Re: Faith question

[Guest guest]

To the Christian question???????

I am, and IM a full believer of god. my church family was all behind me

for this and half the church was at the hospital that day i had my surgery to

comfort my wife and family as i went in for the surgery, and i was so happy to

see my pastor when i woke up in the recovery room, you have to understand

church is family and letting them know what your going threw is like telling

your

own family and friends, people should know and if you do get negative is

because they don't know much about the surgery or their just scared for you and

worry about you.

But it is up to you who you tell and when, but its always good to be right

up front with what your going threw, and for your church family as they

believe in god they should know anything is possible with Jesus, and with prayer

you

will make it threw this serious surgery and make it all the way with losing

weight and being part of life.

So take it one day at a time and all will fall together.

your friend in Jesus and surgery

Carroll

micco Florida

1- (if you need to talk just call)

[Guest guest]

It sure is nice to hear someone talk of Christ and know that he is with us

always. I know he is with me always. Thank you.

Wolfie

Pre-Op

Leeds, Alabama

Surgery Date-August 27th

Dr. Lee A. Schmitt

[Guest guest]

Hi!! I am a Christian. yes, you are right about gluttony being a sin. you are

also right about the scripture where it says that if your right hand causes you

to sin then you should cut it off. Now, gossiping is a sin also. Do you cut your

tongue out? You should try to refrain from it yes, but that scripture refers to

the dispensation of LAW in the bible. We all live in the dispensation of GRACE

now!! The only way that you have put food before God is if you prefer to eat

instead of prayer or other Godly things. I am overweight also but my God has

always come first. I don't worry about eating food in church. I don't miss

church to go eat food. Your brother is like some who believe that good ole will

power can do it. God will help you no matter how you lose weight!! Pray that if

it is HIS WILL (GODS) for you to have this surgery that everything opens up for

you. If it isn't his will, then ask him to shut all the doors to where it is

virtually impossible for you to have it done. God loves you, big, small, white

or black!!! Yes, you need FAITH!! Have FAITH that God's will be done in your

situation. Have FAITH that you can handle all that comes your way. Have FAITH

that he will be with you in every step. Most of all Have FAITH that he is

watching over you. Pray that he protects you and guides you decisions.

If you don't mind me asking what faith or you from? Where do you live? I have

heard of those particular programs before. If you ever want to chat you can

email me personally. I go to the United Pentecostal Church. I coach our Bible

Quiz team and I am heavily involved in my church. Don't take opinions of others

(unless its your pastor) on your walk with God. It is a personal journey between

you and him. I hope this helps you and I hope I didn't offend anyone. It is just

how I believe.

Angie D

Faith question

Anybody Christian?

The reason I ask is to see how you have dealt with other believers

who may see this as a faithless cop-out?

I have a brother who is very holier than thou! I love him but I am

not so sure where he is coming from. The last time we talked about

the possibility I might get WLS (cracks me up thats the call letters

of a AM radio station in Chicago) He expressed concerns (non-

descript) as they were. I could tell where he was coming from when he

mentioned me going to a program there at church called The Most

Excellent Way. It is a program based on addictions. They even get

referals from the County courts. He was hinting that this and the

good ole Atkins diet would do the trick. I told him I would consider

my options for support after I made a decision about medical help,

whether it was meds or surgery. I can tell he still disapproves

though. Am I alone in this resistance? I mean is this a LACK of faith

or a LEAP of faith? From what I have gathered so far it is far more

than a cop-out. I still need to modify my behavior afterward it's

just the surgery reinforces it. I am not too off base in that

understanding am I?

I mean I understand, I am addicted to food. I have let it take the

place of my relationship with the Lord. That is a sin! Food has

become a [g]od to me. I am desperate to fix it. Short of deliverance

I see no more options. Doesn't scripture say something about cutting

of your right hand and gouging out your eyes if they cause you to sin?

This isn't the only thing leading me to this decision, health and

feeling good about me, and doing the things I have always wanted to

do, those are major considerations also. But my gluttony has been a

major conviction for years.

It just seems strange that my family has been after me for years to

do something about my weight. And when I finally work up the resolve

to be proactive? Whammo, they become disapproving and skeptical.

Thanks for having this group guys it is a major relief just to be

able to say these things. Let alone get answers. God Bless you.

[Guest guest]

Hi!! I am a Christian. yes, you are right about gluttony being a sin. you are

also right about the scripture where it says that if your right hand causes you

to sin then you should cut it off. Now, gossiping is a sin also. Do you cut your

tongue out? You should try to refrain from it yes, but that scripture refers to

the dispensation of LAW in the bible. We all live in the dispensation of GRACE

now!! The only way that you have put food before God is if you prefer to eat

instead of prayer or other Godly things. I am overweight also but my God has

always come first. I don't worry about eating food in church. I don't miss

church to go eat food. Your brother is like some who believe that good ole will

power can do it. God will help you no matter how you lose weight!! Pray that if

it is HIS WILL (GODS) for you to have this surgery that everything opens up for

you. If it isn't his will, then ask him to shut all the doors to where it is

virtually impossible for you to have it done. God loves you, big, small, white

or black!!! Yes, you need FAITH!! Have FAITH that God's will be done in your

situation. Have FAITH that you can handle all that comes your way. Have FAITH

that he will be with you in every step. Most of all Have FAITH that he is

watching over you. Pray that he protects you and guides you decisions.

