Do you tell your kids?

That is one of my biggest concerns. Right now, I am relaly really hoping to have my surgery scheduled for summer break. Ok, wishful thinking, but I am hoping. How did you tell your kids? Did you?

Hi Jenny, My surgery was in May...about two weeks before school was out. I only told a few people. Very few. Then when I went back to school...I told the teachers, and then a few of the students that really insisted on asking what type of surgery I had. Not too much was said from the student's. By the time school started...they sortof forgot about it. But, they sure noticed the weight loss and change in attitude!! Jeannie

i didn't tell the kids anything before surgery nor immediately after. they really didn't seem to notice the weight loss all that much until after christmas break (i had my surgery on 9/1/04). finally, after one of my 5th graders asked what was going on with me and losing so much weight, i decided to tell my older students (just the 4th/5th graders - i'm a music teacher, prek-5th). the classroom teachers were very supportive of me talking to the students about the surgery and using my experience as a 'teachable moment'. i showed them online diagrams of what exactly the surgeon did to me, discussed my reasons for having the surgery, and how my life has changed. kids are so funny though - in each class i had someone ask 'does that mean you can't eat cotton candy anymore?'. i'm really glad i told them. now its like a weekly thing. they want to know how much i have lost, how my last check-up went, etc. it was quite rewarding i must say! monet

Okay, here is my dilemma. I am a high school teacher and do not mean to send obnoxious but I am a very popular high school student. Meaning my former students come to see me to talk to me and hang out with me, students hang out with me during their lunch, students want me to sponsor and attend their activities. I am truly saying this for a reason...Reason being...my department chairperson thinks that I should not tell my students the exact nature of my surgery because she is afraid that some of my students will follow suit in later life because I am popular and well-liked. As a sidebar, this woman, who is a great person, is terrified of me having the surgery and tries to change my mind at every turn. Well, actually, she had stopped because she realized that I was going to have the surgery regardless. Do you feel that I would be doing my students a disservice if I tell them about the true nature of my surgery? I love my kids and my kids and myself had separation anxiety when I went on a cruise for a week; I am going to be out for seven weeks post-surgery. I miss my babies already. I have three student aides who have been told the truth and they have my number to call if the sub is out of control. I just don't know what to do. Rhoyal Queen Bee

This is the sort of thing I am afraid of. That is why I am trying for summer break for the operation. Also, I will have achance to get the food part down and the mood swings sort of under control before I have to face them. Most of my fellow teachers are supportive,even one who thinks I should not do something so drastic. I know by the tie school starts back though, providing I am able to schedule it for summer, providing I get approved, they will all want to know. delimmas

I've always been open to my students about what I was going to have done even before I had it done. They have always been supportive. If I have new students I even have pics I show them. They are always how much have I lost now. I think people should be open about it. THat is how other people learn. And queen bee- I wouldnt care what that person thinks. SHe doesnt even want you to have it. And it could save your life. And I think to go through something and be apositive influence on someone else is what it is all about. Jamie

I told everybody. I figured the more people who knew the more prayers and support I would get. I was right. A fe people didn't want me to have the surgery. They were concerned for my safety. But, I told them that I was going to die if I didn't have it. And that I had prayed and felt lead to have the surgery. The kids were supportive and made their mothers call and check on me. I found that comforting. Of course, I had taught most of the parents. Diane

Hi! I teach French MS-HS level. I had my RNY in June 2004. I didn't tell the students beforehand. Partly because I didn't believe that I could lose weight. I have very bad insulin resistance(PCOS) and failed at many diets before their eyes!! When I got back to school as a post-op I'd lost like 50-60 pounds already. Most of my students noticed and made comments. By the end of the school year, I had made the century mark and fellow teachers and returning college students were making the comments. Several of my students who'd been away at college for a year didn't even recognize me!!! hee hee hee The kids that I had every day didn't react much, only now and then when I'd buy new closer fitting clothes. This year, I will be teaching one class in a MS where I worked 4 years ago, I am sure that the staff will also notice. The kids there won't since they were in elementary school then. Go with you inner voice, if you feel comfortable about it then tell them ...otherwise don't. Good luck! Susan