Question:
Has anyone had someone think that having WLS is a sin?
I was approached recently with this theory and told that "glutteny is a sin" and if I could control my glutteny maybe I wouldn't need the surgery. Has anyone had this type of attitude to deal wwith? If so, how do you answer this person. — Vivian B. (posted on March 25, 2003)
March 24, 2003
Okay, if gluttony is a sin, and you have surgery to prevent this from
happening, how is having the surgery a sin? I believe the the surgeons
have been given the knowledge and skill to help me deal with this problem
through surgery. I don't believe it is a matter of self control. And
isn't it true that the Lord helps those who help themselves? I think I am
helping myself by having had the surgery. Personally, I think it is
extremely rude for someone to "inflict" their views in such a
manner. I don't think I would have a civil answer. At least not one that
would make it on to the board!
— koogy
March 24, 2003
as my grandma used to say god helps those who help themselves. This is no
different than cancer surgery. Both treat a disease that can kill you.
— bob-haller
March 24, 2003
Yes, I do believe gluttony is a sin, just as lying is or stealing a pen
from work, etc. Everyone sins. Daily. You can tell this person when they
stop their sinning, you will be able to stop your sinning (gluttony).
She/he can't do it? No DUH! People are so quick to judge sinners when it
is something "they don't have a problem with".
In fact, judging you alone is a sin. Only God judges. People have said
changing what God gave us is a sin. So, giving someone a heart transplant
is a SIN? God gave us these miracles of medicine and if someone wants to
take that miracle away from God, tell them to take it up with HIM.
— Kristy J.
March 25, 2003
All I can say is the person who told you that is ignorant and obviously has
issues. I don't believe in sin anyway, but that's beside the point. I
agree with the last poster about "let those without sin cast the first
stone" or whatever the saying is. It just irks me when people use
their religion to be hypocritical and judgemental! You are taking control
of YOUR life and that is healthy and smart. End of story.
— [Deactivated Member]
March 25, 2003
I was told that I was going to Hell for having this surgery. I was hurt
and upset by these remarks but talking to REAL Christians made me see the
light. I'm ok with my decision and I'm sure my God is ok with it too. I'm
not going to let dumb a$$ folks tell me other wise. Do what you know is
right in your heart and you'll be just fine. Sidney Open RNY 10-23-02 down
70+
— Siddy I.
March 25, 2003
I am sorry, but I giggled when I read this question, and I think that that
would be my reaction to the person that said it. I think I would start
laughing. Some people...geez!
— fropunka
March 25, 2003
Yes, gluttony is one of the 7 deadly sins. However, what Morbidly Obese
people suffer from is a disease. And having a disease is completely
different than comitting a sin. In preparing for surgery, it is important
to remember that your mental preparedness is key to a good recovery.
Mental preparedness includes keeping positive thoughts. Try to avoid
people who induce negativity and self-mistrust. You are doing what you
believe to be the correct choice for you. There are people willing to
support you with your choice. Stick with those of us who support your
decision and will encourage you rather than undermine you. You are on a
journey of recovery from your disease! Congratulations on fighting your
disease in a positive way. You are to be commended!
— Susan F.
March 25, 2003
I've seen this question before and it just makes me so sad. These people
cannot perhaps look at this as extending your life to do good deeds for
God, they only look at what they want to see and use it to pass judgement
on you. Ask yourself if you feel comfortable with your decision, then ask
God- don't ask someone who interperts God's word on behalf of you- you'll
get a thousand different answers. As long as you are comfortable, and God
isn't throwing major lightenting bolt warnings your way (believe me, he
made my path to surgery very, very easy) then there is your answer.
— Karen R.
March 25, 2003
I must agree with everyone else. First, I think even God would tell this
person to mind his/her own business. The Bible says to accept wise
council. I think it is very obvious that this is not wise council. Pray.
If you really feel that this may not be right in the eyes of God, pray. I
did while I was waiting to hear about getting insurance. I not only feel
more at peace about it, but I got the insurance too. God Bless you and
everyone who reads this!
Kelly Ramey pre-op
— Kelly R.
March 25, 2003
"If thine eye offends thee, pluck it out" The size of my stomach
OFFENDED ME...so I had it not plucked out, but made smaller.
