If there are any Christians out there who are looking for special support during this time I thought we could start a thread related to this. It might help with those thoughts and doubts as to if this is the right thing we are doing or any other 'shares' that might come to mind. I could use some at this time in my walk.

Sister in Christ,

Valerie

Hi - So excited to find a site with other Christians. I am just starting this journey. I got my surgery date (Sept. 29) last week and have SO many questions. It's already been a roller coaster -- excited and gung-ho one minute and the next minute in tears wondering how I will even succeed at these next 6 weeks while I'm trying to defat my liver before the surgery per docs orders. Obviously, I'm not a good dieter. I have just decided that the Lord is going to have to give me a strength I have NEVER had before when it comes to eating until I can get my band and get it filled. It's a new road for me -- never walked anywhere near this route before. I'm trying to keep my mind focused on the verse I posted below -- because I'm sure it's NOT possible for me alone.

Welcome. This is an exciting, roller coaster ride. Getting the band signaled my humility in knowing I couldn't do this by myself. Getting the band was my surrender to God. Staying on track and telling others my story is how I'm paying him back for all he's done for me. Trust him and listen to those he's put in your life who know what they're talking about when it comes to dealing with the band.

Cheri

I am considering LAP-BAND® surgery. Really having spiritual questions. I am wondering if getting a LAP-BAND® would be a statement to God that I don't trust in him to free me from this sin of gluttony. I have run this race for years...30+...success, failure, success, failure. All of it trying to learn from Him and holding close to Him. Each time learning more about myself and his faithfulness to me. Beyond the "wanting to look good" phase. Now at 46, just wanting to be more productive and not hurt... knee pain, sleep apnea, depression. Wondering if God is wanting me to move forward with this (I have already attended meeting, etc.) Another hang up....I have to self-pay. Hubby very supportive and always smart with money. Is this being a good steward? (I know all the medication, eating out arguements, but still have college costs, etc. on the horizon.)

I ask all of these things in humility and with sincerity. Not judging anyone for their decisions, but trying to seek God in this for my own life. I would welcome any comments or prayers.

Thanks,

Sheri

I am considering LAP-BAND®® surgery. Really having spiritual questions. I am wondering if getting a LAP-BAND®® would be a statement to God that I don't trust in him to free me from this sin of gluttony. I have run this race for years...30+...success, failure, success, failure. All of it trying to learn from Him and holding close to Him. Each time learning more about myself and his faithfulness to me. Beyond the "wanting to look good" phase. Now at 46, just wanting to be more productive and not hurt... knee pain, sleep apnea, depression. Wondering if God is wanting me to move forward with this (I have already attended meeting, etc.) Another hang up....I have to self-pay. Hubby very supportive and always smart with money. Is this being a good steward? (I know all the medication, eating out arguements, but still have college costs, etc. on the horizon.)

I ask all of these things in humility and with sincerity. Not judging anyone for their decisions, but trying to seek God in this for my own life. I would welcome any comments or prayers.

Thanks,

Sheri

Hello Sheri!

I too have gone through - and still do - all the questions, concerns and feelings that you have. A dear friend just told me yesterday to "trust".. God is healing and loving.. He leads us to where we need to be - and where He need us to be.. I believe that God knows our weaknesses, our pains, our attempts, our fears, our failures and our triumphs. And, in His tender love and mercy, he places before us the people and the tools to help us to be all He created us to be. It is up to us to accept this gift. He understands our humanity and all that goes with it - He created us! And, I believe that we need to put Him first and thank Him for this opportunity - this help. See His love in your life, hear His call, and know that He walks this journey with us....

Sherri, I think of getting the band as symbol of humility. I couldn't beat this addiction by myself and God provided me with the tool I needed. Believe me, its not a cure-all. You will need God's help every step of the way. The band is his gift, his grace to us in our helplessness. We still have to do the work.

Cheri

Thank you, Ladies. Your thoughts really help!!!

I am reading now.... and probably I shouldn't... about all the folks who are sick and have problems after getting banded. Do you have any regrets? Any REAL people you know you have been miserable after getting it? I have one friend who is happy with hers, but no other experiences to go on. Just doctor's "facts" in seminar. Any more thoughts you would be willing to share on this NEW issue I have? Thanks soooo much for listening!

Sheri

Sherri, I had many of the same concerns before I got my band as well. But there are many kinds of addictions and many programs and aids to help them. I look at the band as my aid, God provided doctors and this is a tool, the band didn't do the work, it just helped me do the work. I read a lot of the horror stories beforehand too, I wanted to be educated, but then I had to stop reading. It scared the you know what out of me. There are far more success stories than there are horror stories out there. I think we need to go into this with our eyes wide open and make an educated decision with God's guidance as for what is right for us. I have no regrets other than wish I had gotten my band sooner. I've been very successful and have had no complications. I don't even know the band is there now unless I eat too fast or too big a bite. Good luck to you in your decision, Pray about it and go from there.

