I just wanted to start this thread as a place of refuge. For all the Christians that would like to Talk about all things of faith.

Great idea for a thread! I'm thinking this thread doesn't belong in the Rants & Raves area, but rather in the Lounge. I moved it.

:phanvan Thanks you for starting this thread. I am considering the Lap Band and have definite guilt issues concerning whether or not I am not fully relying on the Lord to give me the strength to conquer this eating disorder without the surgery. Most of my Christian friends feel that if I was truly trusting the Lord he would provide all my needs to replace the need for food. Whats your take?

:phanvan Thanks you for starting this thread. I am considering the Lap Band and have definite guilt issues concerning whether or not I am not fully relying on the Lord to give me the strength to conquer this eating disorder without the surgery. Most of my Christian friends feel that if I was truly trusting the Lord he would provide all my needs to replace the need for food. Whats your take?

I have that same battle in my mind. And till now,I have not said anything not even to my wife. My answer is I don't know.

But one verse of scripture say's that if your eye causes you to sin pluck it out. Mark 9:47. I may be just interpeting this to justify my decision. But my minds hunger for food and me giving in to food. Is a sin and if this band will stop that then maybe it is ok.

Definately something to think about. anyone else?:guess

Another Christian here.

I don't think God minds if people turn to medical help in dealing with alcohol or drug addictions...or cigarette addictions. My thought is, why should food be treated any differently?

If there is medical treatment available, and it leads to better health for you, I do not see a conflict in your faith. I see it as very different than plastic surgery for purely vain purposes.

I am not a very good scripture-quoting person, but have strong faith. I hope perhaps some of this makes sense.

Thank you for your kind and wise words. They were very helpful for me. This decision to have this surgery has been a long and prayerfully considered one, and is one that I know will not be without constant dependence on the Lord to get through once the surgery is done.

To tell you the truth, when dealing with my food addiction I was often sneaky with food and always felt guilt. I don't think God was very happy with me. Now I am getting help and no longer have to sneak or hide or feel ashamed. I think God is giving me strengh to go through this process and get the help I needed. It may just be justification, but I feel relief over my decision to lap band. :mad:

Dr. Douglas Krahn

Riverside, CA

291/276/160

Banded 3/26/2007

I had some of the same feelings at first too about being banded.

I believe this was the tool for me. I even prayed for insurance approval and I feel God gave me the desire of my heart. To be healthy so I can be of more service to him.

I'm sorry but I'm having a problem w/ the way thing are today.

Not just on this site but anywhere. it's like if you tell someone your faith or about JESUS or ask them what they believe. and if they are somthing other than you (say like an athiest or morman or watch tower ect.). And then when I tell them what I belive then I am a bad person. And we are suppose to tell everyone that. JESUS is the way the truth and the life. But when we do that we are"pushing our beliefs on them". I guess what I don't get is in Proverbs it tells us not to argue w/ a fool, but at what point do we give up on someone and not argue with them

I am considering the Lap Band and have definite guilt issues concerning whether or not I am not fully relying on the Lord to give me the strength to conquer this eating disorder without the surgery. Most of my Christian friends feel that if I was truly trusting the Lord he would provide all my needs to replace the need for food. Whats your take?

I don't see anything wrong with using the tools that are available to us to help us with our struggles. I wouldn't forego a prosthetic leg if I lost a leg, a kidney transplant if I needed a kidney, Vitamins if I'm not getting all of my nutrients from food, and I don't see a problem with having a band put in to assist in getting healthy. That's MY take! :mad: People who don't think banding is necessary probably haven't ever had a weight problem.

Hi all!

I am so happy to see this thread! I too have been praying about the issue of lap banding - and so far, I have seen the Lord's workings in some of this. I truly believe that His will is that we use the tools available to us. He has never expected us to do things all on our own - He has given us numerous tools just in living a life for Him - His word, the church, our Christian family of believers, and many other things. So why wouldn't He approve our using a support method to help to better our health, our life, and our service to Him?

all of you have been so great and I am thankful for this thread. 2 years ago I went thru the whole process of testing before the Lap Band and chickened out. Now after reading everyone's comments I know that God has placed this time in my life for this surgery. I will be searching in the NYC area for a bariatric surgeon over the next couple of weeks. Please keep me in your prayers. :mad:

I understand your concern, 369. However, if you recall before you chose to accept Jesus as your savior, you probably didn't appreciate people 'pushing' their theory on religion/faith either. I think God has his own time for everything and everyone. He comes to us through others, or through events in our lives. All we can do is really plant a seed and God will place His convictions on those He is dealing with. Other than that, our own example is the biggest impact we can make on others.

But you're right. This world is not the same and unfortunately, the enemy (Satan) is cunning and has a stronghold on our society in these days. It is our job to remain steadfast in His love. That's a pretty tall order, isn't it?

Your right. But I was saved at 12 so I really did not have people pushing me so it's hard for me to relate. And I will admit that I did not know all I do now about the plan of Salvation, at age 12. But I still don't know everything. It is a life process, and like you say it is not for me to save them. All I can do is tell them about it and try to live it

I consider the band the biblical knife to my throat :mad:

Proverbs 23: 1-3

When thou sittest to eat with a ruler, consider diligently what [is] before thee:

And put a knife to thy throat, if thou [be] a man given to appetite. Be not desirous of his dainties: for they [are] deceitful meat.