— [Deactivated Member]
March 25, 2003
First, I wanted to thank you for asking the question. This is something
that I have been worried about myself. I am currently waiting for
insurance approval. Second, I would like to thank those that answered;
your answers made me feel better too. All I have to offer is this quick
story. I had an appointment with my PCP for something else and I planned
to ask him what he thought about WLS. I was really nervous about what he
would say and as I sat on the table waiting for him to come in I even
considered not asking. My mom was with me and we said a quick prayer
before the doctor came in that God would help calm my nerves about it and
that the doctor would at least not be rude about it. After my examination,
my PCP suggested it himself - I didn't even have to ask! That made me feel
that God was on my side about this. I also had a very smooth visit with my
surgeon. He was great! I agree with the other posters that you should
pray about it. But I know God would want you to be healthy and feel better
about the body he gave you. Good luck! I will keep you in my prayers.
— Jennifer H.
March 25, 2003
How do you answer this person? Don't. There isn't anything useful you can
say to someone like that.
— Amber L.
March 25, 2003
I hope if I go to hell it is for something worse than this. I would hate to
think my life was that boring. Tell em to take the pizza out of their own
eye before they worry about the protein spec in yours.
— snicklefritz
March 25, 2003
Pray to God and row to shore! That is what my mom used to say. It means
that no matter how hard you pray or believe you still have to do the work.
I would call this surgery some of the hardest work I have ever done in some
aspects.
I too would have laughed because I don't see how someone could say that
with a straight look on their face. Was that a judgement? Shame on that
person. If we are going to hell for this at least all of our friends will
be there! Hee Hee!
— Carol S.
March 25, 2003
I'd be tempted to answer that person, with my sweetest smile, and a VERY
sweet "that's not what God tells me darling. But I do seem to
remember a nice little verse that went something like . . . "Judge
not, lest you be judged."
And then, just ignore them. It's NOT their business . . .
— RWH G.
March 25, 2003
II Kings 20:5b "I have heard your prayer, I have seen your tears;
indeed, I will heal you". This is what God says, and this surgery was
the means of that healing. I USE to think that if I only tried harder, or
had more faith, or prayed more, or whatever, that I would be able to
control my weight. NOT. Whoever said that to you has it all wrong.
They're acting as if we're choosing to be MO. Do you feel like you have a
choice? I didn't. This surgery is the ANSWER to being able to control our
eating. It's the solution. Without it, it's like telling someone that
"if you would just solve this unsolvable problem, then you wouldn't
need the solution". Know what I mean?
— mom2jtx3
March 25, 2003
AMEN!! & HALLILULIAH!! to all the other answers to this posting. First
of all the bible says that if we see that our brother has fallen (in sin)
we are to help them up not point the finger and condemn them. 2. Other
poster is right M/O is a physical disease not an issue of spiritual
fortitude. In the Lord's prayer it says : Lead us not into temtation but
deliver us from evil. God has given the doctors the knowledge and wisdom
to come up with this surgery as a way to deliver us from the destruction
this disease can do to us just as other medical procedures can help with
other diseases. Just pray for those that need the wisdom of God rather
than the stupid rules and opinions of man made religion.
— Kathy C.
March 25, 2003
I'll never forget my co-worker's response when I told her I was looking
into wls. She said, "Why don't you just shut your mouth and
pray". I still laugh when I think about. By the way, she is still
one of my favorite co-workers. I didn't hold her comment against her.
— Smitty B.
March 25, 2003
That's a new twist! I live in the land of plastic surgery and unrealistic
body image. Someone I know who has had more than 4 different plastic
surgeries (butt, boobs, thighs and eyes etc.) uses botox, had lasik and
lazer hair removal actually asked me why I wanted to mutilate
myself...Excuse me????? It takes all kinds!
— Liz B.
March 25, 2003
Gluttony IS a sin. Says so right there. Morbid Obesity (or insulin
resistance) is a phsyical disease. I guess I don't see the correlation.
Kinda like they usta tell us diabetes was the result of eating too much
sugar. Of course, it's always easier to blame the victim, then we can feel
Oh So Superior. I got that once at church, also. I do not remember what I
responded at the time. BTW, I LOVED Liz' answer!
— vitalady
March 26, 2003
If this surgery is a "sin," then God sure has blessed this sin!
That "stone saying" is in the Bible. It's not a saying, it is
the very words of Jesus. No one can tell you what to believe in. You
consider your own convictions from God and work on that relationship with
Him. If you know Him like a friend, He won't leave this question
unanswered. He wants to bless you and restore your joy. He is the master
of our "fate." We don't have the power to approve insurance and
surgery dates and health screenings. We have to let those decisions be
placed in His hands and He already knows the outcome.
— Stephanie N.
March 27, 2003
Anytime anyone decides to "share" their wisdoms with me, I ask
them if judgement is also a sin. Thou shalt not judge, lest they be judged
themselves.
— wiggie34
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