I’ve picked Anna’s comment to feature this week.  If only there were more people like her, who realize that there’s a lot of personal work necessary along with weight-loss surgery.  I also wish there were more people who have enjoyed the kind of success she has found.  Anna took a big risk to have weight-loss surgery, but after years of research, and attempts.  It was a last resort.  In that way, it was right for her.  She’s also committed to do her part: nutrition and healthy choices, exercise, and prayer.

Of course, I think she could have been a little less critical of me personally, but that’s OK.  I also find my comments may have been quoted a bit out-of-context.  We all have the right to our opinions.

Anna commented:

“I had the surgery. This was after significant prayer and thought, and a
good five years of consistent activities to lose weight on virtually
every program available and every support mechanism available through
home, community and church. The reality is that many weight loss
problems are hormonal in nature. I was never full and always hungry. I
felt guilty about it, out of control, out of step with my body’s true
needs and in opposition with God over the way I cared for His gift of
life and the temple of my body. Surgery was a last resort and I
approached it with trepidation and much reflection. But after surgery,
the constant aching hunger disappeared. It was shut off, as if it
didn’t exist, and remains largely so to this day. After that occurred,
that’s when I stopped beating myself up and feeling that I was a
disappointment to myself, my family and to God. I lost over 150 pounds,
have maintained it for the last several years with no complications and
have discovered energy, grace and peace that was missing for a very
long time. I look at the surgery as a blessing from God; I have time
and energy to devote to my family and church that was lost in the pain
and shame of my previous life. Even now I work at it every day in terms
of diet, exercise, vitamin consumption and attitude. You deniers and
haters can say all you will about my personal lack of willpower or
faith, but my firm opinion is that this was the path that God offered
to me and I am eternally thankful for it. Don’t be so harsh to judge us
and don’t be so quick to say that your “choice” should be the only one
is “honest”. We all have our own path and only God speaks to us
individually to tell us which way He wants us to go.
If you insist on applying your own prejudices to my message and feel
that this is posted out of guilt, shame or defensiveness, so be, but
you’re wrong and there’s nothing I can do to change your opinion. Be
assured, I’m laughing at your attitude as I head to the gym, munching
on fresh carrots and praising God all the way :)”

Thanks, Anna.  I wish you continued success, and pray that you keep on the right path — the one that puts God first, along with your commitment to health and happiness.