Encouragement for the road ahead...

After the post yesterday, John wanted me to write about the appointment with the surgeon on Thursday. It was wonderful! A good experience to focus on.

Dr. Seger was very pleased with my progress. He loved all my charts of data that I kept of my blood pressure, blood sugar, liquid intake, food journal, and weight. He also told me to stop my blood pressure meds completely. :) wow! When they were asking me about what meds I was taking, most of them they read off the list I was able to say "no" to. I am off all diabetic meds (2), all blood pressure meds (2), migraine meds (1), and daily aspirin. That is 6 medications total! woo-hoo!

John told him about this blog. He immediately went to the computer and found it. He asked if I would give him permission to share it on their website. WOW! I said of course. One of the things I wanted to know from other bypass patients, was what their experience was in the days and weeks immediately following the surgery. They usually couldn't remember those first days and weeks. So I wanted to remember mine and that is why I started this blog. Also to share all of the health benefits of this treatment.

I remember that this is a tool for my health improvement. It is not the cure for my obesity unless I use the tool as it was intended. There are many ways to say this. Some are edifying and others are harsh. I prefer to edify myself and others. (Most of us have been treated harshly by ourselves if not others.)

My verses today are:

1. “This is the first and great commandment. And the second is like it: ‘You shall love your neighbor AS YOURSELF.’ On these two commandments hang all the Law and the Prophets.” (Matthew 22:38)
   
2. For all the law is fulfilled in one word, even in this: “You shall love your neighbor AS YOURSELF.” (Galatians 5:14)
   
3. “You shall not take vengeance, nor bear any grudge against the children of your people, but you shall love your neighbor AS YOURSELF: I am the Lord.” (Leviticus 19:18)

I have often been my own worst enemy. I must learn to love myself in a way that glorifies God. This is not a selfishness, or a self-elevating love. It is a humble acknowledgement of the value of God's love living in me.

What a gift we have of our health and our very lives. Let's rejoice in this new day and be thankful for our blessings.