How far ahead of surgery do you tell a 5 yr old about it?

I have a good idea of what I want to tell him initially (but am open to suggestions). I don't know if I should tell him a couple of months ahead or just a couple of days ahead. Giving him a couple of months will either worry him or give him time to ask questions. Telling him a few days before may not be enough time for me and his dad to reassure him. I should also include this info. I will be out of town for a week for my surgery and my son will not be seeing me at all in the hospital. My husband and son will be home going to work and school trying to keep the normal routines. What if I have complications and am a wreck? How do I explain to a 5 yr old? You know something, I'm not at all worried about having wls. I've been in the medical system for over 2 years with this and have read all that I can find, belong to several local support groups and I'm as ready as I'll ever be. The only thing I'm worried about is how my going into the hospital for major surgery will affect my son. Mary Ann in Ontario, Canada

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