If you don't mind me asking what faith or you from? Where do you live? I have

heard of those particular programs before. If you ever want to chat you can

email me personally. I go to the United Pentecostal Church. I coach our Bible

Quiz team and I am heavily involved in my church. Don't take opinions of others

(unless its your pastor) on your walk with God. It is a personal journey between

you and him. I hope this helps you and I hope I didn't offend anyone. It is just

how I believe.

Angie D

Faith question

Anybody Christian?

The reason I ask is to see how you have dealt with other believers

who may see this as a faithless cop-out?

I have a brother who is very holier than thou! I love him but I am

not so sure where he is coming from. The last time we talked about

the possibility I might get WLS (cracks me up thats the call letters

of a AM radio station in Chicago) He expressed concerns (non-

descript) as they were. I could tell where he was coming from when he

mentioned me going to a program there at church called The Most

Excellent Way. It is a program based on addictions. They even get

referals from the County courts. He was hinting that this and the

good ole Atkins diet would do the trick. I told him I would consider

my options for support after I made a decision about medical help,

whether it was meds or surgery. I can tell he still disapproves

though. Am I alone in this resistance? I mean is this a LACK of faith

or a LEAP of faith? From what I have gathered so far it is far more

than a cop-out. I still need to modify my behavior afterward it's

just the surgery reinforces it. I am not too off base in that

understanding am I?

I mean I understand, I am addicted to food. I have let it take the

place of my relationship with the Lord. That is a sin! Food has

become a [g]od to me. I am desperate to fix it. Short of deliverance

I see no more options. Doesn't scripture say something about cutting

of your right hand and gouging out your eyes if they cause you to sin?

This isn't the only thing leading me to this decision, health and

feeling good about me, and doing the things I have always wanted to

do, those are major considerations also. But my gluttony has been a

major conviction for years.

It just seems strange that my family has been after me for years to

do something about my weight. And when I finally work up the resolve

to be proactive? Whammo, they become disapproving and skeptical.

Thanks for having this group guys it is a major relief just to be

able to say these things. Let alone get answers. God Bless you.

[Guest guest]

Hi!! I am a Christian. yes, you are right about gluttony being a sin. you are

also right about the scripture where it says that if your right hand causes you

to sin then you should cut it off. Now, gossiping is a sin also. Do you cut your

tongue out? You should try to refrain from it yes, but that scripture refers to

the dispensation of LAW in the bible. We all live in the dispensation of GRACE

now!! The only way that you have put food before God is if you prefer to eat

instead of prayer or other Godly things. I am overweight also but my God has

always come first. I don't worry about eating food in church. I don't miss

church to go eat food. Your brother is like some who believe that good ole will

power can do it. God will help you no matter how you lose weight!! Pray that if

it is HIS WILL (GODS) for you to have this surgery that everything opens up for

you. If it isn't his will, then ask him to shut all the doors to where it is

virtually impossible for you to have it done. God loves you, big, small, white

or black!!! Yes, you need FAITH!! Have FAITH that God's will be done in your

situation. Have FAITH that you can handle all that comes your way. Have FAITH

that he will be with you in every step. Most of all Have FAITH that he is

watching over you. Pray that he protects you and guides you decisions.

If you don't mind me asking what faith or you from? Where do you live? I have

heard of those particular programs before. If you ever want to chat you can

email me personally. I go to the United Pentecostal Church. I coach our Bible

Quiz team and I am heavily involved in my church. Don't take opinions of others

(unless its your pastor) on your walk with God. It is a personal journey between

you and him. I hope this helps you and I hope I didn't offend anyone. It is just

how I believe.

Angie D

Faith question

Anybody Christian?

The reason I ask is to see how you have dealt with other believers

who may see this as a faithless cop-out?

I have a brother who is very holier than thou! I love him but I am

not so sure where he is coming from. The last time we talked about

the possibility I might get WLS (cracks me up thats the call letters

of a AM radio station in Chicago) He expressed concerns (non-

descript) as they were. I could tell where he was coming from when he

mentioned me going to a program there at church called The Most

Excellent Way. It is a program based on addictions. They even get

referals from the County courts. He was hinting that this and the

good ole Atkins diet would do the trick. I told him I would consider

my options for support after I made a decision about medical help,

whether it was meds or surgery. I can tell he still disapproves

though. Am I alone in this resistance? I mean is this a LACK of faith

or a LEAP of faith? From what I have gathered so far it is far more

than a cop-out. I still need to modify my behavior afterward it's

just the surgery reinforces it. I am not too off base in that

understanding am I?

I mean I understand, I am addicted to food. I have let it take the

place of my relationship with the Lord. That is a sin! Food has

become a [g]od to me. I am desperate to fix it. Short of deliverance

I see no more options. Doesn't scripture say something about cutting

of your right hand and gouging out your eyes if they cause you to sin?

This isn't the only thing leading me to this decision, health and

feeling good about me, and doing the things I have always wanted to

do, those are major considerations also. But my gluttony has been a

major conviction for years.

It just seems strange that my family has been after me for years to

do something about my weight. And when I finally work up the resolve

to be proactive? Whammo, they become disapproving and skeptical.

Thanks for having this group guys it is a major relief just to be

able to say these things. Let alone get answers. God Bless you.

[Guest guest]

I am a Christian....it is not a cop out. You will still have to resolve your

addictions so this is not a quick fix. You still have to work at it. Part of

the addiction is a sense of hopelessness and when you, really me, need to lose

260 pounds....it seems hopeless. But it is not hopeless. I have all of my

church family behind me...I am Methodist and sing in a contemporary Christian

band....I can't wait till I can't wait til I am on the losing team....10 weeks

and counting. Hope that helps....

