Christian Bandsters

[396power 2]

I have no will power. I have been eating what ever I want. And that has been going on since 8 days out of surgery tomorow is day 14. and some times I eat to much I need help.

[ready2bthin 2]

396power: Shouldn't you be on a soft textured stage right now? I guess I'm not understanding how you can be "eating what ever I want". What were your doctor's instructions for this stage? During the healing phase it's so important to follow instructions. I think some people refer to this time as "bandster hell" as your band doesn't have Fluid in it and you are not getting good restriction. Find out when your doctor will allow you to get a fill. You may just have to "bite the bullet" (lol) and keep yourself busy away from food. Also, be sure that you are getting the proper amount of Protein in, which means you may need to supplement with Protein Shakes that are low carb and have at least 20-25 grams of protein. I also added unflavored protein to my Soups and made a Jello recipe out of it (www.unjury.com) to make sure that during my mushy/soft food stage that I was getting proper nutrition. I would also suggest using a smaller plate and dishing out your "bandster" portions and not having the food right in front of you. At our bandster dinner last night, we were talking about the "habits" we had developed and needing to change those. It will help when you can start getting your fills, but remember that the band is a tool that one must work with in order to be successful. Just get throught this "bandster hell" time trying to follow the bandster rules and your doc's orders and then start getting your fills for restriction. You can do this! Keep getting support, too. If there is a local group for you to attend, do so. We started a dinner in our area and it's at a place that everyone can eat, even those on liquids.

[NJChick 3]

Hi Everyone,

Just popping in to say hello.

Have a wonderful week :Banane43:

Eileen

[chimboree26 24]

Hey ya'll! I am excited to see this thread. I love the Lord w/all my heart. I know that we can all be a great source of support and encouragement for one another. This site alone has been absolutely wonderful. I haven't been banded, yet...but hopefully soon.

For those who have felt a little guilty about the Band, let me just say this...don't. It kinda reminds me of those who deal w/mental illness and take medication and/or get therapy. Some well-intentioned Christians make you feel like your faith is lacking, or you're not trusting in the Lord enough, etc...like you're taking the 'easy' way out.

There is nothing wrong w/using medical technology/advances to better your health. You are taking care of the temple (1 COR 3:16; 1 COR 6:19). Sure, I believe God still does heal today, but healing comes in different forms. Sometimes it's supernaturally and immediately. Other times, it comes through medicine or surgery. Sometimes, it comes naturally through time and the body's own healing process.

Just a few thoughts.

[madden 0]

This will stop once you get a good fill because the band won't let you. you just get very ill and possibly p b. becareful not to destroy your band. i promise it will get better. you will need to pray more because you will crave food and your band won't let you eat it. madden

[leatha_g 4]

Heart Cry

by Tammy De Ruyter

Read: Psalm 102

Hear my prayer, O Lord; let my cry come to you. (v. 1)

Someone has said that while most of Scripture speaks to us, the Psalms speak for us. In 1563 John Calvin wrote in his Commentary on the Psalms, "All the sorrows, troubles, fears, doubts, hopes, pains, perplexities, stormy outbreaks by which the hearts of men are tossed, have been depicted here . . . I may truly call this book an anatomy of all parts of the soul, for no one can feel a movement of the Spirit which is not reflected in this mirror."

Calvin was right. With stirring words of personal lament, the author of Psalm 102 bares the longings, fears, and loneliness of his heart. With desperate abandon he shares his rawest thoughts, his most intimate pains. No earthly comfort can assuage the psalmist's grief and despair. Dark waves billow across his soul, and we feel his downward spiral. Who can read this prayer and not be moved? The words reflect, as in a mirror, the very soul of every human sufferer.

In stark contrast to humanity's groaning condition, the writer recognizes the sublime glory of God the Father. He looks up. There, seated on high, is the Lord, ruling from his throne. Transcendent above the muck and mire of our world, he reigns forever. The psalmist knows his cry will be heard (vv. 18-22).

Prayer: How grateful we are, Father, for the assurance that you hear our cries.

[losethechains 0]

I just wanted to say thanks for starting this thread as well. I'm new to the site, and this, in fact is my first post. Nice to be among brothers and sisters in Christ! With regard to the question about the band and faith, I am reminded of a joke...A man was caught in a massive flood and was perched atop his house, praying fervently for rescue. Along came a man in a small aluminum boat. When the man offered a ride to safety, the man on the roof declined saying he had faith thet God would save him. Anbother boat came by a while later, and he responded the same way. The Water was rising, and as he felt his feet in the current, a helicopter came along and offered a line, but agaion the man refused. Shortly thereafter, he drowned. Upon entering the gates of heaven, he asked the Lord what happened???I trusted you, and I had faith in you?? Where were you when I needed you? And the Lord responded, "I sent ya 2 boats and a helicopter...." Seriously, I think we have to remember that our weight problem really isn't so much the issue,. it's the idolatry of the food, and the ongoing battle for the mind. It's our choices. Even after banding, we have to choose to follow the correct diet. The battle is in the mind. We should "take every thought obedient to Christ" and "not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of our mind" because that's where the battle exists. The band is a tool, not the answer. It's a help. We'll still need all the faith and obedience we can muster in order to achieve our goals. But, thanks to the support of folks like you all, it doesn't seem so daunting....

