QTkidsmom

Leatha, God bless you and your church. This has always been my experience with church. It is easier for people that do not agree with a way of life to point out the negative, they say there are more bad than positive. I say hogwash! It is human nature to focus and dwell in a negative experience. It is harder to accept that there are many people in the world that are truly good and loving, than sticking with a bad perception, apparently. Thank you for sharing with us the good that your church is doing. I will pray for your missionaries.

You could not be more wrong on numerous points. You call it myth because you do not believe that it is has been adequately proven to your standards. I base my belief on facts. I have had very real experiences. I am not referring to "feelings" as many have suggested, but rather physical evidence. Science tried to explain these events and failed. Truly, you are not interested so I won't waste my time explaining. You assume you KNOW how I would vote based on the fact that I am a christian. Truth is, you have absolutely no idea. I purposely did not state my political view points because someone, somewhere, that had varying views, would take the position that I somehow was forcing my views on them, simply for stating them. This entire "rant and rave" section is undisputable proof of that. Besides the fact that I do not feel the need to share them. My only point to comment was that the very people who like to pretend to be liberal, open minded and freely accepting of any manner in which a person chooses to live their lives, seem to always be the first to complain about other people's choices. You seem to miss the point of voting. It is a bunch of individuals making a decision about what is important to them, individually. If the option was offered on a ballot to make it illegal for space aliens to enter the solar system, some people would vote in favor of this action. There are people who believe that space aliens exist, this would be an important issue on their ballot. They would base their decision on whether or not they felt having space aliens in the solar system was a problem, a benefit or a nutural subject. Would we reasonably be able to enforce such a law? Probably not, however, that would not be a factor to everyone's decision. Bottomline, when the votes are tallied, the one with the most votes wins, for the most part. Sometimes the votes go in favor of your particular views, sometimes they don't. Sorry, that's life. To address the question of how I would feel about another religion "taking over the country", more power to 'em. They could never control my belief. I honestly don't believe that any one group is in control of the country now. Simply because there is a law that disagrees with my beliefs, it won't change my mind. I still know what I know. Nobody can undo the events that I have witnessed personally, that prove to me the existance of God and the truths of the bible. Can you honestly prove that there isn't a God? No, it is your understanding. If you can't, you are no different than any other atheist I have met.

Just a little point I would like to make for clarity....my church teaches the Bible. As a thinking person, I believe that I am responsible for testing what I am taught in any area of my life, with my own research. So, I read the bible to test what I am taught. Isn't that how most people learn any subject? I guess what I am trying to say is that I attend my church and participate because the teachings are well with me. I am not hurded into my church, forced to attend, held against my will. I am there because I agree with the teachings. If ever I am in conflict with the sermon, I question the pastor. He expects that from all the members of the church. Some do follow on blind faith, again just like any other group from all walks of life, this sometimes happens. Just thought that it might be necessary to point that out.

As I said, I vote my conscience, based on the issue. A vote is sometimes a selfish thing...for EVERYONE. The issues that earn my vote are the ones with the greatest promise of leading to the outcomes that are important to me and my family. I can't tell you where the votes will fall in every direction on my ballot. I am have no problem voting against my party if the better choice is for the other party. There is no way to please everyone and to try would only exhaust a person. That is why I say that a vote is sometimes a selfish thing. The only thing that I can promise is that the votes cast on my ballot will be the ones that are important to me.

Just chimming in to once again point out that sterotypes and blanket statements are ignorant and prejudice. Regardless of the subject. This goes for blanket statements regarding homosexuality, gender, religous belief (or lack of), whatever....I have attended more than one church in my lifetime and have NEVER experienced the guided or suggested voting that is mentioned here.(BTW, I am not deaf, blind, naive or stupid.) In fact, every pastor I have ever called my own is clear to point out to the church that views are diverse and that church is not the place for these discussions. My pastor will not even share with you his party affliation or voting opinion if you asked. I know, because I did ask. You may find that ignorant of me, however, when I was conflicted about a particular issue, I sought the advice of my pastor as a trusted advisor. My family is very close to his, and normally he provides any advice requested, however, he will not participate in political discussions or give opinions on the agendas. I believe that you are wrong to assume that people are drones and voting as instructed. As a Christian, I vote in the manner that my conscience guides, based on my own understandings. Christians are no different than anyone else in that regard. There are people from all walks of life that will do their research, seek the advice of trusted advisors, will discuss the issues with family and friends and will ultimately make the decision that suits their beliefs, regardless of what they are. There are also people from all walks of life that will vote as they are told...either by a friend, family, employer, the media, clubs that they belong to, or their religious advisor. You can challenge me on that but then I will ask that you look deeper into your own decission making process when planning to vote. Do you not look at how the candidate stands on issues important to you? Do you not confirm that their views are not opposed to yours on the issues of highest priority for whatever group you belong to? Examples I would point out, if you are homosexual, would you vote for a person opposed to the issues affecting your group? Would you vote to pass a law to ban gay marriage? If you are pro-choice do you vote to pass laws that would eliminate abortions rights? Would you vote a person into office that promises to end abortion? You may based on other factors that you weigh more heavily but not likely, right? The same goes for a Christians. Most will vote for the person or law that best fits our views and opinions, just like everyone else....or at least like everyone else should. To make the statement that Christians (all or majority or exclusively) are impressed upon, forced, or swayed to vote a particular way is ignorant.