Carol Matar

Carol Matar

--------------------------

Sent from my wireless handheld

Faith question

Anybody Christian?

The reason I ask is to see how you have dealt with other believers

who may see this as a faithless cop-out?

I have a brother who is very holier than thou! I love him but I am

not so sure where he is coming from. The last time we talked about

the possibility I might get WLS (cracks me up thats the call letters

of a AM radio station in Chicago) He expressed concerns (non-

descript) as they were. I could tell where he was coming from when he

mentioned me going to a program there at church called The Most

Excellent Way. It is a program based on addictions. They even get

referals from the County courts. He was hinting that this and the

good ole Atkins diet would do the trick. I told him I would consider

my options for support after I made a decision about medical help,

whether it was meds or surgery. I can tell he still disapproves

though. Am I alone in this resistance? I mean is this a LACK of faith

or a LEAP of faith? From what I have gathered so far it is far more

than a cop-out. I still need to modify my behavior afterward it's

just the surgery reinforces it. I am not too off base in that

understanding am I?

I mean I understand, I am addicted to food. I have let it take the

place of my relationship with the Lord. That is a sin! Food has

become a [g]od to me. I am desperate to fix it. Short of deliverance

I see no more options. Doesn't scripture say something about cutting

of your right hand and gouging out your eyes if they cause you to sin?

This isn't the only thing leading me to this decision, health and

feeling good about me, and doing the things I have always wanted to

do, those are major considerations also. But my gluttony has been a

major conviction for years.

It just seems strange that my family has been after me for years to

do something about my weight. And when I finally work up the resolve

to be proactive? Whammo, they become disapproving and skeptical.

Thanks for having this group guys it is a major relief just to be

able to say these things. Let alone get answers. God Bless you.

[Guest guest]

You're taking a leap of FAITH, hon and if you have any question about

that, I say pray on it, you'll get your answers. My whole WLS

journey has been traveled via the path of prayer and my faith in the

Lord to guide me.

Toi

Lap RNY Medial Bypass

12/31/02

-118 lbs

St. Mark's Hospital

Salt Lake City, UT

Dr. Simper

[Guest guest]

Hi-

I'm very new to this group, and I'm a pre-op. Still in the very early

stages. But, for me, the decision to do the surgery (Lord willing!)...has

been a very spiritual decision (and of course, emotional, physical, mental,

etc.)...

I'm in therapy right now, (christian therapist, and he rocks!) and I had

told my therapist a couple of months ago that I had three goals in my life

1) to be a Godly woman (and wife) 2) to make our home comfortable and

CLEAN! :-) 3) to be healthy...

And my therapist made a very good point recently when we were discussing the

surgery. How difficult it is for me to accomplish any of these goals . .

..including the spiritually related ones. . .while I'm carrying around so

much extra weight (my paraphrase). :-) (like carrying around barbells)

As it is right now, I work full time, and I hardly have the energy to do

anything but work, sleep, and eat. I am not living an abundant life. And I'm

34. It's not going to get any better. I just decided that it's silly not to

use a tool that's available to me. And I'm being honest with myself by

giving up the " weight loss is around the corner if I could only do ______ "

Like someone else said. Yes. It's an addiction. And WLS is a tool in

recovery. I did a Christian based weight loss thing a couple of years ago. I

lost some weight. I gained it back. Somebody in Tennessee made plenty of

money off of me and my friends. :-) (No offense to anyone from tennesse!

I love your beautiful states...and I miss the Smokies!)...

anyway...jtkidd1971....i'd love to talk to you more!

....brenda

>

>Reply-To: Gastric_Bypass_Family

>To: Gastric_Bypass_Family

>Subject: Faith question

>Date: Tue, 26 Aug 2003 23:40:36 -0000

>

>Anybody Christian?

>

>The reason I ask is to see how you have dealt with other believers

>who may see this as a faithless cop-out?

>

>I have a brother who is very holier than thou! I love him but I am

>not so sure where he is coming from. The last time we talked about

>the possibility I might get WLS (cracks me up thats the call letters

>of a AM radio station in Chicago) He expressed concerns (non-

>descript) as they were. I could tell where he was coming from when he

>mentioned me going to a program there at church called The Most

>Excellent Way. It is a program based on addictions. They even get

>referals from the County courts. He was hinting that this and the

>good ole Atkins diet would do the trick. I told him I would consider

>my options for support after I made a decision about medical help,

>whether it was meds or surgery. I can tell he still disapproves

>though. Am I alone in this resistance? I mean is this a LACK of faith

>or a LEAP of faith? From what I have gathered so far it is far more

>than a cop-out. I still need to modify my behavior afterward it's

>just the surgery reinforces it. I am not too off base in that

>understanding am I?

>

>I mean I understand, I am addicted to food. I have let it take the

>place of my relationship with the Lord. That is a sin! Food has

>become a [g]od to me. I am desperate to fix it. Short of deliverance

>I see no more options. Doesn't scripture say something about cutting

>of your right hand and gouging out your eyes if they cause you to sin?

>

>This isn't the only thing leading me to this decision, health and

>feeling good about me, and doing the things I have always wanted to

>do, those are major considerations also. But my gluttony has been a

>major conviction for years.

>

>It just seems strange that my family has been after me for years to

>do something about my weight. And when I finally work up the resolve

>to be proactive? Whammo, they become disapproving and skeptical.

>

>Thanks for having this group guys it is a major relief just to be

>able to say these things. Let alone get answers. God Bless you.

