Hi! I'm new here.

Hi everyone! This seems like such an amazing site!! My Aunt (who had the RNY surgery 5 years ago) said this site was very informative. I just had my initial consultation with a Doctor here in Buffalo (Williamsville), and am waiting to hear back about sugery date. I was quite worried about the procedure in so far as, my 3 little girls, if anything should "go wrong". But I read the post for "friends or enemies?" and all of your insightful responses, and I feel much better already!:-D I have been overweight my entire life (greatest weight now - 277) and I am seeing my oldest daughter starting to struggle with life in middle school and those %$@#@ who always have to make comments about your size. I want a better life for her, for all my girls, and I want to be able to be a good role model for them. :angel: I would just like some responses from some of you who have gone through this already and if you had the same fears. I haven't told my girls that I'm having surgery yet (they are 11, 6, and 3), are there any helpful hints to telling them, and not getting them too worried?:help: Please let me know of any - God Bless You All. 8-) Jenna 8-)

Jenna, Welcome to the New York board! This is a great site and the people from NY are the best! I think that it is a wonderful thing that you are doing this for your girls and it will be something you won't regret. I have not had the procedure yet, my surgery is Thursday, but I know the type of fears that you have regarding your girls. I have a boy and I worry about that too, but I know that if I do nothing I probably won't be around when he gets older anyways. He is always asking me to get on the floor to play with him, and I just can't do it. But, I will be able to do that in a few months and I cannot wait! As far as telling my son, who is 4, I told him right from the beginning. He hasn't had anything to do with my going to any appointments, but I told him that I was going to have an operation to help me get skinny so I can play with him, get on the floor with him, chase him around outside and be a better mommy for him. He has never once been upset except for the day I told him he wouldn't be able to sit on my lap, or be picked up or get a great big bear hug from me for 4-6 weeks. That upset him for the day, but he has rebounded and is just a little more clingy, which I love. I think your girls will be fine with it, especially if you have family and friends that are also supportive. My husband is 100% behind me in this and so is the rest of my family and my church family/friends. Good support is the most helpful tool during the process, surgery and recovery. Keep me informed on how your journey is progressing and God bless! Laura

Hi, Jenna... and welcome. I just had surgery Thursday, IN MEXICO, and did just great. WLS is a big deal and can seem very scary, but you are doing it for the right reasons! My daughter (Jennifer, who we also call Jenna.... funny, huh?), is getting very pudgy. She just turned 6 and it's gotten worse since she started school. I'm hoping that by changing my ways, she'll be able to learn to do the same, and unlearn the poor habits she has. She's already worried about her weight, which I hate! I told both my kids, but I told my 8-year-old son more details. I think he felt better after having more info. My daughter was good with "I"m having surgery to help me lose weight so I'll feel better and can play with you more." Fears are normal, of course, but arming yourself with information, doing your research , and feeling comfortable with your surgeon are key, I think. I actually gave my husband a thumbs-up as I was being wheeled into surgery ... I was that confident. But I've had a lot of time to think about it. I've been working on this for3 years! Keep praying and posting and reading people's profiles and posts... it really helps!

Hi Jenna, Welcome! We are one big helpful family here--I had my surgery nine months ago--at Long Island Jewish Hospital. My surgery went beautifully--I had no complications at all--As for your girls--you have to emphasize that you are going to do this to be healthy and to live longer. They are young--so they will take their cue from you--if you appear nervous and fearful--they will be nervous and fearful too. You have to be confident with your surgeon and with the proceedure. I was very lucky to have a wonderful surgeon --who had a marvelous backup team. Ask lots of questions and try to have all the answers that your children might have. Don't tell them until you are sure of the situation --when you are confident --they will be too. Be blessed, and ask questions here--you'll get good advise--I Did! Marian S.C. 242.4/157.8/goal 125-130??

howdy Jenna! My kids are 11, 10 and 7 so I know what you are going through. I told them one week before surgery and I said that i'm having surgery to help me lose weight. The oldest boy is overweight but the other two are perfect weight. I said please learn from what i'm going through and change your eating habits, I hope he does that's for sure. I pack him healthy lunches but he makes bad choices when he trades his lunch around. Good Luck to you, ANDI

Jenna, You have come to the right place!! You will find alot of great people here including me! . I had my surgery 3 weeks ago . I have 2 kiddos 7 & 8 . They did well . I explained to them that the doctor was going to fix my belly so that i could get healthy and play with them more . I explained as little as possible , Just saying how He was gonna put a few holes in my belly and that i would be sleeping so it will not hurt . That I would be sleepy in the hospital so they couldnt visit . When I get home I will be home for 3 weeks ...........That was the part they liked the most! The day of the surgery was the hardest day of my life ! But just 3 weeks out now I would do it again! Good luck and if you need a friend just e-mail..........Kitty