My lap band surgery is scheduled for January 13 and I haven't said anything to my five-year-old. I don't want him to worry, but feel like I should prepare him for post-op Mommy. Any advice?

Hi

My kiddies were five and three when I had my surgery. I told them that I was going to the Dr and he would be giving mommy something to help her be healthy. I told them I might be a little sore and really tired for a couple of days after. Once I came home I slept a lot and it didn't seem to phase the kids a all.

Good luck and let me know how surgery went.

I have a 5 year (4 when i had surgery over the summer). I didn't say anything to her before surgery because you know how they can get obsessed about things at this age. We dropped her off at preschool and went to the hospital. I actually stayed overnight so when my husband picked her up he told her I was staying overnight at the Dr.'s. My sister stayed overnight at our house to make it special and take her mind off it.

They got me the next morning and she asked questions, but was Ok with all the answers I gave her (that I had my tummy fixed). With the post-op diet I just told her my tummy still was upset and I had to eat mushy food. Overall - she was good through it all.

Here's a funny story about how kids understand (or misunderstand) the surgery.

I teach fourth and fifth grades at a very rural school, but I taught third before that, so I had some of my students for three straight years. One of my former students and his cousin (a current student) were discussing me over a family dinner recently. (I teach with one of the moms who shared the story with me.) The older students commented about how great I look this year and that he was really proud of me. The younger student said, "I think she had a removal done."

So funny! The kids ask me why I drink so much, don't drink with my meals, can't chew gum, etc. so I told them I had a surgery on my tummy to help me lose weight so that I could be healthy. My little Sawyer thinks I had a removal. I don't know what he thinks I had removed though...perhaps he thinks I don't have a tummy any more! Maybe I should share more details with him!

i'm glad someone posted this question because i'm still not sure what i want to tell my kids.they are 10 and 7 and know that it's something that helps you lose weight. i like the idea of telling them the dr is giving me something to help me be healthier. thanks! =)