>

_________________________________________________________________

Get MSN 8 and enjoy automatic e-mail virus protection.

http://join.msn.com/?page=features/virus

[Guest guest]

Hi-

I'm very new to this group, and I'm a pre-op. Still in the very early

stages. But, for me, the decision to do the surgery (Lord willing!)...has

been a very spiritual decision (and of course, emotional, physical, mental,

etc.)...

I'm in therapy right now, (christian therapist, and he rocks!) and I had

told my therapist a couple of months ago that I had three goals in my life

1) to be a Godly woman (and wife) 2) to make our home comfortable and

CLEAN! :-) 3) to be healthy...

And my therapist made a very good point recently when we were discussing the

surgery. How difficult it is for me to accomplish any of these goals . .

..including the spiritually related ones. . .while I'm carrying around so

much extra weight (my paraphrase). :-) (like carrying around barbells)

As it is right now, I work full time, and I hardly have the energy to do

anything but work, sleep, and eat. I am not living an abundant life. And I'm

34. It's not going to get any better. I just decided that it's silly not to

use a tool that's available to me. And I'm being honest with myself by

giving up the " weight loss is around the corner if I could only do ______ "

Like someone else said. Yes. It's an addiction. And WLS is a tool in

recovery. I did a Christian based weight loss thing a couple of years ago. I

lost some weight. I gained it back. Somebody in Tennessee made plenty of

money off of me and my friends. :-) (No offense to anyone from tennesse!

I love your beautiful states...and I miss the Smokies!)...

anyway...jtkidd1971....i'd love to talk to you more!

....brenda

>

>Reply-To: Gastric_Bypass_Family

>To: Gastric_Bypass_Family

>Subject: Faith question

>Date: Tue, 26 Aug 2003 23:40:36 -0000

>

>Anybody Christian?

>

>The reason I ask is to see how you have dealt with other believers

>who may see this as a faithless cop-out?

>

>I have a brother who is very holier than thou! I love him but I am

>not so sure where he is coming from. The last time we talked about

>the possibility I might get WLS (cracks me up thats the call letters

>of a AM radio station in Chicago) He expressed concerns (non-

>descript) as they were. I could tell where he was coming from when he

>mentioned me going to a program there at church called The Most

>Excellent Way. It is a program based on addictions. They even get

>referals from the County courts. He was hinting that this and the

>good ole Atkins diet would do the trick. I told him I would consider

>my options for support after I made a decision about medical help,

>whether it was meds or surgery. I can tell he still disapproves

>though. Am I alone in this resistance? I mean is this a LACK of faith

>or a LEAP of faith? From what I have gathered so far it is far more

>than a cop-out. I still need to modify my behavior afterward it's

>just the surgery reinforces it. I am not too off base in that

>understanding am I?

>

>I mean I understand, I am addicted to food. I have let it take the

>place of my relationship with the Lord. That is a sin! Food has

>become a [g]od to me. I am desperate to fix it. Short of deliverance

>I see no more options. Doesn't scripture say something about cutting

>of your right hand and gouging out your eyes if they cause you to sin?

>

>This isn't the only thing leading me to this decision, health and

>feeling good about me, and doing the things I have always wanted to

>do, those are major considerations also. But my gluttony has been a

>major conviction for years.

>

>It just seems strange that my family has been after me for years to

>do something about my weight. And when I finally work up the resolve

>to be proactive? Whammo, they become disapproving and skeptical.

>

>Thanks for having this group guys it is a major relief just to be

>able to say these things. Let alone get answers. God Bless you.

>

_________________________________________________________________

Get MSN 8 and enjoy automatic e-mail virus protection.

http://join.msn.com/?page=features/virus

[Guest guest]

I'm sure you have had a lot of responses to your email. God leads

you and holds your hand as you walk through life. The things that

work for others, is not necessarily for you. The Lord gives you

direction. Don't you feel He has lead you to this decision. Your

brother is not God, no matter how strongly he believes. The Lord

wouldn't lead you here and then abandon you. Pray on it and He will

give you peace.

Lizanne

Pre-op

> Anybody Christian?

>

> The reason I ask is to see how you have dealt with other believers

> who may see this as a faithless cop-out?

>

> I have a brother who is very holier than thou! I love him but I am

> not so sure where he is coming from. The last time we talked about

> the possibility I might get WLS (cracks me up thats the call

letters

> of a AM radio station in Chicago) He expressed concerns (non-

> descript) as they were. I could tell where he was coming from when

he

> mentioned me going to a program there at church called The Most

> Excellent Way. It is a program based on addictions. They even get

> referals from the County courts. He was hinting that this and the

> good ole Atkins diet would do the trick. I told him I would

consider

> my options for support after I made a decision about medical help,

> whether it was meds or surgery. I can tell he still disapproves

> though. Am I alone in this resistance? I mean is this a LACK of

faith

> or a LEAP of faith? From what I have gathered so far it is far more

> than a cop-out. I still need to modify my behavior afterward it's

> just the surgery reinforces it. I am not too off base in that

> understanding am I?

>

> I mean I understand, I am addicted to food. I have let it take the

> place of my relationship with the Lord. That is a sin! Food has

> become a [g]od to me. I am desperate to fix it. Short of

deliverance

> I see no more options. Doesn't scripture say something about

cutting

> of your right hand and gouging out your eyes if they cause you to

sin?

>

> This isn't the only thing leading me to this decision, health and

> feeling good about me, and doing the things I have always wanted to

> do, those are major considerations also. But my gluttony has been a

> major conviction for years.