[leatha_g 4]

losethechains,

WELCOME! and thank you so much for such a thoughtful and encouraging post!

[396power 2]

Welcome Lose the chains, I'm glad your here also. And Leatha thanck you for backing me up on that other post last night!

[chimboree26 24]

Heart Cry

by Tammy De Ruyter

Read: Psalm 102

Hear my prayer, O Lord; let my cry come to you. (v. 1)

Someone has said that while most of Scripture speaks to us, the Psalms speak for us...

I loved your post. I have always loved the Psalms. They certainly put into words what my heart and soul have felt so many times. David is so raw at times w/his emotion. Gotta love it!!!

[chimboree26 24]

I just wanted to say thanks for starting this thread as well. I'm new to the site, and this, in fact is my first post. Nice to be among brothers and sisters in Christ! With regard to the question about the band and faith, I am reminded of a joke... The battle is in the mind. We should "take every thought obedient to Christ" and "not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of our mind" because that's where the battle exists. The band is a tool, not the answer. It's a help. We'll still need all the faith and obedience we can muster in order to achieve our goals. But, thanks to the support of folks like you all, it doesn't seem so daunting....

Welcome! And you are so right about renewing the mind. Through Him who strengthens us, we can do all things and that includes being a Bandster/Bandolina/etc...!!!

[chimboree26 24]

Praise the Lord

My name is Liz I really enjoy reading your spirtual threads they have been such a blessings to me. I have not been banded yet I was hoping to banded by June but I changed hospitals so I have to start the process over which is very disappointing to me. Yesterday I went for my counsultation I have to go through six months of I guess pre-op for insurance purpose I am very depressed because I have gained more weight 251 not happy with that at all but I am looking forward to this program it seems once I start it would be very helpful can you guys please add me in your prayers.

God Bless

Liz

Absolutely we'll pray for you. How about right now?

Heavenly Father, we come to you on Liz's behalf. Lord, You know the challenges that she has faced and the struggles she's had to endure. We just ask that You send arms of comfort to her during this time of depression...give her strength now and also during these next 6 months. Lord, we thank You and praise You. In Jesus' name! AMEN

[ready2bthin 2]

Welcome losethechains!! Liked the post. I have recognized that I need to "lose my chains" in regards to using food when I'm stressed, etc. Our Heavenly Father wants us to run to Him when we are tempted to overeat or eat something just to "medicate" our pain. I'm reminded of the verse, "No temptation has seized you, except what is common to man. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can stand up under it." (I Cor. 10:13 NIV) As you say, the band is a tool and I believe one that the Lord directed me to in helping me get a grip on the obesity. But, I must cooperate with it and there are still battles to face. I thank the Lord every day for saving me and for loving me. I am growing in the knowledge that "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me".

Okay, well, gotta run!! Have a blessed night everyone!!

[leatha_g 4]

A newborn's conversation with God...

A baby asked God, "They tell me you are sending me to earth tomorrow, but how am I going to live there being so small and helpless?"

God said, "Your angel will be waiting for you and will take care of you."

The child further inquired, "But tell me, here in heaven I don't have to do anything but sing and smile to be happy."

God said, "Your angel will sing for you and will also smile for you. And you will feel your angel's love and be very happy."

Again the child asked, "And how am I going to be able to understand when people talk to me if I don't know the language?"

God said, "Your angel will tell you the most beautiful and sweet words you will ever hear, an d with much patience and care, your angel will teach you how to speak."

"And what am I going to do when I want to talk to you?" God said, "Your angel will place your hands together and will teach you how to pray."

"Who will protect me?"

God said, "Your angel will defend you even if it means risking its life."

"But I will always be sad because I will not see you anymore."

God said, "Your angel will always talk to you about Me and will teach you the way to come back to Me, even though I will always be next to you."

At that moment there was much peace in Heaven, but voices from Earth could be heard and the child hurriedly asked, "God, if I am to leave now, please tell me my angel's name."

God said, "You will simply call her, "Mom."

[leatha_g 4]

May 11, 2007

The Mother Every Child Needs

1 Samuel 1:19-28 No perfect model of motherhood exists. Children have different temperaments and personalities, and it takes all kinds of mothers to raise them well. But as different as kids are, they do have some common needs.

Every child needs a mother who wants her children. Nothing is more devastating to a youngster than to grow up feeling unwanted or unloved. A broken connection with mother can haunt a child throughout life. This may hinder relationships with Jesus Christ, friends, and spouses. As a future adult, that child may struggle with a suspicion that he or she is unlovable.

Every child needs a mother who cares for her children. To be healthy and stable adults, kids need a mom who invests in their body, mind, and spirit. Busy parents too often substitute material things for emotional and spiritual support. Buying the latest fashionable clothes may meet a desire. But talking and listening to understand a child's feelings meets the needs of the heart.

Every child needs a mother who'll surrender her children to God. From an early age, boys and girls should understand they belong to the Lord. Whatever God calls them to do, Mom needs to support His plan with love for them and faith in Him. First Samuel 1:28 indicates that children are a gift that parents should return to the Giver's service, just as Hannah did with her son Samuel.

Mothers aren't perfect. But God is. Through Him, a mom can fulfill her calling to want, protect, and surrender her children, no matter how old they are.