[clancythecamper]

As I go down the scale, I am mindful of how my WLS has affected my family. For example, instead of being around the house all the time now, I am exercising 1-1.5 hrs a day. I sure dont cook as much. So I am wondering if any of you who may have teens, esp DD, have had any experience in how it affects them. My DS seems proud of me but certainly hasnt improved his diet any. I'm still trying to work on that, but he will be leaving home soon and I can only hope he'll "get it" when it comes to nutrition issues. I guess I just want to be sure I don't cause my DD any undue distress. She is doing well, has actually gone down a couple of sizes herself from joining the swim team, but now that the season is over, I just want her to continue to do well. We've checked into off season swimming but it is in conflict with her school activities so I guess we'll have to wait to restart that. Sorry this is so wordy, I appreciate your thoughts on the subject.

[greensgirl19]

I can understand your concern with your kids being aware of what's going on and you wanting the best for them. That's wondeful that your daughter is doing good and was on the swim team. You encouraging her to continue and making it more special by joining her had to make her feel good. Maybe when her school schedule changes you guys can think of something fun to do together activity wise. And as for your son, guys - especially teenage guys - are so hard to change! My son is only 3, so hopefully he won't even remember me being heavy, but maybe people with kids the same age as yours will have better advise.

[Jaime]

First of all, keep up the great work! You are a grea example to your kids, and that is what they will remember! Think of simple solutions, like can they help you meal plan for the week? And can they be in charge of making a meal each week? Thay way they can practice good nutrition planning! Is there a day that you can make a few meals in advance and freeze them or store them? Or take a day to prep things like cut veggies/fruit so they are handy for cooking?

Hope this helps!

Jaime

[A new me]

I do understand where your coming from. Its kinda wierd. I have a 13 year old daughter and I find myself preaching to her about the good and the bad stuff alot now. I guess mainly due to the fact that i dont want her to go down the road that I did and end up like me.
My kids are 13 and 9. The hard part here in my house is they just dont get it and fully understand it all. Like when we have dinner they all get a chuckl out of moms plate. I have my protein and then a tiny bit, like a teaspoon of my carb and another small teaspoon of my veggie. It does look funny on the plate. My younger one always says, mom when are you gonna be able to eat like us again. I said I do honey but just not as much. ITs hard for him to grasp. And certain things like carbs is confusing to him too. Every now and then on Sunday am my husband will make a big bbreakfast for the family. Eggs, hasbrowns and bacon. I do eat some of the eggs and some of the turkey bacon but I dont and wont eat the hashbrowns. He always says mom when are you gonna be eating hasbrowns with us again. So its a wierd situation with us. I understand where your coming from Clancythecamper.

[Kenyar]

totally understand where you are coming from and in my situation my little one has GAINED while i have lost its very cold here now but when it gets warmer she WILL be walking with me outside. she was sad the other day when her jeans were so tight they hurt her tummy. we talked about eating, and moving around, and i think she understands. i dont want her to be like me and suffer how i did. we're working on it. we cant change them overnight. but over time it will work out.

great thread and you are doing MARVELOUS!!!!!

[thumper1]

This was truly a change for the whole family,not just us. I guess we are setting a good example for our families and they all have to understand the whys' and the reasons behind the whole ball of wax. Hang in there though you are doing awesome......... Kathy

[BOOTS]

WELL HERE IN MY HOUSE I HAVE MY DH WHO WILL NOT EVEN BUDGE ON HIS EATING HABITS WHICH ARE SOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO BAD AND UNHEALTHY, YET HE IS NOT OVERWEIGHT. BUT I TELL HIM HE DOES HAVE A POT BELLY NOW AND IT IS CATCHING UP WITH HIM. HIS BLOOD WORK EVEN CAME BACK AS EXCELLENT WHICH NO ONE CAN UNDERSTAND!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! ON THE OTHER HAND MY DAUGHTER IS ONLY 19 MONTHS SO THANK GOD SHE WILL NOT REMEMBER ME AS HEAVY AND ALREADY I HAVE TURNED HER EATING HABITS INTO GOOD ONES. SHE LOVES MY VEGGIE BURGERS, FISH, MY SOY/PROTEIN CHIPS AND A COUPLE OTHER THINGS LIKE CHEESE FOR A SNACK, ETC SO IM REALLY THRILLED WITH THAT, WE DEF DONT HAVE TO WORRY ABOUT HER RIGHT NOW SHE IS 19 MONTHS AND ONLY WEIGHS 20lbs WHICH IS WHY SHE IS A SKINNNY MINNY, LOL. NOW MY FIL ALSO LIVES IN OUR IN-LAW APT AND HE HAS ALSO BECOME REALLY HEALTHY WITH HIS EATING ALSO, HE DOESNT NEED TO LOSE WT BUT HE JUST WANTS TO REMAIN HEALTHY. BUT WORKING ON MY DH IS NEARLY IMPOSSIBLE.

[kitty56]

Well, my kids are all grown up and as you know my daughter had the surgery too and eats like me and one of my sons is trying to lose about 30 pounds or so and my other son, well he eats what he wants and he really is not overweight. As for my husband, my surgery has made him aware of what he is eating. He likes his sweets and he started to eat the sugar free candies like I do and I told him not everyday and only so many when he does eat them. So far he is really doing good. He also has cut down on the breads but for the last few years he has been eating the healthy bread. He eats alot of the foods I prepare for myself. But every once in a while he gets hungry for a few noodles and potatoes. But not very often. He wants to lose about 10 pounds or so. I guess I have to say that there is s small change in my family.

[rshel717]

I guess I am very lucky, My kids son 21 and daughter 20 have seen mom go down this path before. With losing 150lbs on weight watchers but in true fashion putting it back on. I was a true living example of what not to do. Oh how things have changed around. My daughter went off to collage and gained the freshman 15lb to 20lbs. She was so not happy with herself. We started in June together to start to loose weight, the right way. Good choices, from every food catagory. She lost 20lbs. and is now very aware of her intake and movement ie... walking instead of riding etc... Now hubby is on the ban wagon also. He is about 40lbs over weight and he is really trying, cutting out white carbs, unhealthy fats and smaller portions. Its wonderful for me because I can cook for the both of us with no problem. We joined the Y together and go four times a week at 6:00 am before work. As for dear son, he is a boy or man what can I say I am still working on him to try to eat healthy but he lives on his own and does too much junk. So yes it does impact the family as well, but I see it as a good impact all the way. I have purged my kitchen so even if someone is not on track it is pretty hard at home to find anything to mess up with so they have to settle for healthy stuff instead. Don't worry about the family they are bound to see the change in you and this will inspire them also. Trust me the last thing a child wants is a fat (different from the rest) mommy. Keep up the good work.

[genmel]

This is a great thread. My DH had the surgery two years before me, so he has been very supportive of my experience. My daughter, who has only known my hubby as he is now, has also been very supportive. At first, I had to learn not to give her all of my leftovers. We have all learned that it is okay to throw food away and to not clean our plates. I think it is hilarious when she pays attention to the sugars and carbs on stuff. Last night, she ate ice cream - the real kind, not my sugar free stuff, and she came down the steps all worried saying, "Mom, I just had 29 gallons of sugar!" Of course, she meant grams and she didn't eat the entire thing because then it would have been more like 58 grams (Ben and Jerry's Cinnamon Bun) I didn't buy it, her granny did. Anyway, both of us encourage her to make good choices - I keep fruit out and visible; the only pop she is allowed is sprite zero, and I hope that now, she will be healthy and not be like I was.
Man, I wish my camera was working - i would love to post some pics. Even tho I am at the biggest stall of my life! LOL