>

> It just seems strange that my family has been after me for years to

> do something about my weight. And when I finally work up the

resolve

> to be proactive? Whammo, they become disapproving and skeptical.

>

> Thanks for having this group guys it is a major relief just to be

> able to say these things. Let alone get answers. God Bless you.

[Guest guest]

I'm sure you have had a lot of responses to your email. God leads

you and holds your hand as you walk through life. The things that

work for others, is not necessarily for you. The Lord gives you

direction. Don't you feel He has lead you to this decision. Your

brother is not God, no matter how strongly he believes. The Lord

wouldn't lead you here and then abandon you. Pray on it and He will

give you peace.

Lizanne

Pre-op

> Anybody Christian?

>

> The reason I ask is to see how you have dealt with other believers

> who may see this as a faithless cop-out?

>

> I have a brother who is very holier than thou! I love him but I am

> not so sure where he is coming from. The last time we talked about

> the possibility I might get WLS (cracks me up thats the call

letters

> of a AM radio station in Chicago) He expressed concerns (non-

> descript) as they were. I could tell where he was coming from when

he

> mentioned me going to a program there at church called The Most

> Excellent Way. It is a program based on addictions. They even get

> referals from the County courts. He was hinting that this and the

> good ole Atkins diet would do the trick. I told him I would

consider

> my options for support after I made a decision about medical help,

> whether it was meds or surgery. I can tell he still disapproves

> though. Am I alone in this resistance? I mean is this a LACK of

faith

> or a LEAP of faith? From what I have gathered so far it is far more

> than a cop-out. I still need to modify my behavior afterward it's

> just the surgery reinforces it. I am not too off base in that

> understanding am I?

>

> I mean I understand, I am addicted to food. I have let it take the

> place of my relationship with the Lord. That is a sin! Food has

> become a [g]od to me. I am desperate to fix it. Short of

deliverance

> I see no more options. Doesn't scripture say something about

cutting

> of your right hand and gouging out your eyes if they cause you to

sin?

>

> This isn't the only thing leading me to this decision, health and

> feeling good about me, and doing the things I have always wanted to

> do, those are major considerations also. But my gluttony has been a

> major conviction for years.

>

> It just seems strange that my family has been after me for years to

> do something about my weight. And when I finally work up the

resolve

> to be proactive? Whammo, they become disapproving and skeptical.

>

> Thanks for having this group guys it is a major relief just to be

> able to say these things. Let alone get answers. God Bless you.

[Guest guest]

Hi I am also new to this group. I am a Christian also. I have prayed

all along that I am in God's will as I pursue this WLS. There has been

several of what I call " God sightings " that I feel He is giving me the

ok. One in particular was when I had my psychiatic evaluation. The

last thing that the psychologist said to me was " I will be praying for

your success. " I thought that was really neat. No other dr. has ever

said anything like that to me. Just thought I would share that.

Renes wrote:

> Hi-

> I'm very new to this group, and I'm a pre-op. Still in the very early

> stages. But, for me, the decision to do the surgery (Lord

> willing!)...has

> been a very spiritual decision (and of course, emotional, physical,

> mental,

> etc.)...

>

> I'm in therapy right now, (christian therapist, and he rocks!) and I

> had

> told my therapist a couple of months ago that I had three goals in my

> life

> 1) to be a Godly woman (and wife) 2) to make our home comfortable and

>

> CLEAN! :-) 3) to be healthy...

>

> And my therapist made a very good point recently when we were

> discussing the

> surgery. How difficult it is for me to accomplish any of these goals .

> .

> including the spiritually related ones. . .while I'm carrying around

> so

> much extra weight (my paraphrase). :-) (like carrying around

> barbells)

>

> As it is right now, I work full time, and I hardly have the energy to

> do

> anything but work, sleep, and eat. I am not living an abundant life.

> And I'm

> 34. It's not going to get any better. I just decided that it's silly

> not to

> use a tool that's available to me. And I'm being honest with myself by

>

> giving up the " weight loss is around the corner if I could only do

> ______ "

>

> Like someone else said. Yes. It's an addiction. And WLS is a tool in

> recovery. I did a Christian based weight loss thing a couple of years

> ago. I

> lost some weight. I gained it back. Somebody in Tennessee made plenty

> of

> money off of me and my friends. :-) (No offense to anyone from

> tennesse!

> I love your beautiful states...and I miss the Smokies!)...

>

> anyway...jtkidd1971....i'd love to talk to you more!

>

> ..brenda

>

>

> >

> >Reply-To: Gastric_Bypass_Family

> >To: Gastric_Bypass_Family

> >Subject: Faith question

> >Date: Tue, 26 Aug 2003 23:40:36 -0000

> >

> >Anybody Christian?

> >

> >The reason I ask is to see how you have dealt with other believers

> >who may see this as a faithless cop-out?

> >

> >I have a brother who is very holier than thou! I love him but I am

> >not so sure where he is coming from. The last time we talked about

> >the possibility I might get WLS (cracks me up thats the call letters

> >of a AM radio station in Chicago) He expressed concerns (non-

> >descript) as they were. I could tell where he was coming from when he

>

> >mentioned me going to a program there at church called The Most

> >Excellent Way. It is a program based on addictions. They even get

> >referals from the County courts. He was hinting that this and the

> >good ole Atkins diet would do the trick. I told him I would consider

> >my options for support after I made a decision about medical help,

> >whether it was meds or surgery. I can tell he still disapproves

> >though. Am I alone in this resistance? I mean is this a LACK of faith

>

> >or a LEAP of faith? From what I have gathered so far it is far more

> >than a cop-out. I still need to modify my behavior afterward it's

> >just the surgery reinforces it. I am not too off base in that

> >understanding am I?

