[FinallyForMe]

Hi everyone!

I just got my surgery date, December 10, 2009 and I am very nervous. I have two daughters, 3 and 5. I need to explain why mommy will be away from home and why I will be eating differently when I get back. My three year old won't understand much, but my 5 year old is very smart and very observant. I don't want them to think they are big or they need to diet, but I want to explain what's going on with me. Any suggestions?

Thanks!
Kathy S.

[RC59105]

If it were me, knowing the kids are so young, I wouldn't go into a lengthy detailed description I would put it simply-
"mommy has to go to the hospital for surgery on my stomach but will only be there a couple of days and will be home before you know it. My stomach will be very tender for awhile so mommy will have to rest and eat differently for a long time."
Its very basic but all a true concept and you just reassure them you will be ok. When they are older you can explain more if they ask and later on you could get into the details of better healthier eating habits.

[Jenna]

Heya! I have a 6 yr old, and I just told her I am getting my belly made smaller. I told her I can only eat off tiny plates cause I'll have a tiny belly. She thought that was pretty cool and thats about all there was to it.

[poppiestootsie]

this is a great post! I have a daughter who is 6 yrs old who talks about being fat already, even though I have been VERY careful not to make any comments about myself in front of her. She makes comments usually after watching commercials and asks me if I think she is fat. Once I schedule my surgery, I want to be very careful about how I address it with her myself! So thank you for posting this! And good luck with your surgery!

[decker1976]

Lots of good advice already. Keep it simple and factual.