Sherri, I think of getting the band as symbol of humility. I couldn't beat this addiction by myself and God provided me with the tool I needed. Believe me, its not a cure-all. You will need God's help every step of the way. The band is his gift, his grace to us in our helplessness. We still have to do the work. Cheri

Hello Sheri!

I too have gone through - and still do - all the questions, concerns and feelings that you have. A dear friend just told me yesterday to "trust".. God is healing and loving.. He leads us to where we need to be - and where He need us to be.. I believe that God knows our weaknesses, our pains, our attempts, our fears, our failures and our triumphs. And, in His tender love and mercy, he places before us the people and the tools to help us to be all He created us to be. It is up to us to accept this gift. He understands our humanity and all that goes with it - He created us! And, I believe that we need to put Him first and thank Him for this opportunity - this help. See His love in your life, hear His call, and know that He walks this journey with us....

Welcome. This is an exciting, roller coaster ride. Getting the band signaled my humility in knowing I couldn't do this by myself. Getting the band was my surrender to God. Staying on track and telling others my story is how I'm paying him back for all he's done for me. Trust him and listen to those he's put in your life who know what they're talking about when it comes to dealing with the band. Cheri

Sherri, I had many of the same concerns before I got my band as well. But there are many kinds of addictions and many programs and aids to help them. I look at the band as my aid, God provided doctors and this is a tool, the band didn't do the work, it just helped me do the work. I read a lot of the horror stories beforehand too, I wanted to be educated, but then I had to stop reading. It scared the you know what out of me. There are far more success stories than there are horror stories out there. I think we need to go into this with our eyes wide open and make an educated decision with God's guidance as for what is right for us. I have no regrets other than wish I had gotten my band sooner. I've been very successful and have had no complications. I don't even know the band is there now unless I eat too fast or too big a bite. Good luck to you in your decision, Pray about it and go from there.

Well put... all of you!!

All I can really add is AMEN!!!

Thank you, Ladies. Your thoughts really help!!!

I am reading now.... and probably I shouldn't... about all the folks who are sick and have problems after getting banded. Do you have any regrets? Any REAL people you know you have been miserable after getting it? I have one friend who is happy with hers, but no other experiences to go on. Just doctor's "facts" in seminar. Any more thoughts you would be willing to share on this NEW issue I have? Thanks soooo much for listening!

Sheri

Hello again Sheri!

Like you, I'm reading everything and anything about Lap Band. But, rather than being discouraged or scared away by the negative stories, I am just soaking them ALL in - I feel that I need to know "the good, the bad, and the ugly." The successful stories encourage me and inspire me to continue in this journey. The less successful stories remind me that Lap Band will be a tool and not a magic wand.. And, they teach me that this journey will have its crosses to bear along with its graces. I have made so many wonderful friends here on LBT and through blogs who are banded, or who are in the process (as I am). Hearing their stories, being a part of their journey helps to strengthen me. I look to them as the grace gifts that I have been given to help me along in my own journey.. And they remind me that I don't walk this journey alone!

you look great.so different

yes there are risks with anything.there are so many risks involved in the obesity ream of life that can scare the pants off you.so having health issues and seeing and knowing what could possibly be down the road for me,out weighs the potential for having the lapband.when i got ready to begin my journey my sister asked me how i felt about not eating food this holiday.my response was i have been eating over 45 years so its just food if i havent eaten it by now oh well.

Need some prayer for my son Robert, God needs to open a door for him at work. God has always been faithful to hear our prayers. My husband and I could not have raised this young man without having a relationship with Christ. So if you have a few moments I ask you to say a prayer for him, that God's will, will be done in his life and whatever job is God's will, will happen. Thanks so much!!

Cheri

Need some prayer for my son Robert, God needs to open a door for him at work. God has always been faithful to hear our prayers. My husband and I could not have raised this young man without having a relationship with Christ. So if you have a few moments I ask you to say a prayer for him, that God's will, will be done in his life and whatever job is God's will, will happen. Thanks so much!! Cheri

Praying for Robert, Cheri! God is good!

Done Cheri. You can pray for me at my school. I have a number of students with really bizarre behavior with whom I have lost all patience. I really don't even want to have to teach them. I have so many students who need my specialized help and who want it and cooperate. I just don't want to deal with kids who take all my attention and don't let me help those who want it. We keep taking these kids because we're a private Christian school and we need the tuition. But some of them need much more specialized behavioral help than what we can provide. Unfortunately, the Chicago Public Schools, which is their alternative, is not likely to provide that help either. And parents are in denial and don't get the children the help they need. I'm finding myself resenting these children because I can't give them what they need and they're preventing me from doing my job with the other at-risk students I teach.

Cheri

Cheri,

I hope it is getting better for you at school with your students. What a blessing you are to all your students and their parents. I have 3 nephews who are into every criminal activity there is, and I find myself resenting them for all the trouble they cause this family. I have found that praying for them keeps me from the resentment, trust me I have to do a lot of praying for them. Yes God is so good to us. My son Robert has an interview for a new job on Wednesday, I am not sure this where he is going to end up at, but I believe it could be a stepping stone to where God would have him be. Thanks so much for the prayers.

Cheri