> >

> >I mean I understand, I am addicted to food. I have let it take the

> >place of my relationship with the Lord. That is a sin! Food has

> >become a [g]od to me. I am desperate to fix it. Short of deliverance

> >I see no more options. Doesn't scripture say something about cutting

> >of your right hand and gouging out your eyes if they cause you to

> sin?

> >

> >This isn't the only thing leading me to this decision, health and

> >feeling good about me, and doing the things I have always wanted to

> >do, those are major considerations also. But my gluttony has been a

> >major conviction for years.

> >

> >It just seems strange that my family has been after me for years to

> >do something about my weight. And when I finally work up the resolve

> >to be proactive? Whammo, they become disapproving and skeptical.

> >

> >Thanks for having this group guys it is a major relief just to be

> >able to say these things. Let alone get answers. God Bless you.

> >

>

> _________________________________________________________________

> Get MSN 8 and enjoy automatic e-mail virus protection.

> http://join.msn.com/?page=features/virus

>

>

>

[Guest guest]

Hi I am also new to this group. I am a Christian also. I have prayed

all along that I am in God's will as I pursue this WLS. There has been

several of what I call " God sightings " that I feel He is giving me the

ok. One in particular was when I had my psychiatic evaluation. The

last thing that the psychologist said to me was " I will be praying for

your success. " I thought that was really neat. No other dr. has ever

said anything like that to me. Just thought I would share that.

Renes wrote:

> Hi-

> I'm very new to this group, and I'm a pre-op. Still in the very early

> stages. But, for me, the decision to do the surgery (Lord

> willing!)...has

> been a very spiritual decision (and of course, emotional, physical,

> mental,

> etc.)...

>

> I'm in therapy right now, (christian therapist, and he rocks!) and I

> had

> told my therapist a couple of months ago that I had three goals in my

> life

> 1) to be a Godly woman (and wife) 2) to make our home comfortable and

>

> CLEAN! :-) 3) to be healthy...

>

> And my therapist made a very good point recently when we were

> discussing the

> surgery. How difficult it is for me to accomplish any of these goals .

> .

> including the spiritually related ones. . .while I'm carrying around

> so

> much extra weight (my paraphrase). :-) (like carrying around

> barbells)

>

> As it is right now, I work full time, and I hardly have the energy to

> do

> anything but work, sleep, and eat. I am not living an abundant life.

> And I'm

> 34. It's not going to get any better. I just decided that it's silly

> not to

> use a tool that's available to me. And I'm being honest with myself by

>

> giving up the " weight loss is around the corner if I could only do

> ______ "

>

> Like someone else said. Yes. It's an addiction. And WLS is a tool in

> recovery. I did a Christian based weight loss thing a couple of years

> ago. I

> lost some weight. I gained it back. Somebody in Tennessee made plenty

> of

> money off of me and my friends. :-) (No offense to anyone from

> tennesse!

> I love your beautiful states...and I miss the Smokies!)...

>

> anyway...jtkidd1971....i'd love to talk to you more!

>

> ..brenda

>

>

> >

> >Reply-To: Gastric_Bypass_Family

> >To: Gastric_Bypass_Family

> >Subject: Faith question

> >Date: Tue, 26 Aug 2003 23:40:36 -0000

> >

> >Anybody Christian?

> >

> >The reason I ask is to see how you have dealt with other believers

> >who may see this as a faithless cop-out?

> >

> >I have a brother who is very holier than thou! I love him but I am

> >not so sure where he is coming from. The last time we talked about

> >the possibility I might get WLS (cracks me up thats the call letters

> >of a AM radio station in Chicago) He expressed concerns (non-

> >descript) as they were. I could tell where he was coming from when he

>

> >mentioned me going to a program there at church called The Most

> >Excellent Way. It is a program based on addictions. They even get

> >referals from the County courts. He was hinting that this and the

> >good ole Atkins diet would do the trick. I told him I would consider

> >my options for support after I made a decision about medical help,

> >whether it was meds or surgery. I can tell he still disapproves

> >though. Am I alone in this resistance? I mean is this a LACK of faith

>

> >or a LEAP of faith? From what I have gathered so far it is far more

> >than a cop-out. I still need to modify my behavior afterward it's

> >just the surgery reinforces it. I am not too off base in that

> >understanding am I?

> >

> >I mean I understand, I am addicted to food. I have let it take the

> >place of my relationship with the Lord. That is a sin! Food has

> >become a [g]od to me. I am desperate to fix it. Short of deliverance

> >I see no more options. Doesn't scripture say something about cutting

> >of your right hand and gouging out your eyes if they cause you to

> sin?

> >

> >This isn't the only thing leading me to this decision, health and

> >feeling good about me, and doing the things I have always wanted to

> >do, those are major considerations also. But my gluttony has been a

> >major conviction for years.

> >

> >It just seems strange that my family has been after me for years to

> >do something about my weight. And when I finally work up the resolve

> >to be proactive? Whammo, they become disapproving and skeptical.

> >

> >Thanks for having this group guys it is a major relief just to be

> >able to say these things. Let alone get answers. God Bless you.

> >

>

> _________________________________________________________________

> Get MSN 8 and enjoy automatic e-mail virus protection.