I understood you perfectly. I feel that we all are a little misunderstood around here sometimes. It is always easy to point out the faults of others and miss our own. God bless you!

If we are going to talk about the faults of any human, it is more important to also look for the good in people. I agree that there have been some Christian leaders that fell, and fell hard. As was pointed out, there are people from every group and all walks of life that fall short and embarrass themselves, their families and others. I can tell you that there are far more positive examples of Christian living and blameless Christian leaders than there are bad. Thank God that there are more good than bad in any group. To focus only on the poor examples and not look around to see the abundant, shining examples is irresponsible, and prejudice. I believe that is what we all want and need.

I did not say anything about gay people. I said that PEOPLE, regardless of who they are or what they do, are sinners. Obviously, that is my belief, based on the scriptures. Granted, they are scripture that some dismiss, I however, hold fast to them, hence, they are what I believe. I also pointed out that you can share my beliefs or not. I fully expected that you and many of the others that visit this section of the site would not share my beliefs. Some will. That is fine with me. I'll state it another way, I love PEOPLE, I don't always love their actions. Mine included. As a Christian, I believe that is what I am called to do. Live your life by any standards you choose, it is your right. I will live my life by the standards I choose, those are the standards found in the Bible. I will not apologize to you or anyone else for what those are. I realize that they are not accepted by all, but it is my right and the right of anyone else who chooses to believe. I will not force my beliefs on anyone, I will not force Christ on anyone, he does not even do that himself, according to the Bible. Remember, this is a debate section, if you do not want to read about the views and opinions of others, don't read.

Absolutely! Most Christians do. Sin is sin. One Christian on here pointed out that they even hate their own sin, as we all should. People are people, regardless of who they are, what they believe and how they behave. We are all corupt and sinful. Christians do not save themselves, they are not perfect and 99.9% will gladly admit that. They had to to become a Christian. We were all created with a free will (I already know that some will be offended by my believe that we are created, get over it. Or don't read, like so many have pointed out before on here) we chose to believe or not. We chose our actions, and are all responsible for those choices. A christian is a sinner like everyone else, they are just forgiven, believe it or not. Everyone chooses their path based on what they believe as truth. It is that simple.

I fly a lot and I agree that Delta has the most comfortable seats. Large seat belts too. I have never needed an extender on their planes or Americans, but have on all others. American is okay but very little leg room. I am almost 6 foot, and that is just about all legs.

This topic should be covered in your discharge papers. Usually, like everyone else already said, you can shower pretty much right away. Just no baths.

It wasn't meant as a slam or a compliment. Just an observation. I apologize if the comment seemed harsh. Admittedly, I have not read enough of the posts from Bubblebutt or Ron to make a fair assessment, however, the intolerance I have percieved in posts by both parties makes me question the intent. I don't know either of them, I am sure that each are decent people. I am equally sure that there are people on this forum that would disagree with that statement about one or both. I am as sure of that as I am that many people would read my post and would find what they percieve to be intolerance. I just make that point to say that these words are flat. No one see the others and their expressions, or truly knows the others intent. That is why these types of threads are so offensive to many. Especially when the topic is something like religion and beliefs that people feel so strongly about. I already know that every word written here comes into question and debate by others and what I have said or will say will cause me to be the recipient of a "slam". However, I must say that I although this may be a rant and rave section, I don't understand why a person would want to risk hurting another person. Known or unknown. This is a support forum, afterall. I understand that I have the right to review and engage or review and ignore, just as anyone else. I chose to share my view. It probably goes without saying that I am a devout believer in Christ. I do not consider myself "Ultra Religious". I am not really sure what that even means. I will not deny Christ or the changes that he has made in my life or the changes that I know he can make in anyones life. Some don't agree with that. I wish that I could change their mind but I would never beat someone over the head or cram it down their throat (remember, if you are reading this it is by choice, so I can say that here without being accused of forcing my views on you. Right?) I do not think that non-christians or non-believers are evil, eat babies or any other such nonsense. And guess what, I have never known a christian with that notion. I also know that people are not always what they seem, Christian and non-christian alike. This is what makes snap judgements dangerous. I would love to share my experience with anyone that is interested but I believe we (christians) are to be Christ-like in our witness. I strive to make my life my testimony and my actions my voice. With that, I wish you all peace and a good night.

