm a little worried with the partying that will be taking place. Although we're drinkers, not eaters when celebrating. So I'll really have to be good to maintain the loss over the next week. One other suggestion, maybe we should have monthly challenges for weight loss? It seems like we kind of lost motivation, well I know I did. What's everyone think? That way we can have more frequent celebrations of our success. :peace: July 4th Challenge Week 8 Name.............................Starting….Current…...Goal….....To Go losingjusme..(Christine)......317...........305 .............295...........10 tann.............(Tammy)........257.......... 235..............232......... ..03 juliegeraci..........................232.......... 232..............220...........12 Josette..............................340.......... 329..............315...........14 Inner_me.....(Chris).......... ..306...........296 .............280...........16 Elisabethsew..(Elisabeth).. .281....... ...271 .............260...........11 Waterlily1072...(Nicole)...... 278..... .....272 .............252...........20 Libra..(Angela)................... 230...........219........... ..205...........14 Lapbandit……...............… .208……….206……..…..185…….....21 RidinMyHDDream.(Carol).. ..281..........269 .............256............13 FaithMD........................ .. 341.5........324..............310.. .........14

Welcome Jim! The two lifestyles still fit together. I just rode with my HOG Chapter yesterday to Lockhard for BBQ. You just eat a little differently and a lot less...lol It was a great ride. We had our charter club member picture this morning. I can't wait to get mine to hang on the wall. Hope to see you around! The band's been the best thing I've done besides the Harley. I have found that it's easier riding with the weight I've lost so far so I'm only looking forward to it getting to be more and more fun! :peace:

Katie, everyone's had bad times and especially on vacations. Don't beat yourself up just rededicate to the cause. And remember young Skywalker, the force is with you. :girl_hug:

:whoo: ANGELA!!!! :whoo: That is a fabulous victory!! Congratulations girl!!!! :clap2:

No change for me. I think my body's fighting me and I can't figure out how to knock myself out...lol July 4th Challenge Week 7 Name.............................Starting….Current…...Goal….....To Go losingjusme..(Christine)......317...........305 .............295...........10 tann.............(Tammy)........257.......... 236..............232......... ..04 juliegeraci..........................232.......... 232..............220...........12 Josette..............................340.......... 329..............315...........14 Inner_me.....(Chris).......... ..306...........296 .............280...........16 Elisabethsew..(Elisabeth).. .281....... ...271 .............260...........11 Waterlily1072...(Nicole)...... 278..... .....272 .............252...........20 Libra..(Angela)................... 230...........221........... ..205...........16 Lapbandit……...............… .208……….206……..…..185…….....21 RidinMyHDDream.(Carol).. ..281..........276 .............256............20 FaithMD........................ .. 341.5........327..............310.. .........17

Hey there! Had the best time. Was at the rally on Friday, rode in the parade which was a very cool experience. Really enjoyed Saturday between the rally and the concert. Love the Guess Who and they didn't fail to make me smile and sing along. Met Randy (MyKdsDad) and his wife (MsJoy) and that was really cool to put faces with people you've chatted with. I'm sorry we missed you!! So my next large adventure is Sturgis so if you're going, tell me...I've yet to find someone to ride along with but I'm going either way. :peace: we're already planning on camping at ROT next year so I'll make sure everyone has our location so you can come by and hang out.

Hi Allen and Diane! Welcome aboard! I can't speak to riding that soon since I was grounded for other reasons, but my feeling is that you should be fine. I'm not sure how your doctor has your scheduled back in to eating but you should easily be on some soft solids or solids by then. I think the critical part is making sure you're hydrated and take your vitamins! Physically at four weeks I don't think there's a concern that you'll do any 'damage' to your band. Your port area might be a little soar. Also make sure you have a sort of loose waistband area on your pants. I found if my pants are tight and it's pushing other things around the port area can be a little tender. If your doctor thinks it's okay, then he's the voice to listen to. Best of luck with the surgery! Keep us informed how you both are doing. It looks like a great trip!

Catching up.... Tammy! Congrats on the loss! You are definately headed for a first place finish. :first: Great work!! Chris two pounds gone is two pounds gone!!! Keep it up! I was surprised when I did a weight loss calculator and I only had to lose two pounds a week to meet my goal by next July. Now if I can just get those two pounds to stay off ...lol I'm on the longest plateau but I too, will remind myself of my accomplishments to date. That's what matters. My everyday bfast food is oatmeal. Fills me up and holds me till lunch. I make it with milk and will even add dry milk to it to add to the Protein count. Christine! You are a true inspiration so keep up the great work! Those threes will be gone soon, trust me! Nicole..aka Molly ..I hear ya on the chicken. It can be my worst enemy. I'd rather have my jaw fall off from chewing beef than risk chicken sometimes. Turkey chili with Beans is a new staple because the protein is a high count and it's easier to eat. Faith, keep up the great work. Half the battle is the mental game still so being aware of what you have going in will put you ahead! Ladies, have a great weekend. I'm off to a rally in Austin where I will admit that a fair amount of my calories will be empty ones spent on adult beverages...lol I'm hoping the walking and riding will help...really, really hoping...lol :peace:

Darn TOM anyway...back up two....grrrr...theme from Rocky starting in my head. Have to find a way to break through this stuck position. Nicole, good luck on the interview. Just be yourself and you'll do great! Angela, congrats on the 14's!! That's a great NSV. July 4th Challenge Week 7 Name.............................Starting….Current…...Goal….....To Go losingjusme..(Christine)......317...........305 .............295...........10 tann.............(Tammy)........257.......... 239..............232...........07 juliegeraci.........................232.......... 232..............220...........12 Josette.............................340.......... 329..............315...........14 Inner_me.....(Chris)............306...........298 .............280...........18 Elisabethsew..(Elisabeth)...281..........273 .............260...........13 Waterlily1072...(Nicole)..... 278..........272 .............252...........20 Libra..(Angela)...................230...........222.............205...........17 Lapbandit……...............… 208……….206……..…..185…….....21 RidinMyHDDream.(Carol)....281..........276 .............256............20 FaithMD.......................... 341.5........327..............310.. .........17

Cool clynnc! I'm riding up from San Antonio on Friday sometime with friends. I can't leave work until midday. Hopefully we'll be there for the parade or at least to see it in action. Have a safe ride if you come up! I'm loving the looks of the weather! Let's all keep our rain drenched fingers crossed that it will be nothing but sun and a few clouds. :peace:

Well, looking at the longterm forecast it appears as if we might actually have a decent weekend! :whoo: I'll keep my fingers crossed that the weather cooperates but I think I'll pack the rain suit too just in case..lol