[gail1011]

I worry about my children--I have been obese throughout their development. My children are obese I feel guilty that I am leaving the world of obesity and they are left behind to suffer and struggle.

[not quite Barbie]

Gail,
You are learning how to eat properly, what's nutritional, what size portions are correct. You are their Mother and you will now be able to teach them proper nutrition too. You can choose what meals get prepared in your home and make sure they are good selections, you are probably the one who goes grocery shopping so you can choose what "snacks" will get bought. You can start packing their lunches to make sure they are getting good nutritious foods when they are away from you.

This journey isn't just about getting you healthier, as a mother, you will pass on your lessons to you children and help them achieve better health too. So learn all you can and pass it forward.

[Perfesser]

Mother, you are showing your kids that there is a better way, and you're willing to guide them through it by your example!!

Peanut was a bit left out when I had my RNY and lost all the weight. We weren't a fat couple any more, we were "thick and thin"! I was about 6 months out when she determined that she would do it too, and nothing has been the same since. It's been better in all ways!

Which place is better - sick and fat or thin and healthy? You're the pioneer making the trek first so they can safely follow in your footsteps!!

CT

[laughingpainter]

I think that they are young enough that they will be able to learn by your example, especially if you are going to have the house cleared of your trigger foods for at least 6 months.
I've been making stoups and stews for my lunch and dinners, its amazing how long these things can last now that I eat a fraction of what I would have been, and my daughter loves some of them, the fish stew, however, was not a favorite of hers.
When I was in the stage of being able to eat only milkshake consistency foods, my daughter would drink the stuff I made and like some of it.
My point, If you make it, they will eat it.
You should probably let your kids know that you need to have the trigger foods out of your house for a long while, they will hopefully be accommodating.

[yvonneiam]

Ditto,I agree with the others.My children and grandson eat what I prepare daily and have not complained once.They told me early on that they will eat whatever I have to because they do not want me to go back to being unhealthy and miserable

[Weigh2GoSteph]

I understand what you're saying. My youngest daughter is struggling with weight issues right now, and she's only 9. She was born a preemie, so was tiny for the first 6 years of her life...but always loved to eat. We, of course, encouraged it because she was so small. But now, her weight is getting out of control and I'm constantly having to monitor what she's eating (and how much) and talk to her about proper portion sizes and healthy choices and eating only when she's hungry. It's hard. Especially when we can't be with them 24/7. When she comes home from school, she'll eat all afternoon until I get home. It might be healthy snacks like yogurt or string cheese...but it's a constant stream of food.

Hang in there.... I know it's not easy to watch your children deal with the same issues that we've all dealt with. Just continue to talk to them openly. I had to tell my daughter point blank, "You have to cut back so that you can have a normal healthy life. I don't want YOU to go through what I've gone through. Not because there's something wrong with who you are, but BECAUSE I love you."

[gail1011]

My daughter is 8 and I try to nudge her in the right directions. I don't want her to start her 1st diet at the age of 8. I tell her it is about good health--have fun. Thank God she is very active and loves to play!!
I need to exercise with her she would love it--

[katress]

Making you healthy will help them be healthy. good luck.

[Tupper_Mom]

Here's my take on this. I was morbidly obese...while I didn't have WLS...as a lot of you know, I eat as similarly as I can, and still maintain my health (cos again...that's why we're doing it right?)

I have three little guys 7, 6 & 5 years old...I was obese before any of them were born, their Dad is obese as well, again...has been since before they were born. My husband has determined that he wants what I'm having (as I'm the one who does the cooking and dishes up for everyone.) AMAZINGLY all three of our little guys are a very healthy weight, but somewhat out of shape (nothing that us getting more active with them wouldn't cure) So my kids are seeing healthier choices being made, if there's no garbage here...it's not a choice they can make. Occasionally they still do get stuff that I wouldn't touch, and their generous spirit has them offering it, my answer is always the same "Thank you, sweetheart, I really appreciate your offer, it's really generous, but no thank you, I don't eat ___________ anymore." They used to ask why...but not anymore, now that I've lost weight...they can SEE why. My oldest yesterday was trying to give me one of those chocolate balls that come in the mesh bags (he got them at Christmas in his stocking) and after declining his offer, he replies "Oh yeah...you're eating healthy, because you don't want to get like you used to be." I simply smiled.

Additionally...when I was pregnant for my first one, one of the snippets of advice that I was given was "Live like you're being recorded...because you are." Didn't get it then, I do now. We were in a rush (off to DS#1's hockey game) everybody piles into the van, and are given a juice box and a box of raisins to hold them over. Suddenly I hear from DS#1..."I don't think this was such a great snack idea." I give him the hairy eyeball in the rearview mirror asking why (presuming that I now have juice and raisins all over the back of the van or whatever) to which her replies..."Have you seen how much sugar is in raisins?!?! It's STUPID!! 30grams!!" "Stink eye" turns to a big smile, I admit to him that no, I really didn't realize how much sugar was in raisins, and that I really appreciated him pointing it out, and then continued to heap praise...why? He took the initiative to learn how to read labels at 7 years old, something I honestly couldn't do with any kind of accuracy at 39 years old. His whole reason for wanting to know is because he wants to be as healthy as he can be. Lead them quietly, praise their successes, and they will follow. My son is learning all he can not only because he wants to be healthy, but because he loves hearing how smart he is when he can tell us stuff that we don't know, at the same time...if something's not right, he as much enjoys the conversation that happens afterwards, where it's explained properly, to him it makes him feel quite important that he's able to have these "adult" conversations with us, plus I love the backhanded learning he's getting from it.

My kids still eat junk...they've got truly no weight to lose!! LOL However, thanks to the way we live, coupled with the way they're taught at school they know if they want "______" they have to eat something healthy first. (elementary teachers here ALL enforce it) The funniest part (and a part that most of their friends find "wierd") is the fact that no matter what the candy occasion...my kids get their fill, but generally by the next candy occasion, they're throwing most of it out. (Halloween candy - probably half of a Thatsa Bowl - 32 cups...so half of that would be 16 cups - of Hallowe'en candy was turfed a week before Christmas)

Whatever happens, I wish you well, and I'm sure that as your daughter sees you getting healthier and able to do more with her, along with better food choices at home, things will slowly turn around for her.

*HUGS* to you both

[luvRdogs]

Ditto to all the above! Parents lead by example and your children will learn from you. Not having the bad stuff around will help them to make good choices. Yes, they can still have a treat, and you will be able to as well. There are TONS of good recipes out there that are family and WLS friendly.
Take things step by step and guide your kids along.