> http://join.msn.com/?page=features/virus

>

>

>

[Guest guest]

If God leads you to it...He will lead you through it.

lizanneflowers wrote:

> I'm sure you have had a lot of responses to your email. God leads

> you and holds your hand as you walk through life. The things that

> work for others, is not necessarily for you. The Lord gives you

> direction. Don't you feel He has lead you to this decision. Your

> brother is not God, no matter how strongly he believes. The Lord

> wouldn't lead you here and then abandon you. Pray on it and He will

> give you peace.

>

>

> Lizanne

> Pre-op

>

>

>

> > Anybody Christian?

> >

> > The reason I ask is to see how you have dealt with other believers

> > who may see this as a faithless cop-out?

> >

> > I have a brother who is very holier than thou! I love him but I am

> > not so sure where he is coming from. The last time we talked about

> > the possibility I might get WLS (cracks me up thats the call

> letters

> > of a AM radio station in Chicago) He expressed concerns (non-

> > descript) as they were. I could tell where he was coming from when

> he

> > mentioned me going to a program there at church called The Most

> > Excellent Way. It is a program based on addictions. They even get

> > referals from the County courts. He was hinting that this and the

> > good ole Atkins diet would do the trick. I told him I would

> consider

> > my options for support after I made a decision about medical help,

> > whether it was meds or surgery. I can tell he still disapproves

> > though. Am I alone in this resistance? I mean is this a LACK of

> faith

> > or a LEAP of faith? From what I have gathered so far it is far more

> > than a cop-out. I still need to modify my behavior afterward it's

> > just the surgery reinforces it. I am not too off base in that

> > understanding am I?

> >

> > I mean I understand, I am addicted to food. I have let it take the

> > place of my relationship with the Lord. That is a sin! Food has

> > become a [g]od to me. I am desperate to fix it. Short of

> deliverance

> > I see no more options. Doesn't scripture say something about

> cutting

> > of your right hand and gouging out your eyes if they cause you to

> sin?

> >

> > This isn't the only thing leading me to this decision, health and

> > feeling good about me, and doing the things I have always wanted to

> > do, those are major considerations also. But my gluttony has been a

> > major conviction for years.

> >

> > It just seems strange that my family has been after me for years to

> > do something about my weight. And when I finally work up the

> resolve

> > to be proactive? Whammo, they become disapproving and skeptical.

> >

> > Thanks for having this group guys it is a major relief just to be

> > able to say these things. Let alone get answers. God Bless you.

>

>

>

[Guest guest]

If God leads you to it...He will lead you through it.

lizanneflowers wrote:

> I'm sure you have had a lot of responses to your email. God leads

> you and holds your hand as you walk through life. The things that

> work for others, is not necessarily for you. The Lord gives you

> direction. Don't you feel He has lead you to this decision. Your

> brother is not God, no matter how strongly he believes. The Lord

> wouldn't lead you here and then abandon you. Pray on it and He will

> give you peace.

>

>

> Lizanne

> Pre-op

>

>

>

> > Anybody Christian?

> >

> > The reason I ask is to see how you have dealt with other believers

> > who may see this as a faithless cop-out?

> >

> > I have a brother who is very holier than thou! I love him but I am

> > not so sure where he is coming from. The last time we talked about

> > the possibility I might get WLS (cracks me up thats the call

> letters

> > of a AM radio station in Chicago) He expressed concerns (non-

> > descript) as they were. I could tell where he was coming from when

> he

> > mentioned me going to a program there at church called The Most

> > Excellent Way. It is a program based on addictions. They even get

> > referals from the County courts. He was hinting that this and the

> > good ole Atkins diet would do the trick. I told him I would

> consider

> > my options for support after I made a decision about medical help,

> > whether it was meds or surgery. I can tell he still disapproves

> > though. Am I alone in this resistance? I mean is this a LACK of

> faith

> > or a LEAP of faith? From what I have gathered so far it is far more

> > than a cop-out. I still need to modify my behavior afterward it's

> > just the surgery reinforces it. I am not too off base in that

> > understanding am I?

> >

> > I mean I understand, I am addicted to food. I have let it take the

> > place of my relationship with the Lord. That is a sin! Food has

> > become a [g]od to me. I am desperate to fix it. Short of

> deliverance

> > I see no more options. Doesn't scripture say something about

> cutting

> > of your right hand and gouging out your eyes if they cause you to

> sin?

> >

> > This isn't the only thing leading me to this decision, health and

> > feeling good about me, and doing the things I have always wanted to

> > do, those are major considerations also. But my gluttony has been a

> > major conviction for years.

> >

> > It just seems strange that my family has been after me for years to

> > do something about my weight. And when I finally work up the

> resolve

> > to be proactive? Whammo, they become disapproving and skeptical.

> >

> > Thanks for having this group guys it is a major relief just to be

> > able to say these things. Let alone get answers. God Bless you.

>

>

>

[Guest guest]

I Believe guides us to the people and the knowledge we need . I also believe

that god is giving my Dr the knowledge they need to recommend what i need . I

have prayed each step of the way tht this would be my tool .God has not closed

any doors yet.

With Love and Friendship

Peggy 322 and waiting

Smile and Count your blessings life is to short

[Guest guest]

hi. 1st of all, only you know what's it's like to walk in your shoes.

it's your decision to make after all the soul searching & researching.

is your brother MO, by chance? sounds like he's concerned, it's

sometimes tough for non-wls people to accept the concept. & regarding

the gluttony as a sin, c'mon, it's one of the classic 7 deadly sins &

there was only one Perfect One;-)

i wish you the best in your quest for self-improvement.

lori h.

[Guest guest]

amen, angie!

lori h.

