Thursday, July 19, 2012

Month Four: The Good, The Bad & The Ugly.

When you do something as drastic as having a gastric bypass, there are always risks.  You hear everyone's horror stories and hope that you are making the right decision.  With any major life decision, there are good, bad things that result from our choices. 


People ask me, all the time, "are you glad you did it, " or, "would you do it again?"  The answer to both of those questions is an overwhelming, "YES!"


The Good


Today, I had my 4 month (post surgery) check in with Weight Loss Services at Spartanburg Regional.  It's official, I have lost 75 pounds!  My second goal is met & that is a great feeling!  They also measured me and I have now lost 10 inches off my waist. 


The Bad


The weight loss has gotten slower these past few weeks, thankfully I haven't gained an ounce.  I attribute it mostly to my new job where I sit on my behind all day long!  (Side note:  I might invest in an large exercise ball to sit on at my desk!) Nonetheless, I have a plan.  When money is a little better, I am going to join Trinity Health & Fitness, which is where my friend Christiane goes.  (Another side note, she has lost 140 pounds!-- she inspires me!).  In the meantime, I am going to start getting in my Aunt June's pool 3 to 4 days a week after work.  Not only is the pool good exercise, but it will be great on my ailing hip bones that seem to have turned against me.  


The Ugly


The one thing that gastric bypass patients are always concerned about is losing our hair.  When you drastically limit your food intake, you are also reducing your intake of things that your body really needs.  Like protein, vitamins and minerals.  Taking supplements is just an everyday part of life after bypass.  I knew I wasn't getting enough protein.  However, I have never been a big meat eater.  I just don't care for it much.  So, when my hair starting falling out in, what seemed to be, handfuls in the shower, it really freaked me out.  Don't get me wrong, any of you probably wouldn't even notice.  But, I do!  My sweet husband even pointed out the "birds nest" of hair in the bathroom.  So this week, Aunt June, cut some layers in my hair to make it look fuller, and now, you really can't tell at all.  Thank God!   When I was at the doctor today, we discussed it.  Thankfully, I was told that the amount I have lost is normal for my post op time.  I was assured that if I keep my protein intake up, it won't get any worse.  So, just to be safe, I purchased high protein shakes to compensate for my lack of meat consumption.  Who wants to be thin if you have to be bald, right? :) 


And speaking of ugly, let's leave the loose skin issue for another day!  


Love to you all.













Wednesday, July 4, 2012

On Magic Mike & Christian Accountability




It seems that everyone, mostly Christians, have an opinion on Magic Mike, particularly when it relates to the subject of Christian accountability.  Although, the Internet, especially Facebook, has become a platform for opinion and conjecture,  I haven't, until now, weighed in on this particular topic.  It seems there are two schools of thought. First, there is the group that believes there is nothing wrong with Christian (women in this case) seeing movies with strippers and rated "R" material, it's entertainment only.  One the other hand, you have those (again mostly Christian women) who are flabbergasted that any Christian women would watch such and believe that it is a sign of poor virtue and complete worldliness.  Lastly, you have women from both groups that feel so strongly about their position (regardless of which side they choose) that are very public about justifying their own choice or belief, even some going as far as calling out other women, some in love, some not.  

I suppose I fall somewhere in the middle of all of this.   I think scripture can speak for itself, so let's look at a few about holiness and purity, to start.

 "I will set no unclean thing before my eyes.", Psalm 101:3, and Philippians 4:7, 8 "Keep your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus... Whatsoever things are pure... if there be any virtue... think on these things."

A couple of examples here that I have seen used in reference to this topic.  I think scripture is really clear about what it's saying here.  

It seems to me the question then changes from "Should I watch Magic Mike?"  and becomes more of a question of whether you feel that the material is impure, unclean or lacking in virtue.   I don't believe that those questions we can answer for one another, but only ourselves.


A friend posted this on Facebook:  

 "This is not aimed towards anyone specifically, but I have to say I am VERY disappointed in how many Christian ladies that I know that are either reading 50 Shades of Gray or going to see Magic Mike. Ladies where are your Godly standards? Just because everyone else is doing it doesn't mean its OK for you to do it. Just ask yourself as you read the book or watch the movie is this something God would approve of if He were right beside me, does this honor God in any way?. Please reconsider your actions because you may be the only Jesus people see! OK I am stepping off of my soap box, just had to get that off of my chest!" M.R. 

Another said this: 

"Concerning Magic Mike and 50 Shades...it seems to me the only important player in the equation is your spouse. No need to hold everyone you know (and don't know) accountable for things they never asked you to hold them accountable for :)" M.B.

In a way, I completely agree with both of them!  Like I said, I am some where in the middle on this.  

Finally, someone else posted this: 

 "I have never done this before, but since everyone else is allowed to express their opinion, I have the right to express mine as well! I am so tired of seeing people post things about Magic Mike and how sinful it is! If we are going to judge others for going to see a movie, then all of us need to take a long hard look in the mirror! I went to see magic mike last night and thought is was very entertaining! I am just thankful that God's judgment is the only judgment that matters. Every sin is the same in the eyes of God, whether it be having an affair, having a baby out of wedlock, cheating, stealing, or in this case, going to see Magic Mike!!!!!!

Judge, not that ye be not judged. For with what judgement ye judge, ye shall be judged: and with what measure ye mete, it shall be measured to you again.

Matthew 7: 1,2 KJV" AL


Again, another quote with really great points! 


So, here are my thoughts. :)  

For me, I choose NOT to watch Magic Mike or read books like 50 Shades of Gray because I have a personal conviction from God about things like that.  I am very careful about what I listen to, watch and read and I feel like this is important for me in my walk with God.  I don't drink either.  Do I believe drinking is wrong or sinful?  No.  However, it is something that God put on MY heart, so I choose to honor Him in that way. 

That being said, I think it is very important for Christians not to play the Holy Spirit in peoples lives.  It is not our jobs to decide what is sin for someone else or to convict people of sin. Just because the Spirit has spoken something to us personally, doesn't make it our job to make others live up to that standard.  The Holy Spirit really doesn't need our help.  :)

I love Jesus.  I am a Christ follower.  But, you know what.... I have tattoos.  I cut my hair.  I wear makeup.  I wear pants and paint my toenails.  ALL of those things are on some peoples spiritual "no no" list.  But, you know what?  I live by what God tells ME and what I feel to be right and honoring to God in my own heart and life. 

I really want to encourage all you Christians out there to be careful not to judge others.  We ALL have something in our life that displeases Jesus.  Let's be like Jesus and show grace and mercy to others and let God handle His own business. :)


P.S.-- Regarding Facebook, keep speaking your convictions and heart!  It makes us all think and come to terms with what we personally believe ourselves and I love that. :) SJ




    "The plans of the mind and orderly thinking belong to man, but from the Lord comes the [wise] answer of the tongue.
    All the ways of a man are pure in his own eyes, but the Lord weighs the spirits (the thoughts and intents of the heart).
   Roll your works upon the Lord [commit and trust them wholly to Him; He will cause your thoughts to become agreeable to His will, and] so shall your plans be established and succeed." 

Proverbs 16: 1-3 (Amplified)