Children of Postop Parents

have two children 8 and 3. I am 6 weeks postop and down 47 lbs. I weighed 328 in the beginning and now I weigh 275. My baby boy has become very clingy as if he is worried about me. I feel better more than ever in my life. My oldest son said that my body odor has changed too. Does anyone have any suggestions as to how I can help my sons adjust to this transition?

Hi Jaunine: I have a 5 year old, who had a difficult time. His teachers said that he was having a hard time acting out at school the first 4-5 weeks after my surgery. It finally got better when I was able to hold him, now I even wrestle with him (within moderation.) A good tickle battle seems to do well too. At one point I did go to the store and got some new arts and crafts type of activities that we could do together. I also tried to read more books to him, so that he could have more one on one time with me. I think the more active he saw me get and the more we got back to regular routines the better it got. I also made a point to talk to him about it and to ask him about his feelings. I don't know if any of this will help with a 3 or 8 year old. But I wanted you to know you are not alone. I also made a point of going out for pizza with him as early as week 3 (I didn't eat pizza) but I wanted him to know that my surgery wouldn't change the things we did as a family. Great weight loss!!!! Keep up the good work. Eileen

Jaunine .. I wonder if the 3 year old is worried that you will go away again (like you did when you had surgery). It probably was a bit upsetting to him especially since you came home with aches and pains. The 8 year old is probably old enough to understand if you explain to him about the loss of weight can change the body in many ways, but that it is temporary (bad breath, body odor). I think getting life back to normal or a new normal will help. Doing things with the boys, showing them their mom has new found energy etc. Wishing you the best. Mary