Plastic surgery, body issues, and kids...

I'll admit, you got me. I was wondering, WTH??? 

 Hahahaha. This reminds me of my Dad's sense of humor EXACTLY so I didn't even think twice about the muzzle comment until you explained yourself. 

That's it--I'm calling the SPCA! Wait, you work there--that won't get me very far. Using the term "work" loosely of course. Dumb as a rock? Guess the apple didn't fall far from the tree!!! LOL!

Very creative Bubbzzy. I'm sure you had more than one person going--not me of course because I know you're a goof ball.

On a serious note, Bubbzz is one of the best doggie dads I know. I'm a psycho dog mom, so that is very high praise. I mean besides spoiling them rotten with absurdly expensive peanut butter (on the roofs of their mouths) and steak that is likely of better quality than I feed my human children, I hear he may even have matching doggie/daddy Christmas sweaters--just sayin'.

Don't worry Bubbzz, I got your back--although you may think twice next time before asking for me to back you up!! LOL!

Thanks for the glowing endorsement, I think. Couldn't help myself.

OMG!!! Now that i've caught my breath (and finish reading through the post) I can't stop laughing!!  Thank you for the repreive in the serious topic from the Mom of an 11 yo struggling w/body image issues; hers and mine.

Hi Denise,
   I'm not a Mom but I'm a daughter who has experienced this situation from the opposite perspective. Your post reminded me of my childhood so I hope you don't mind if I reply. 
   When I was about 11 my mother got a face lift. She prepared me by letting me know what was going to happen and told me she may look a little different but that it wouldn't really change anything. Afterward I remember saying "Well I don't think you look that different" and she replied "Well, I feel better about myself and I'm happier so that is what's important." She didn't make a huge deal out of it or make it seem like she was doing it for anyone but herself so I didn't even think twice about it. However, my mother was very obsessed with her weight and this is what affected my body image the most because of the way she included me in her obsession. Starting at age 8 I had to go on diets with her and she would weigh me constantly and become extremely angry with me if she wasn't satisfied. She obviously had some issues, which are a whole other story but the point I'm trying to make is that her negativity is what really affected me. 
   I think if a parent demonstrates a positive attitude about self-improvement and wanting to be "healthy" without trying to forcibly influence how a child views their own body then the child will be more understanding. From personal experience I can share that a child is more likely to be negatively affected if they are made to feel that they are not good enough. It's really great that you recognize this issue! I think you are doing the right thing by promoting the importance of healthy living because if a child is motivated to be healthy, energized and happy and not "perfect" or "skinny" then the outcome will be more productive and beneficial. 

Thank you for your perspective. I think that putting my issues with weight on my children is one of my biggest fears. I'm sorry you had to be subjected to that.  It is a fine line to walk between encouraging them to eat well and move their bodies and still trying to reassure them that we will love them regardless of what they look like or what size they are. I mean afterall, how can they feel okay with getting a little chubby if it is known that their mom went to great lengths to get rid of her excess weight? Thankfully, I know I've done a great job of explaining that my desire to lose weight was health related and not a vanity issue, but this society is so looks centered I don't know that my message can "outweigh" the societal pressures.

Thanks again for your feedback!!

Its funny that I dropped in and read your post because I am having my plastics next month.  My youngest boys are 15, 13 and 11 - so I wanted to explain what I was going to have done.  I didn't want it to be graphic so I found an animation and was showing them.  Afterward, my 11 year old looked at me and said, "really mom - I really don't need to know what you are going to do with your boobs".  I thought I was going to pee myself laughing.  So, they understand that I am having surgery - but I guess that don't care much.

My second oldest is 24 and she is my only girl.  She realizes what I am doing and supports me 100%.  For me, it is more about getting my boobs away from my belly button and for my clothes to fit me properly.  I just told the kids when I had my WLS that I needed help to get myself healthy.  All I can do is explain it and hope they understand.

Ally

Ally,
I have 2 sons, age 21 and 17. Both of them have supported me 100% in my surgery endeavors, but neither of them wanted me to go into detail about exactly all I was having done.

They have always loved me and have never seemed to be embarassed with my previous weight of nearly 200 lbs, but now that i'm at 122 lbs  I can see that they are both really proud of me....especially my older son.

Marianne