Healthy Mommy?

My Daughter Sara (almost 7) is very excited about our up coming plans. I told her that I am going to a doctor that will fix my belly so I can get healthy. Then I told her how then I can ride bikes with her and maybe go for a jog. BOY has she started makin plans! Rollerblading to cooking! and everything in between!. I am excited to see my kids excited. I never realized that my kids have never seen me thin. Or my husband (me either). They are so excited to see my with energy for playing !

Hi Kitty, I had a similar conversation with my kids, with a similar response. Since I've lost some pre op weight, my youngest, Jonah keeps asking, "can you go skiing with us yet?" It's a bit of a stitch because I didn't like skiiing even back in my thinner days! More happy days to come, I guess. Hugs, Amy

Amy , That is so funny ! That is exactly what they are doing to me!. I think though even when I dont like the sport I will have to try it once to make up being Fat for their whole lives.

I had the same conversation with my kids, the younger ones were so excited, the older ones were harder to convince. They were still worried so much about me having another surgery. But now that i have lost weight and i am running around like a little kid they are so excited that i did it. Be prepared the closer you do get to surgery, they feel out stress even when we do our best to hide it. They may start acting out towards you, but its the fear of the whole thing. I have spoken to many who have found the weeks before surgery their kids were terrors....but they didnt mean it they just didnt know how to express their fears. You guys are going to do great. It was fun chatting. LisaMarie

LisaMarie, I havent told them about the surgery .........all the way . I said the doctor will fix it.I didnt say how. I broke both of my feet in a car accident 2003. My husband came to the hospital and brought the kids. They saw me all strapped to the back board. I told him to take the kids out . I wanted to be strong in front of them but knew I was in too much pain to do that. They were just 4&5 then . It did upset them . A few months later I needed to have surgery . So I told them the doctor was going to fix my foot. When I got home from that they were relaxed and wanting to help me . I think I will do the same so they dont worry waiting for the DAY. I hope it will work . They are smarter now . But they have not asked HOW he was gonna fix it. I think I do have a plan ?

I was concerned that my kids wouldn't fully understand the seriousness of this surgery, but I don't want to scare them either. The other day, Jonah asked if I could die during surgery. I told him that I wouldn't. What else could I say? I don't want to freak him out, and I don't think he's fully ready for understanding the associated risks. I'm glad you mentioned the possibility of the kids acting out right before surgery, or starting to express fear. It's good to be prepared! Hugs, Amy

I told my 3 year old something similar, she came every day to see me in the hospital and although one time she asked daddy, 'is momma going to be OK?' Once he reminded her that I would get better and better every day, her outlook has been very positive. We told her that once momma's belly is better we will be able to run and do the monkey bars! She seems to understand the gradual process. Yesterday I bent over and picked something up off the floor for the first time [I'm a little over 2 weeks out from lap to open RNY] and as it was dawning on me in my head, she exclaimed, 'Momma, you bent over!! I'm so proud of you!' Kids are so great! xosm

They are GREAT! IT seems they are always positive !

Hi Kitty, I know my situation is a little different but my son(who is 3 almost 4) doesnt seem to affected by my surgeries and being in the hosptial. He says my mommy "goes to the hospital to get boo-boos but they go away." When he comes to see me in the hospital he seems to think its great. He acts like it is a new exciting place to 'hang out', eat and watch TV. He has met my pcp and the surgeon many times and that seems to have made it a lot easier for him. Like this "doctors" are living breathing people instead of this scary image that young children have of doctors. My son is always asking where the surgeon is b/c he wants to tell him a 'secret'. His secret usually consists of telling him what he ate for breakfast or for a snack. The surgeon always acts like its such big news which makes my son feel 'important' I think. Hee-Hee.

Tavia , Its cool your little guy will never remember all the illnesses and overweight part of you . I am glad he is taking it so well. You are such a wonderful person and you deserve to be well! I apperciate your attitude with your illnesses, When I go under knife I will keep you in mind in a positive way . Knowing no matter what happens I need to stay postive .Lesson learned by you!