Question:
Can anyone help with words of encouragement?

As a new born Christistian I am ambivalent about WLS, please help! I was taught as a pentocostal to treat my person respectfully, and in God's eyes!    — [Anonymous] (posted on August 12, 2001)

August 12, 2001
I can not give you a Christian point of view on this from a stand point of the bible. But I was raised to respect the body that God gave you too. At 501 lbs now I can't ignore the body God's given me as an oversight to the availability of the surgery He's lead me to. If it was truely His will for me to have the surgery I will, if not I will die as He has planned for me. This is the same God though that's given me three very beautiful children and I want to live to enjoy them.
   — Elizabeth D.

August 12, 2001
I had WLS in July 2001. Some people will argue that it is un-Christian like to rework what God has created. However,think of it this way. God allowed this "treatment for obesity" to be invented and used to help thousands of people to actually care better for their body in the future than they were ever able to care for it in the past.
   — [Anonymous]

August 12, 2001
Hello! I agree with the poster who basically said that God gives us tools to use as we walk our path on this earth. I really do believe that because we are granted free will that medical science is meant to be something that helps us. I also personally believe that there is a reason for my obesity in God's plan for my own life, perhaps to allow me to develop my 'inner' self? Now, being lead to WLS , I know that it's part of God's plan.. now it's time for me to 'rebuild the temple' so that I may fully glorify God. I wish you the very best, and will pray for you for discernment.. God has a plan.
   — [Anonymous]

August 12, 2001
WE ARE TOLD TO DO WHATEVER IT TAKES TO GET RID OF THE SIN IN OUR LIFE!IF YOUR EYE CAUSE'S YOU TO LUST,POKE IT OUT,IF YOUR HAND CAUSE'S YOU TO STEAL,CUT IT OFF!...IF YOUR BODY NEEDS HELP WIH LESS FOOD HAVE WLS:)
   — [Anonymous]

August 12, 2001
This same question was posted recently in my newspaper to the wonderful Rev. Billy Graham. Although it wasn't about WLS surgery, it was more or less the same. Someone asked him about prolonging life by means of human transplants. "Isn't this not what God meant for people" asked the reader. I can't remember exactly his response, but I do know he said that he supports all means of prolonging human life. He said God lead these doctors, surgeons, etc. to treat patients & to help those who are sick to get well. I felt so much better about WLS after reading his post as I admire the man so much. I must also add that he did say that science & medicine can prolong life but it is the inevitable that we will all one day go before the glory of God. And I know it is in the Good Lord's hands when that day will be.
   — [Anonymous]

August 12, 2001
I am also b/a Christian. I asked me the same question. Am I doing this to work around sin? No. Obesity is not a sin, it is a disease, and it's a fatal disease. The SIN is gluttony and we may or may not be gluttonous, but so can a thin person. So, one has nothing to do with the other. We are in no way forbidden to treat our disease. I believe we have been very blessed with successful surgeries (both of us) and He has given us the ability to help others be successful with theirs. No way, could we have done this under our own power.
   — vitalady

August 12, 2001
I am a christian who was also raised penticost, I understand your question, but speaking from only my experience, I KNOW that God lead me to this surgery and cleared to way to make it happen. This was His answer to my repeated prayers. Is this surgery right for you? I cannot say but if you stay in God's will He will lead you. It is not a sin to help yourself, He tells us to. All things through Him are possible. Good Luck
   — Sue B.

November 14, 2001
I thought I was the only one....PTL!!I made the mistake of mentioning it to one of my church sisters and she "had a word from the Lord" for me that I had wrong motives, that He loved me as I am, and that He uses fat people just as well as thin ones. Well, that would have gone over better if she wasn't about 300lbs. herself. I went to my pastor's wife and she assured me that it was not from God and that I have the sense He gave me to know what He wants me to do, and that I am mature enough to do it. Also, she believes this operation may threaten this other woman to maybe have to takes some steps of her own.
   — Linda D.