Question:
Anyone experience changes in HOW you TREATED your toddlers post-op?

I have been eagerly devouring this wonderful website over the past few weeks and have decided on WLS. I have seen many posts on how relationships between spouses, friends, family members, etc have changed and the vast improvement in self-esteem, and energy level (which I think this question may be related to), etc. However, I haven't found anyone address the issue of HOW or IF they TREATED their small children differently after the procedure. I feel bad sometimes at how little patience I have with my 1 and 4 yr olds and I witness other obese mothers in stores/malls and I see a negative behaviour pattern with their children as well. You know, just sheer frustration at having to pick up a mess of some sort (that, of course, toddlers always make =)!!) and because of being overweight, just not having the ENERGY to want to clean it up. I wonder if anyone experienced a post-op change in this kind of relationship (mother-child), and what it was exactly. Thanks! =)    — ChristiMNB (posted on January 27, 2001)

January 27, 2001
Hi! I am 7 wks. post-op and feeling very well! I have lost 56 lbs. so far (Thank God - and Dr. Husted). I have an almost 3 yr. old, as well as a 5, 6, and 10 yr. old, who are just as you described - very busy. The major change that I have had in dealing with my children was when I was diagnosed with sleep apnea and began using a cpap machine. My lack of patience was more related to exhaustion than the weight alone. I thought that you might want to check this out as a possibility. By the way, I have found it much easier to bend down and hug and play with my baby since my weight loss. I am also able to get around (ie. walking, working, driving, etc.) much easier than before. I strongly encourage anyone with a serious weight problem to seriously consider this surgery. I feel it has and will continue to change my life!!!! Becky
   — Becky H.

January 27, 2001
Absolutely! My kids were 2 and 4 when I had my WLS. I really wanted to be a patient, kind, and playful Mom, but mostly I found myself worn out and in a foul mood just because I was so tired all the time. It is hard to be patient when you are exhausted, and the constant demands of a toddler can seem like a cruel torture when it hurts just to stand up and walk across the room. Now, after taking 120 pounds of exhausting weight off of my body, I have much more energy to get myself through the day. And a lot of that energy goes straight to mothering my children. Of course there are still days when I lose my patience with them, or just want to be left alone. But overall, I think my children have benefited from my WLS nearly as much as I have. Good luck to you!
   — Lynn K.

January 27, 2001
I was so happy to see this queston posted!! I have been feeling like this for a long time now!!! eversince i was young i have wanted to have lots of kids and and have babysat and have been a nanny and my weight never made it hard for me....or so I thought...now I have 2 of my own and I find myself exausted all the time and taking it out on the kids. I am looking forward to the day that I can roll on the floor with them and not be in so much pain that I cant even get up!!!
   — Lori-ann J.

September 20, 2001
Not really an answer but a statement...I was so glad to see the responses to this question about energy & patience with young children. I am planning to have this surgery and at present have almost a total lack of energy and constant pain. I love my 1 and 3 yr. olds so much, but I am completely exhausted and irritable. I really make an effort to curb myself and try my hardest to be patient. It is encouraging to read that things get better after surgery. I have a problem sleeping and I have a real strong suspicion I have undiagnosed sleep apnea.
   — Karen B.