Tomorrow morning, (Tuesday, September 8th at 6AM) I will be in Lancaster General Hospital prepping for gastric bypass surgery. As those of you who know me and have been in my presence -- I am a big man. I have been a big man for years. Look I was 11lb 4oz at birth! There are probably all kinds of reasons why I am overweight and trust me I have reviewed each one, yet over the past ten years I have tried to have a sustained weight loss and have had little success. I lose and then gain it back. The fact is I have been able to carry the weight and do a lot of things most overweight people can’t do. I have stayed active, athletic and fortunately have not had any “major” injuries. However, it is not a healthy way to live. Statistics tell us, your chances for long term medical issues and a shortened life is greater being overweight.
There are lifestyle issues that play into this struggle. Physical, nutritional, schedules, eating habits, exercise limitations, discipline and others. Shear will-power is not a problem, even though I admit having succumbed many times when cheesecake is brought out. What I learned this past year was eye-opening. The most telling fact is that if you need to lose the amount of weight I need to, a conventional diet/exercise routine just does not cut it and you will have temporary success, but not long-term results. I have thought about Biggest Loser, but my time commitment to ministry would not allow for a 15-week sabbatical. I cannot afford to have a personal trainer or have a dietician/chef move in (and my wife would not allow it). The fact is bariatric surgery is the best and most effective way to go at my age. Again this is a personal and prayerful decision, and the right way to go for me.
Since last summer, I have been thinking about the possibility. I began researching, reading, talking with people, especially medical people in our church, and surfing the web. I discovered that LGH has a growing and highly touted program. So much so, that it recently invested millions of dollars in a new weight management clinic at the Health Campus. Basically what happens is that my stomach is reduced in size, thus causing me to feel satisfied and not hungry on less food. This will "trick" my body into thinking that I have enough calories, but in reality it causes my body to burn stored fat rapidly. Obviously, you have to supplement your diet with vitamins, minerals and the ever-present protein shakes! (The fact is they are incredibly delicious.)
In January, I attended a seminar to investigate and was astonished at what I learned. After consultation with the surgeon, it was determined that I was a candidate. Since March, I have been watching what, when, how often and how much I eat and increased my exercise routine to five days a week. By God's grace, I have lost 40lbs and the doctor is thrilled. By the way Dr. Brader, my surgeon, is tops in this field. He has performed this surgery thousands of times with remarkable success. His “best case” prediction is that I will lose another 115-120lbs in a year’s time! At that point, your body begins to “level out” and maintain. Who knows, with that kind of weight loss I might try out for the Giants as a walk-on wide receiver for the 2010 season -- I still have great hands!
All in all, I will be healthier, and therefore, "extend my days on earth." I recognize that God holds my life in His hands and when He wants my life to end -- it will be done! Nevertheless, I have the responsibility to NOT shorten my life and to maximize my days by living healthy and taking responsibility for things like my weight. I am reminded what Paul said: “Or do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit who is in you, whom you have from God, and that you are not your own? For you have been bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body.” (1 Corinthians 6:19-20) If being healthier gives me more days to serve God with all my heart, mind and soul; then I bring more glory to God!
You are probably asking, ultimately why are you doing this? A number of personal reasons.... I want to see my son graduate from college...... I want to be a part of his wedding..... I want to hold my grandchildren (hopefully the previous event will take place prior to the second).....I want to get old and cantankerous with my wife! All of those are legitimate and important. They have significance to me in that my father never got to enjoy any of those things and he was not overweight!
And of course, again the most important reason; I want to live an active, effective and fuller life to bear more spiritual fruit...NO -- MUCH MORE FRUIT for the Lord. In doing this, I get to serve the Lord with my maximum ability and optimize life for His glory! Not to mention, I want to lighten the Lord’s load in heaven when the time comes to give me a glorified body. I understand that He has discontinued His Heavenly “Cash for Clunkers” program!!!
So, pray for me Tuesday....you're probably wondering why I did not mention this in service yesterday? Two reasons....with so many visitors and new people, I would have had to take extra time to explain it and I did not want to take time from worship or the teaching. Secondly, many who have heard, or to those I mentioned that I was having the procedure have been asking me “why...how come...are you sure?” This is fine – completely understandable. To be honest, I am overwhelmed by your concern. But I did not want that to be the focal point of our Lord’s Day. Plus many are away with the holiday. I figured an email would clarify and inform you of all the details necessary at one time.
Sorry to say, I will not be at the Kick-Off BBQ. This is my first absence in 11 years of barbeques. I will be home recovering. BUT we had already planned to have Pastor Bill Hiestand from Crossings Community Church preaching. You will have a great day as he will be sharing about “True Hope!” I will be back in the pocket the following week. I will give you some further details on my surgery during my Vision Sunday message. I have to tell you I am so excited about this year and our theme for the year, “Fruit, MORE Fruit, MUCH Fruit.” I will have some testimonies and illustrations on what this theme means PLUS will be announcing some new ministries we are rolling out this coming year. EVERY NEWSONGER needs to be present.
That’s all for now! Thanks for your love, understanding and support. Mostly thanks for your prayers!! Hope you have a great Labor Day – have a hamburger for me! It is clear liquids all day! Great planning right??
With Much love and Confidence,
Pastor Jamie