What did you tell your teen children?

[jess9395 5,448]

My kiddo has been on "Team Mom" since I started researching the surgery and which group I wanted to use. She's a Microbiology major at a major medical research university (her program was Pre-Med, but she's since elected to go to grad school to be a medical entomologist) and was really excited to help me research, and even more excited to see me address some of my medical conditions that have concerned her.
She's 22, and has been one of my biggest cheerleaders.
Also....here's a reality. Our kids share our genetics, and they absorbed our horrible food choices. Changing food culture at our house has been a family effort. My daughter and I are exchanging recipes, diet strategies and research articles.
Every day we have a standing date on the phone. She's walking the two miles home to her apartment instead of taking the bus, and I walk with her every day (even though we're a hundred miles apart). It's an awesome time to talk and support each other's exercise habits.
Be honest with your kids. Particularly, about an issue they might find themselves facing someday. Shame you direct at yourself...will be shame they feel is directed at them if they suffer weight issues. Don't go there. Work as a family to be happy and healthy and have a healthier fitness culture:)

I love that you and your daughter walk “together!” Mine is away at college and we talk but I miss her!

[mamamc32 132]

My kids are 8, 6, and 6. I told them that I was having surgery, so I could lose some weight and improve my health. They asked why I needed the surgery, and I explained that I was struggling to lose the weight on my own and it was becoming a health issue.

There's no part of having surgery that I would equate with "giving up." In fact, I consider it taking a proactive step to improve your health. You're self aware enough that you realize you need the surgery. That's not a negative thing.

I think you should be open and honest with them. They are going to notice when you are only doing liquids for a bit and then eating only a few bites of food. Why not just tell them and ask for their support?