How do you talk to your children about Bariatric Surgery?

@maggieweber89
Welcome to Mayo Connect and group. I personally do not have kids, so hope others who have kids and been through weight loss programs will add advice.

This will be great opportunity to teach your 4 year old the basic of eating healthy. Also, think how much easier it will be to keep up with your child after you lose weight. One thing can do now is include your toddler in increasing exercise.

I found a great handout from a Canadian Hospital about subject:
https://www.uhn.ca/PatientsFamilies/Health_Information/Health_Topics/Documents/Talking_to_Children_about_Bariatric_Surgery.pdf
Are you currently take a pre-surgery class? If so, may be other parents in class that may be in same situation.

@maggieweber89, such a great topic Maggie. I hope you don't mind, but I updated the title of the discussion to reflect your question and bring others in to the conversation.

I recall years ago, I was on a bus where 2 women were talking about weight loss. The young son (around 6 year old I would guess) of one of the women seemed to be concentrating on making his car go up and down the pole, when suddenly he said, "But mommy, how will I know it's you?"

That may seem like a silly question to an adult, but it was a real fear for the child. He needed reassurance that he would still be able to find his mom in a crowd and not be left alone. And they are always listening. The mother's answer was beautiful. She hugged him with a big smile (but didn't laugh) and said, "I will still look like me, smile like me, and smell like me. And I will still be the person who hugs you and kisses you good night."

The brochure that @roch found is really helpful. I like how it frames the conversations around focus on being healthy. I think that you're right. With a 4 year old, it may be several conversations, following the lead of her questions.

Has she asked any questions yet?