I have a question for you all......

Hi Everyone, I have a scheduled consult appointment with a surgeon on 1/5/06. I'm interested in having the lap band procedure. My question is, lately I have been overwhelmed with a feeling of guilt. I feel like I'm somehow taking this whole weight loss situation into my own hands instead of relying on God completely. Did any of you feel this way before having your WLS? God bless you all and thank you for reading this post.

Hi Brenda, I am waiting for the surgery. I know 6 years ago I prayed and felt very strongly that the answer was "NO". I went on a liquid fast and lost 75 lbs.. But, I was unable to keep it off. Now when I am pursuing the WLS, I feel complete peace. I don't have an answer for you. I just know that I had the same struggle. That as a mature christian, I SHOULD be able to do this on my own. I am humbled and very tired of the struggle. I am 48, and all I can say is that I do feel a peace about this now. There are thousands of chrisitans that have had the surgery and are praising God for their new lives. He should always get the glory for every gift, every good thing in our lives. I just know that He allowed my thyroid disease and allowed for my body to suffer. We are in a fallen world and disease is a part of that. Christians get cancer, we don't have all the answers. Sometimes I hear His voice, very clear and sometimes I have prayed, "if you don't want me to do this, you better shout real loud, because if you don't I going forward". Guilt is paralyzing. It is not always from God. I know that your desire to honor His will pleases Him. He just wants us to come to Him just like He was our Abby, daddy, father. Be honest with Him, ask for His mercy. Ask for peace if this right for you. You do want to submitt to His Lordship in your life. No kidding about that. This surgery is like anything else we want. Sometimes He just says No and sometimes He says wait and sometimes you just feel His peace to go forward. I BELIEVE that I will have more physical energy, have more emotional energy to serve Him better after this surgery. God bless you in your struggle. Love in Christ, J. Marie

Hi Brenda, To answer your question, yes... there are times that I have. I've even bargained with God over my weight over the years. I've said "God, if you let me live, I will eat healthier and exercise more." or "If you can help me afford the gym, I'll go every week!" of course my heart was in the right place, but my actions didn't see any of it to fruition. I believe God knew that I wouldn't follow through and yet he lets me live. I also believe he knows my heart and wants me to stop fighting and just let myself be helped. I really -don't- have control, like I think I do. I have -no- control and this time I admit it... and I'm going to rely on strangers that He puts in my life to see me through this trouble. At first, I didn't want WLS. I've done all I can NOT to have it (mainly avoidance). It has only been recent that I've given over the reigns of my life and let the process of losing weight be helped. I haven't felt like getting the lap band is my manipulation of my wants... in fact, I feel as though it is in His plan that I should lead a healthy life and -also- be able to attract others to Him. I didn't want the surgery... and I'm still apprehensive and concerned about a few things... however... I know He has my hand, and like a child, I'm simply crossng the street with him.

Not really dear one. I have always felt like it was a gift from God, resulting in ways immeasrable. I am now able to serve him more effectively. You have come to place where you see your obesity is dangerous and unhealthy. As well, it keeps you from serving the Lord and your family. Don't go down the road of leglism and beat up on yourself. Use your intellect to make good decisions while consulting his word, and He will be pleased. One more thing, ask yourself this, "would a Christian who was a drug addict not enter rehab or go to AA meetings?" Of course not, heaven forbid. Yes the Lord provides help in different ways, we seek him first and he'll open the door for WLS if it his will. Enuf said. Stepping down off the soap box now. Praying for you, Sally

I agree with you Sally. I have had the same feelings. I am Pre-Op and have just started my journey. I have had my first Pre-Op class and gone to my first support group meeting. I am waiting (I'm suppose to hear this week) for my first Dietician appt. and then on through the other 3 hoops and whatever else there is. I had those same doubts and fears. But I have come to the same conclusion that you just spelled out above. Thank you for bringing this to my attention once again. I was just praying about it again this morning asking the Lord to complete open the doors IF this is where He is leading me. I feel I would be better able to be the person and witness I should be for my family and God If I had more energy, less health problems and less weight and guilt because I keep failing diets. Sooo Thank you thankyou Thank You! God Bless and good luckon the walk with Jesus and the journey through this trial.Believe me when I say there is a light at the end of the tunnel. We are pressed on every side by troubles, but we are not crushed and broken. We are perplexed, but we don't give up and quit. 2 Corinthians 4:8 LONI

I believe I was feeling guilty of the same. I don't think I really prayed about my decision. I was kind of impulsive. After my consult, (which I didn't let my DH know about) I started to have panick attacks. An overwhelming fear that maybe this wasn't for me. God's way of telling me "TALK TO ME DEBBIE"??? I talked to a woman in Bible study, and while she said fear over surgery is normal, I should still leave it in God's hands and pray about it. So I did and do. I finally told my DH and can you believe he supports me. Not a usual thing for him when it comes to surgery. While I am not approved yet, I know God will open all the necessary doors or close them if He needs to. Pray to Our Father, tell Him how you feel. He will give you the answers you need. In His love and mine, Debbie G.

Funny you should ask... Here is my post from just last month!! http://www.obesityhelp.com/forums/christianity/postdetail/4682.html?vc=0 And, I tell you, I really~truly~with all my heart~believe that I am in God's will on this!! It has been so freeing to pray "Lord, if this is not your will...STOP it. So far things have been going along without issue. I want this surgery really badly, but I still keep praying "only if it's Your will." It's REALLY hard, but also really freeing when He keeps opening doors! Great question (tee hee)

I did at first but after praying and asking family and friends to pray for me and everything being approved, that guilt went away. Just pray about it and leave everything in God's hands. Shel

Hi Brenda. I agree with what all the others has said. I feel the Lord was with the surgeons who invented these procedures. He is the perfect physician, but He uses His people to heal His people. Trust in the Lord, and try to put your fears aside. You can do this, with God's help. In Him, Peg

Hi Everyone, This is Brenda. From the bottom of my heart, I thank you all for responding to my post. Thank you for sharing your personal struggles, opinions and experiences, you all truly touched my heart. It's such a relief to learn that I'm not the only one who has struggled with this. I will put this in God's hands, for as some of you mentioned, if it's something that he wants me to proceed with, he will open all doors for me and I will be at peace with it. God bless you all and please let me know how I may pray for you. Brenda