> Hi!! I am a Christian. I am overweight also but my

God has always come first. I don't worry about eating food in church.

I don't miss church to go eat food. God will help you no

matter how you lose weight!! Pray that if it is HIS WILL (GODS) for

you to have this surgery that everything opens up for you. If it isn't

his will, then ask him to shut all the doors to where it is virtually

impossible for you to have it done. God loves you, big, small, white

or black!!! Yes, you need FAITH!! Have FAITH that God's will be done

in your situation. Have FAITH that you can handle all that comes your

way. Have FAITH that he will be with you in every step. Most of all

Have FAITH that he is watching over you. Pray that he protects you and

guides you decisions.

[Guest guest]

welcome brenda. i was touched by your candid intro & can relate to

being a pre-op not living an " abundant life " & burdened in every

single way by the weight. keep us posted on your journey.

lori h.

16 grateful months post-op

> Hi-

> I'm very new to this group, and I'm a pre-op. Still in the very

early

> stages. But, for me, the decision to do the surgery (Lord

willing!)...has

> been a very spiritual decision (and of course, emotional, physical,

mental,

> etc.)...

>

> I'm in therapy right now, (christian therapist, and he rocks!) and I

had

> told my therapist a couple of months ago that I had three goals in

my life

> 1) to be a Godly woman (and wife) 2) to make our home comfortable

and

> CLEAN! :-) 3) to be healthy...

>

> And my therapist made a very good point recently when we were

discussing the

> surgery. How difficult it is for me to accomplish any of these goals

.. .

> .including the spiritually related ones. . .while I'm carrying

around so

> much extra weight (my paraphrase). :-) (like carrying around

barbells)

>

> As it is right now, I work full time, and I hardly have the energy

to do

> anything but work, sleep, and eat. I am not living an abundant life.

And I'm

> 34. It's not going to get any better. I just decided that it's silly

not to

> use a tool that's available to me. And I'm being honest with myself

by

> giving up the " weight loss is around the corner if I could only do

______ "

>

> Like someone else said. Yes. It's an addiction. And WLS is a tool in

> recovery.

> ...brenda

>

[Guest guest]

I try to be a good Christian (some days it's very hard), I had debated over

and over whether or not to have this surgery. I prayed over my decision and I

even went to my church one night by myself and cried out and asked God to

help me with my weight, whether it was to diet or have surgery whatever he

wanted

me to do I'd do it. I tried yet another diet after that and it failed once

again and then one of my best friends (her name is ) told me that she

was having this surgery done and I thought well, maybe this is my sign. God

knew that I didn't want to do this alone so maybe he had call me and

tell

me she was doing it so I would make the final decision to do it. I go to a

Missionary Church and the Pastor and his wife are wonderful and very

supportive. I don't know if this will help you but, all I can say is pray

about it.

He'll show you the way.

Jess in MI

330/Pre-Op

[Guest guest]

I try to be a good Christian (some days it's very hard), I had debated over

and over whether or not to have this surgery. I prayed over my decision and I

even went to my church one night by myself and cried out and asked God to

help me with my weight, whether it was to diet or have surgery whatever he

wanted

me to do I'd do it. I tried yet another diet after that and it failed once

again and then one of my best friends (her name is ) told me that she

was having this surgery done and I thought well, maybe this is my sign. God

knew that I didn't want to do this alone so maybe he had call me and

tell

me she was doing it so I would make the final decision to do it. I go to a

Missionary Church and the Pastor and his wife are wonderful and very

supportive. I don't know if this will help you but, all I can say is pray

about it.

He'll show you the way.

Jess in MI

330/Pre-Op

[Guest guest]

I try to be a good Christian (some days it's very hard), I had debated over

and over whether or not to have this surgery. I prayed over my decision and I

even went to my church one night by myself and cried out and asked God to

help me with my weight, whether it was to diet or have surgery whatever he

wanted

me to do I'd do it. I tried yet another diet after that and it failed once

again and then one of my best friends (her name is ) told me that she

was having this surgery done and I thought well, maybe this is my sign. God

knew that I didn't want to do this alone so maybe he had call me and

tell

me she was doing it so I would make the final decision to do it. I go to a

Missionary Church and the Pastor and his wife are wonderful and very

supportive. I don't know if this will help you but, all I can say is pray

about it.

He'll show you the way.

Jess in MI

330/Pre-Op

[Guest guest]

I try to be a good Christian (some days it's very hard), I had debated over

and over whether or not to have this surgery. I prayed over my decision and I

even went to my church one night by myself and cried out and asked God to

help me with my weight, whether it was to diet or have surgery whatever he

wanted

me to do I'd do it. I tried yet another diet after that and it failed once

again and then one of my best friends (her name is ) told me that she

was having this surgery done and I thought well, maybe this is my sign. God

knew that I didn't want to do this alone so maybe he had call me and

tell

me she was doing it so I would make the final decision to do it. I go to a

Missionary Church and the Pastor and his wife are wonderful and very

supportive. I don't know if this will help you but, all I can say is pray

about it.

He'll show you the way.

Jess in MI

330/Pre-Op

[Guest guest]

Awwwww, Jess, you are such a sweetie ) I love you.

-- Re: Faith question

then one of my best friends (her name is ) told me that she

was having this surgery done and I thought well, maybe this is my sign. God

knew that I didn't want to do this alone so maybe he had call me and

tell

me she was doing it so I would make the final decision to do it.

Jess in MI

330/Pre-Op

[Guest guest]

I love you too, you turd!

Jess