Bubblebutt, it is obvious that you are against any organized religion. Fair enough, many are. BUT, many are not. You commented that you want to carry out your discussions as an adult and it seems that you have accomplished just that. Congratulations! You see, most adults are more concerned with making sure everyone hears what they think that the forget to respect other people. If that is what carrying a discussion like an adult means, I would rather relate as a child. Children are kind and loving to eachother, with the exception of the occassional bully, who usually grows up to a ranting and bullying adult. You say that you respect the beliefs of others but your words speak against that. I have read some of the post of that Ron guy and I would have to agree with Carlene that there are many ways about you that are the same. Too bad.

Since my first and only fill (2cc) I have not been able to eat much more than soup and salad. Even then, I must eat slowly and not drink anything 30 mins before or after eating. It seems a little frustrating, but the weight is coming off so I can live with it.

You mention that you have had 3 fills. How many cc do you have currently? What type of band? I have 2cc in my band and am having too much restriction. My first fill was 1/8 and this is when they put in the 2cc. Since my fill, I am lucky to eat a full cup of soup. It may be that your doctor is just not putting in enough saline. I think that you should share your frustrations with the doctor. Don't worry though, it will come off.

just bring slippers and loose fitting clothes to go home in. The hospital has everything else and you won't be there long. They will likely put a binder on you before you leave so make sure what you bring is large enough for that to fit comfortably under your clothes.

I agree, let it be. It wears off before too long. I think it was about 4 weeks after. I have not used any scar treament and mine are very small and light.

I had my surgery 4 months ago with the best doc in Cali. I was able to eat cream based soups the first week, but trust me, it needs to be thin and you will only want a few spoonfuls. I liked sucking on sugar free fudgicles (Spelling?) It is not much but they do have a few grams of protien each. You will be excited to get protien anywhere you can find it. I am sure that you have heard that.

I would probably steer clear of salty liquid. You do not want to go in there retaining water. Just relax and know that the hunger you feel now WILL be gone immediately after surgery. In fact, the sips of water that they will insist you begin the next day are more than you'll want or need. Sounds odd doesn't it? It's true. You won't be hungry for a few days after and then, liquid will satisfy (truly) for several weeks. Then you'll want and will be able to eat more. Don't get freaked, you'll gain a little weight back at this phase, we all do, but then you will get your first fill and the weight will again begin to drop. I am almost 4 months post op and have lost a little more than 50lbs. Some say that's too fast, others say it is too slow. I started at 309lbs and am now 251, wait, that's almost 60lbs right? Way to go me. At any rate, what I am trying to say is that we all lose at a slightly different rate, but it does come off. Best wishes to you!

good night....and you will, very soon! God Bless!

sorry I really didn't address your question about holding your nose. I can't see why not, other than I had oxygen tubes up my nose, I think that is standard, not because I had any issues.

I was very proud of myself that I did not throw up, I had "gone under" twice before this and woke up throwing up and then blacking out. This time was different. I talked to the anesthes...oh bother, the medicine man, and he gave me something for my tummy before I even woke up. He then ordered that I could have this same stuff whenever I felt like I was going to need it. I only needed it twice after, and it really controlled this feeling.

oh wow! Sorry! What was meant to help didn't. Really, don't stress the liquid. It tastes nasty but you really only have to sip it. It is an upper GI, I didn't really want to say that because many people freak about that thick milky stuff that taste like chalk. This isn't that. It is a thin, bitter tasting liquid. I think it is supposed to taste like lemon-lime but doesn't. Also, all you have to do is stand there in front of the machine and sip while they look. The anesthesia was bad for me because I am ultra sensitive to any medication. Tylenol makes me sleep (ugh!). I would be happy to answer any questions and will give you the straightest answer possible. All in all, I would do it 100 times over. I have lost a little more than 50 lbs and I am feeling great. It is so worth the nasty little drink.

Carbonated drinks are a HUGE problem for me. Even a sip and I throw up. I used to be a diet coke addict as well. Trust me, one drink and you'll break your addiction. It seems terrible now, I know. I am a recent bander (11/14/06). Water and tea is it for me! And really, I don't miss it anymore. Bread was another addiction of mine. I could have survived solely on bread and diet Coke. They are both problems for me and I have no desire for either now. Throwing up with the band is a lot like shock therapy....(Can I get a witness?). The things you enjoy now seem like a lot to give up but when you see the scale moving in the right direction, you'll gladly say goodbye. God Bless!

I am certainly not a doctor but I think that sneezing won't be a problem. I had surgery in November and got a cold a couple weeks after, coughing and sneezing all the time. I think it is VERY normal to question things like this...boy I did. I thought at least once a day that I had slipped mine, but all was fine. I am sure that you will be too. God Bless!