Explaining WLS to kids

I have a question that I haven't been able to find the answer to so far so I was hoping someone may be able to help me. I've explained verbally to my kids about the surgery and the changes that will be made in our lives and mine, and I've talked to them on there level ( 11, 6, and 2) I was just wondering is there a book or video out there that would be helpful as well. Nothing to graphic but just something to help out a bit. Thanks in advance for any suggestions. Anita

hi anita: you may have some luck at the library (it's a link to lots of books up at the top of your screen). my kids are 18 and 14 so it was a totally different chat for us. good luck on your search, though. take care dorthe

Hi Anita, My kids are a little older than yours, 16, 13, and 3 and what I did was take my two older ones to meet the surgeon with me. I let him know what was going on, and he had his nurse take them and show them the film that I saw at the community lecture. After that, they had a NEW profound view of the surgery. At first, my 16 y/o was dead set against me having surgery, because of my mother(grannies boy), but when he saw the PROS of the surgery and he asked me some questions, it was then that he understood why I was having surgery. My 13 y/o just thought it was cool to be having surgery, because I could take a few weeks off from school... I did not take my 3 y/o because she does not understand anyway. I am not sure if this is too graphic for your children, but it really helped for me, because I was feeling really BAD preparing for surgery and not having their support. I hope that this helped you out.....and if it didn't Sorry, but I tried. Nissah 360/337/???/180

Wow I just have to say thanks for bringing this up. I've thought a thousand times how my obesity affects my children but not once about how to explain the surgery. I've been so stuck on the after I've forgotten all about the beginning and middle. My children are 9,6, and 3. I think the library might be a good place to start and possibly here on this site as well. I would love to hear how others have handled this.