Thank you’s to everyone who read this blog regularly, and big thank you’s to those who posted this week.

A lot of people ask me questions; too many for me to answer here although I will from time-to-time if it seems like there’s a theme that many people are thinking about. I also recommend it’s best to first speak with your medical doctor about specific health problems.  When it comes to questions about God, I think it best to ask Him directly.   As I’ve said many times before, I’m in this life with you — struggling, trying new things and experimenting, coping as best I can.

However, having lost and maintained 160 pounds, and having many years of training in theology, philosophy, psychology and in writing about those subjects, I hope that I can share some of what I’ve learned.

Sharing what you have learned is helpful to me, and all of us too!  So please keep returning regularly, and posting comments.  We read them!

Here are two this week that spoke to me, as I see many people are writing about this subject — what to do when nothing appears to work and weight loss surgeries.

Lori writes,

“I want to lose 60 pounds and I haven’t gotten anywhere. Normally I can
lose the weight, but this time seems different. I exercise, watch
what I eat, drink plenty of water, but nothing works. Some days I get so frustrated, that I start to cry, because I don’t know what to do
anymore. I am not use to being overweight. I pray, and ask God to make
me stronger and healthier, but I just keep putting on the weight. I
don’t understand. I need help!!!!!”

Lori, I recommend you have a thorough check-up with your physician first, and as soon as you can.  Prayer will work wonders, but we are in partnership with God and we need to take action.  It sounds like you’ve got the motivation, and your problem is about doing the right combination of things, such as eating a balanced food plan and the best movement —  once you know that there’s no underlying medical condition causing your extra pounds to stay with you.  The point is to solve the mystery, and with God’s help and your motivation, that’s possible.  Also, try not to focus on the 60 pounds — stick with this moment, this day, this second, what are you going to do right now?

Sandra wrote,

“I have been overweight as long as I can remember – even as a child. I
lose about 35 pounds, just start to feel good and then it all comes
back on, and I have to start all over again. I need to lose 150 pounds.
I’m 62 yrs. old and get depressed about my weight. I’ve spent a fortune
going to diet clubs e.g. nutri system, weight watchers, L.A. weight
loss centres, even to a 30-day food addiction program in Florida. I’m
considering having the “lap-Band” or the “Gastric Balloon” but I’m
scared. I’d like to hear from anyone who has had a weight loss procedure. My weight has caught up with me and I have High BP,
Diabetes, Gout, and Anxiety attacks. I have so much fat around my liver
that I have a lot of pain in my side at times. My doctor has told me
that the only cure is weight loss. Help, please!”

Sandra, I feel for you.  The situation does sound really depressing.  Don’t give up!  You’re going to be OK.  I also recommend you have a thorough check-up with your medical doctor.  If you haven’t had a good doctor, who is thorough, find a better one.

I cannot comment specifically on your condition, as I’m not a medical doctor or surgeon.  I will share my personal experience though.  For every person I’ve heard had weight loss surgeries that were successful, there’s at least 20 people who have had serious complications or it didn’t work.  There are quite a few statistics on fatalities, too, and also the weight just coming back.

The ones I’ve known or heard about where they worked, it only worked when there was a lot of education and effort towards changing eating and motivational patterns that went along with it (as Priscilla wrote about in her response comment).

So my ultimate opinion is why not just use the safest, tried and true methods of self-discovery, sound nutrition, simple, doable recreation, prayer and meditation?  Why take huge risks with your body?  I don’t think weight-loss surgery is the easiest, or best way.  Every person is different, though, and it might be right for someone who is in dire need.  I’ve just never met anyone in that category.  But that’s just my personal experience.

Your mentioning “anxiety” makes me think that there could be an underlying emotional problem or past trauma that’s possibly causing it.  You might consider working with a therapist or counselor to try to get underneath the weight.

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