What to tell my children about Tummy Tuck?

sueinge
on 2/14/10 8:35 am
I am scheduled for a tummy tuck on April 8th.    I have two boys, aged 6 and 4 and I am wondering if any advice on what to tell them I am having done.   They will be at their grandmother's house for the first 4 days of my recovery so they won't see me fresh out of surgery, but once they come home they will want to know what is wrong with me.   I don't know how much I actually want to tell them.   I don't want them to worry or be afraid of my incision or the drains.   What have you all told your children?  Thanks for your help!!!
(deactivated member)
on 2/14/10 9:02 am
Sheesh, I lied and told the nine year old it was a gall bladder operation.  

My teenagers voiced that this was a sure sign of how low I was going, and a sure sign of my selfishness and depravity.

But ... a nine year old will merrily blab anything at all, and I didn't want to have to explain myself to everyone.

He really didn't care, since he didn't miss any meals or anything, and the TV was still available when he wanted it.  
sueinge
on 2/14/10 9:08 am
LOL, Charming, you are right about the TV and the food, as long as that is still available they probably won't care what is wrong with me!!  :)    Thanks for the reply!!  
txAngela
on 2/14/10 11:53 am
I have an 8 YO daughter and a 4 YO son.  I told both of them mommy had to have the doctor remove my "extra skin" on my tummy and that I would have an "owie" for a while and they'd have to help me out and be gentle when hugging me.   My daughter was very helpful when I got home, my son acted like he didn't really care and actually never really mentioned it.  LOL!
sueinge
on 2/14/10 9:22 pm
Thanks, Angela!   That is a great way to tell them!   I appreciate your help!   I am sure my 4 year old won't even notice!
Lynne R.
on 2/14/10 9:33 pm - Houston, TX

Don't have little kids, so that wasn't a worry. However I have a funny story for you: I was on Big Medicine for my  plastics, and Dr. LoMonaco has the Big Medicine episodes running on a loop in his waiting room. Without fail, my episode comes on any time I'm in the office (my daughter works there so I am there more often than a regular patient).

A few months ago, I was there with my 2 year old grandson. Auntie Randa was busy so Woogie and I were hanging out in the waiting room, and my episodes came on. He thought it was very cool to see us on television. I tried to distract him during the actual surgery parts, but apparently he was paying attention.

When we got in the car to go home, Wooge says to me, "Gwammie, did Dr. Lo-Mon-a-co (he carefully prounonces each syllable) cut your butt?"

I about wrecked the car laughing then explained that I had a big boo-boo and Dr. L fixed it for me and it was all better.

Lynne
 

sueinge
on 2/14/10 11:39 pm
Lynne,
That is hilarious!!!  Out of the mouths of babes!   They really will say anything!!!   My son once told my mother-in-law when he accidentally walked in on her putting on her swimming suit "Don't worry Nana, my mom has big boobs like you do!"   OMG, I could have died when she told me he said that!  

That is cool you were on Big Medicine.  Is that a show on TLC or Discovery?  

Sue
Sahrramon
on 2/15/10 12:21 am - Atlanta, GA
Just had my TT on 2/11...I told my 9  &5 yr old..that I was going to have a smaller stomach..after months of hearing my complain,  I'm sure they were happy that mommy was finally getting it fixed.  They have been great helpers..especially w/picking up stuff off the floor and getting my water.  The one thing I regret they are on Winter vacation this week,  so mommy not able to play with them. 

  



sally125
on 2/15/10 12:57 am
I don't have young chldren but have two grandboys that are 6 and 9.  They did need to know that I was having surgery because when they see me and Papa it is a contest to see who can hug me first before Papa gets to them.  Well, that is quite rowdy, as you might imagine.  So prior to surgery I did tell them that I was getting rid of my batwings (didn't see the need to tell them about the TT), especially since they would sit on my lap and play with them, I know sounds strange but they thought they were hilarious (unlike those of us that have them)  So we did tell them and I did see them this weekend and they were very very cautious when they came up to me to hug me and Papa just stayed back and waited and watched to be sure they were careful and that he didn't cause them to forget the careful part. 

Good Luck !
Sally  (Back On Track Today Together ! ! !   RNY 1/6/2003)
  RS  2/4/2010  



 
  
sueinge
on 2/16/10 12:54 am
Thanks so much ladies!  Now I just have to get thru the nerves the next few months!!!  :)
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