Do these jeans make me look fat? Just kidding! Don't answer that!
I'm actually talking about Travis and his lack of weight gain that's been a concern of mine for quite some time. I took him for a follow-up visit to his specialist today and he gained just a few ounces in the past 2 weeks which is okay but not great. He is eating more and the doctor suggested bringing him back in another month to have a better understanding of where his weight gain is headed.
Most doctors have shrugged off my concern and just said, "He'll eat when he's hungry," or "He'll catch up," but this is why I'm concerned... The little guy has only gained 4 pounds in the past YEAR AND TWO MONTHS! When he was 6 months old he weighed 15 lbs 12 oz. Now he weighs 19 lbs. 9 oz. His weight to height was proportionate when he was 6 months and he was hanging around the 20th percentile for both height and weight. Now, his weight has completely dropped off the chart and by drop, I mean that he's not even close to being on the chart. He's the weight of a small 12 month old. His height, however, is still around the 20th percentile so at least he's growing up... just not out. I'm not one to be concerned with my child being "normal" nor do I have issues with my kids being on the small side (I mean common... Look where their DNA comes from) My concern is just that his growth has slowed drastically and he's not gaining enough weight to maintain his health. Now that he's eating better because of some other bodily functions that are now regulated (don't worry I'm not about to go into detail!) I'm hoping that he is now on the right track. Our concern is that he may have Celiac Disease which is a wheat gluten intolerance and very treatable through diet alone. Only time will tell (and an endoscopy if he doesn't gain enough weight in the next month. Yikes!) Right now, we're taking it one day at a time. There is no rush to find a fast fix. He is otherwise happy, healthy and on track with all the other developmental stages. Now will someone pass the Oreos to Travis. He could use the extra calories!
That's a little scary. Lyena had a bone growth test done because she wasn't on the charts at all for height, turns out she's just going to be petite. Maybe you could try the diet change and see how he does, since you suspect Celiac anyway. Trust your instinct though. Mama is usually right.
ReplyDeleteOh I totally feel you. Luke was off of the charts for weight for about 6 months, but now he is back in the 5th percentile. I kept telling doctors, "I know why he is skinny, he doesn't ever eat". All of the sudden in the last month, he started eating and has packed on the pounds. I guess you just can't force kids and they will eat when they are ready. I thought he had Celiac's disease too because he would not eat bread, but he grew out of that phase too and eats carbs. I started giving Luke carnation instant breakfast in his sippy cup and I think that helped a little by adding 200 calories to something he would be drinking anyways. I still do that when ever I feel like he has had a light eating day. Good luck and try not stress too much, he looks like a happy, healthy little boy.
ReplyDeleteMy nephew had some of the same issues with weight gain (still does, he's a little guy too!). He was off the charts as well. They finally discovered that he had several allergies and asthma. Maybe you could ask your doctor to do a test and see if there's any allergies that are affecting his growth. It can be hard when you're worried about them, and no one else seems concerned. Just follow your mama instinct, good luck!
ReplyDeleteMy mother-in-law has Celiac (runs in her family, so we've been keeping an eye out for it in my kids - it actually is common on my mom's side, too!! 8-o ) But if it is Celiac and you need some good recipes/meal ideas, let me know - my MIL has been doing this for a while - she eats some super yummy stuff :D
ReplyDeleteKrystal, oh how I miss you and wish we could hang out like the old days. Your hair is way cute!
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