Sonia, First of all l want to say "God bless you and peace be with you". I'm sorry that you are conflicted right now, but it is comforting for me to see that others are going through some of the spiritual issues I have been addressing. My RNY is scheduled for March 9. I've been a christian a long time, and I had been very conflicted about my decision. After prayer, research, and talking with respected christian friends, I made the decision to pursue surgery. I have tried every weight loss plan imaginable, including a very well known christian weight loss plan. I loose massive amounts of weight over and over again only to gain it all back. I spent a lot of time worrying that I was unpleasing to God because I could not seem to bring my response to food into submission. Here is what I now understand and I'm at peace with in my spirt. I'm not now nor will I be unpleasing to God. He has already accepted me as I am and only sees me with pure love, because I accepted His gift of salvation. He knows that I have genuinely tried and He knows my limitations. He also knows that I now experience pain and loss because of my weight. He wants more for me. He knows that I'm using RNY as a tool to control my weight and bring my eating into submission. He has given my surgeon the skills and knowledge needed to help me obtain this tool. He knows that I'm using the surgery in an effort to respect His physical temple he has gifted me with. He has a "hope and a plan" for my future. He only wants the best for me. He will be on that OR table with me and in the days after. He is thrilled that my victory over food lies just ahead. I've been a christian for 34 years.....I know with all my heart, mind, and spirit.....and by His very word....that luck or simple silly coincidence doesn't happen for a christain. I hope this helps you. You're not being "bad" and any less of a christian. You're taking positive, aggressive steps to address an issue that you have not been able to conquer by other means. Move on into victory and don't waste time lingering in the past or passing judgment on yourself. Pick a time when you are not rushed. Go to His word and prayerfully talk to Him frankly. Tell Him you need peace to do or not to do. He will lead you and answer you. He came to give you full freedom, not keep you in bondage to anything...including your weight. Take care & feel well ! Shawn

Hi Jen, I am so sorry that you are experiencing some bad issues with your surgery. I also had horrible reflux and nausea after surgery. I had the endoscope to insure that there wasn't anything serious going on, then was put on Nexium, which helped with the reflux but the side effect of Nexium is nausea. I had read another post praising "Carafate" (not sure of the spelling) which worked very well for me. It stopped the reflux and no burning or nausea. After a period of time I was able to switch to over the counter Zantac 75. I still have reflux occassionally but its my fault and bad eating habit. I have since learned to not eat anything spicy (including ketchup) with dinner. Most questionable foods are eaten for lunch, for dinner I eat foods that I know won't wake me up at night with reflux...ugh! I also sleep on 2 pillows to help and eat nothing after 7pm. Take one day at a time, hon, and I know very well how easy it is to be discouraged, but with some adjustments and experience you will overcome all the difficulties. Keep in mind "this too shall pass" and believe it! If you need to chat anytime...email me [email protected] I am a WLS Grad of 2001, so I've been there and experienced that. Hugs and Love, Marilyn

I have never regreted my surgery not one second it has been the most wonderful thing ithat I could have done for myself and my family

I am sorry for your troubles. I hope you are feeling better soon. As far as the negative posters we run into, try to ignore them. I know it can be difficult but in the online world people can hide behind their keyboards and say hurtful things without seeing the hurt they are causing. I have found though that for every negative post there are more positive supportive posts. Just because one "negative Nelly" says something hurtful does not mean that is what the rest of the community thinks. There are many supportive people on this site - don't let the bad ones drive you away.

As a Christian, I have had to deal with your question #1. I can understand your feelings-- I felt this way over whether or not to get my hair permed! And as you said, some of this was our own fault (but in your case, you have a medical condition also which makes weight loss even more difficult). First of all, pray about it. If you really feel uncomfortable with the idea of WLS, then either He is saying 'no' or He is saying 'wait'. Have you researched the different types of WLS? He will lead you to what's best for you, but often it is a process. "For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." (Jer. 29:11) So as a moral issue, if your beliefs don't permit you to seek medical help (such as emergency surgery, blood transfusions, etc.) then you should not be seeking this as an option. Otherwise, this can be seen as a gift that God has provided to us. He has given us all sorts of medications to benefit us, as well as surgeries that make it possible to live longer, healthier lives. If you are doing this purely for vanity, that is different (in my opinion). I'm not saying that it is wrong, just a different motivation. Look into your heart and ask why you want this surgery done. For me, I know that God understands what obsticles I face in losing weight on my own, plus He wants me to be healthy and active. For me, WLS is a possibility. Again, DO RESEARCH about the various types. For me, I don't feel comfortable with many of the issues surrounding RNY, and therefore won't be choosing that procedure. Know what you are getting yourself into. Don't take the easiest route (I tried, but God was gracious enough to put some road blocks in my way to steer me in another direction). Continue to ask God for guidence, pray, and listen to Him. He WILL guide you! Peace Be Yours, Rana