Serene

Hi all. I am hoping some of you can share how you explained to your kids the decision to have the surgery, etc. I have an 11 year-old daughter and I'm looking for some tips. thanks!

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Serene
BMI: 40.7
Lap: 8/1/2006

bridgetgirl

Hmmmm what a good question. I remember saying to them that I was going to have surgery. I needed to explain why I wasnt going to be home for a couple of days and why they would be staying with other people. They asked me what kind of surgery, I told them the kind that was going to help me get skinny. (At the time they were 5 and 8.) After hearing that they were just thrilled! Thrilled with the idea that I was one day going to be skinny. They never really worried too much, that were just more upset with the idea of staying at other peoples homes for a couple of days!

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J.Bridget Fisher aka koi-pea
2/9/04 lap 5'11"
298/170-trying to lose another 10

www.myspace.com/caliclovercutie
What Sawyer would call me on LOST: ladybug

"People will argue with you that getting what you want in life isn’t something you can learn, if you’re destined to be one of the worlds winners as opposed to one of its perpetual whiners, its because you have been born with the right talents and temperament and have a big dose of self-esteem, ambition, and good judgment." Kate White

Alleusion

I explained to my oldest the basics of the surgery. I told her why I was having it, and that I hoped to get healthy because of it. She's very excited for me. My son was told basically the same thing, but with him if it's not related to a game, it went in one ear and out the other.

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Pokey757

I have an 11 yrs old son. I just told him i wanted to have surgery that would help me lose the weight. He seemed ok with it. Then i told him about the risks (him & I are very close, i am very open and honest with him) Once he learned i could die, he got worried, then started coming up with other ideas for me. But i just told him that this was my only option right now, and assured him i would be ok. He mulled it over for a while and now he is ok with it. Hope this helps!

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Danette
LAP 08/22/05
Surgery for Obstruction 10/5/05

Highest/Pre-op/Current/Goal
311/301/196/to be under 200 lbs
BMI 56/53/38
5'2" Short

Mavisavis

I told my 9 year old I was having a surgery to lose weight, she asked why I wanted it since she didn't care what I looked like. I explained the health problems due to the excess weight. She was very matter of fact then that I would be getting it. She has seen me have a D&C, 2 carpal tunnels, and a hysterectomy in the past 13 months. I believe she thinks surgery is just a normal part of life.

Marty

nurse05

I actually let my sons believe that they were a part of the decision for me to have surgery. I'm a single mom of a 10 and 7 yr old boys, but I always try to let them have some control over situations. so basically I explained the procedure to them and asked them what they thought aout it. Then I told them how important it was becasue without the sirgery I could get heavier and have alot of health risks, they understood that and were very supportive of the surgery. I then always made them a part of the desicions related to the surgery. Like where they would stay when I was in the hospital, or even what I should eat for my last meal etc...It turned out well for us. I'm very proud of how mature they have been throughout this whole thing.
And they are so proud of me too....were just filled with love over here! lol

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Janice
Lap 2-16-05
Dr. Callery

gramamarc

My Grandkids are 7, 9 (girls) and 11 (boy). I asked them if they remembered how much stuff I used to do with them, from playing on the floor to riding bikes, that I just couldn't do anymore. Then I told them the surgery will help me lose the weight and keep it off (they have seen me lose before -optifast)So I will be healthier and continue to do more and more with them.
The youngest girl, Jenna, said "I don't want you to have surgery" and I just had to reassure her it would be OK,
Both the girls came to my Pro-op appt because my daughter was my buddy and Dr Potts let them stay in the room and I think in his casual way of explaning what was going on, reassured them even more.
Jenna has been the most aware of my limitations and helped me out alot. Like picking things up fropm the floor and bringing me thngs and asking if i needed anything. HEAVY SIGH!!! My grandkids are so COOL
M

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Marcia
Dr. Potts
RNY Lap 7/15/2005
257/160/150(me)/134(they)
BMI 43.5/26.2
"If God leads you to it, He will guide you through it."

Julez

I have two 9 & 5.I told them I was going to have the surgery to be healthy.I told them by having it I would lose weight & be healthy.I did have complications with my surgery so I was away from them longer than expected.But now we are all happy with the new lifestyle

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Julia
Lap 9/15/04 Dr.Callery
334/204/Healthy
Life is for livin,lovin & laughin
Not worrin & whinin

LizardQueen

My girls were 10 and 12. They went to all my pre op appts and spoke with the doc. My oldest even took notes and kept our list of questions together. I think it really helped them to feel comfortable with the decision and the doc. They can both tell you exactly how my stomach is reconfigured and how wls works. This worked out great for us. They liked being part of the process.

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Amber
Open RNY 2/22/05
278/103.5 way below goal

eyesthatkissu

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~~Robin~~

~~Dr. C was impressed by me!~~
315/167/168 ..... -106 inches, From a size 32 to a size 10. AT GOAL! Below goal after TT! :P 148 pounds no longer linger on my ass!
October, 24 2005

Sometimes I feel like all I am doing is rearranging deck chairs on the Titanic
And in the end it's not the years in your life that count. It's the life in your years. -Abraham Lincoln