Hi from New York State

When I first started visiting OH I dropped by but nothing much was going on here. I am a born-again Christian, and would really like to interact with other Christians who have, or are in the process of having wls. I am still near the beginning of the wls process; I have had my surgeon consultation and will be going for my intake appointments in about a month. It's my understanding that things will move along more quickly once that is done. This past month I have been educating myself as much as possible and trying to get into some better habits. The OH boards have really helped. As many of you have probably found, I have come to realize that this journey is as much spiritual as it is physical, maybe more. I suppose that, before all the major health issues came along, I felt somewhat guilty that I might want to be thin for the wrong reasons (vanity, self-centeredness?). Now I realize that my body belongs to the Lord, and that it is important to take care of it. I would love to have some friends of like mind, who would like to be prayer partners. God bless us all, Joyce

Joyce what a blessing your post was. Yes, we all whether we realize it or not, need the Lord even in weight loss and let me tell you I say especially in WLS. It is not an easy path even though many seem to think it is. Of course they have not had the surgery but are real experts on the matter. But that is an area that the Lord wants to help us with too. In how to handle to comments, which BTW may not always be favorable. This is my favorite OH board. I can tolerate some and others I will never return to. I just pray that all I say and do will glorify the Father and draw others to Christ. Please keep us posted of your progress and any special prayer needs. Please if you have time, read my profile. In Christ's never ending grace and love, Joan M

Hi Joan, Thank you for the warm welcome. I have read your profile, and I must say that you look wonderful. Right now my greatest hurdle is making sure that my daughter has a babysitter on the nights that she has class and work, if I should get a surgery date before the end of May. He's still very small and needs a lot of care (and lifting). I am trusting God to take care of the timing. Joyce

Joyce - welcome!!! I'm so glad that you've posted! Our bodies do belong to the Lord and I'm so happy that He gave me WLS to help me make that temple a better place! So happy to have you here. We are a bunch of praying people and of course, there's a blessing and power in the privledge to pray and be prayed for! This is wonderful! Take care and keep us posted!!! ~Carolyn 252/144/134

Hi Carolyn, Thank you so much. I am already feeling right at home here. Joyce

So glad you found us. Welcome! Hope to see you back. Sandyd

Hi Sandy, I am very happy to have found you! I hope to "see" you all often. Joyce

Hi Joyce, I am so glad you are part of the OH Christianity Forum. You are so right when you say that having WLS is spiritual as well as physical. For me to stay with the diet and exercise regimen, I must discipline my mind and my body one day at a time. That requires me to be in touch with the Lord more closely than before. His Spirit must be in control, not my will. Look forward to getting to know you more in the future. Hugs, Trish

Hi Trish, It is so nice meeting all of you here. I think that one of the last things I have allowed myself to give over to God is the issue of my weight. I guess I just felt so ashamed that I let myself get into such a state. Having health problems crop up has brought me to finally realize the huge responsibility I have to be a good steward of my body as well as my mind and spirit. Why did it take so long? Joyce

Thank you for your post Joyce. I know that my surgery over three years ago brought me closer to the Lord. Each day was a step of faith for me and I totally relied on the "Open door ~ Closed door" policy. I can only remember two other times in my life when I had such direct Divine guidance on an issue. I knew God was directing me to have WLS because of the miracles I experienced in normally difficult opposition. I pray God gives you guidance and peace as you take these steps on the journey that He has planned for you. luvitsunnyv