How did your kids react to your surgery?
My 11 year old was not happy about it, especially since I had to travel pretty far. I just got sleeved last week and he keeps saying he doesn't want me to change, that I was perfect the way I was. So sweet and speaks more to his fear of change. He's a healthy weight and I keep telling him I want to be the same way.
My kids were 11 and 2 when I had surgery. I was pretty up front with my 11 yo. She wondered if I would be thin after surgery...like right away! And she was worried my hugs would be not soft and fluffy.
now 14 months post surgery y 12yo and I wear the same size in most things... Pants not quite...she's a 6 and I'm a 10 almost an 8...
just last night she commented she can hold her elbows when she hugs me all around and that my hugs arent as cozy...
It has been a strange transition and I worry how it has affected her. I still out weigh her by 15 lbs but it is weird.
At first while I was on liquids there was no way for me to hide the process. But I'm glad I've been up front with her about it.
My girls were 6 and 13 when I had surgery. They'll be 10 and 17 soon. The younger one didn't really understand, but was ok with what she did know. My older one made me presents and brought them to the hospital. She would express she was happy with my choice, unless it was inconvenient to her, then would be a pill - typical teen behavior. She did tell me, within the last year, how proud she was of me though. Neither girl ever said so, but I'm sure having such a large mom, that other kids did or could make fun of, was hard. I'm also a lot older than most of the other moms, so anything to not make me stick out and potentially embarass them was good.
My 10 year old daughter was worried I would no longer be "squishy." She was concerned I wouldn't snuggle with her as well, lol. She hasn't said much about the weight loss because it's been so gradual. It took about 70 lbs before she said, "Hey, you do look skinnier."
On a less positive note, she has commented several times that I am pretty, something she never said 100 lbs ago. I love that she thinks that since it's good for her self esteem and mine, but I don't want her to equate beauty or self value with weight. There are plenty of beautiful fat moms too, so I try to keep the discussion about health and longevity. It may just be that she'****ting that age where girls start to care about appearance at the same time I had WLS.
Your older girl is probably gets it, and the younger ones won't even notice!