my 15m old daughter is under weight and has a month to gain 3pounds she weighs 17 now, what to do.?

Question

My daughter was in a full body cast for hip displasia for 6 months and just got it off 3months ago now the doctor is talking about puting feeding tubes in her stomach should i be very worried or is this normal please help

She had hip displysia and was in a full body cast for 6months shes been out of the cast noe for about 3months and her doctor thinks that she might need a feedinf tube I totally disagree and think that her weight is fine cause of the cast and she eats alot but shes very active now that she can move and has a fast metabolisim the next thing im doing is checking out her blood do you have any more ideas thanks fer your help

Answer 1

i would not be to worried my daughter is under wieght as well but looks perfectly fine! 16 months 19 lbs her doc recommened giving her ensure,butter,breads almost any thing fatty to help put some pounds on! but please stop worring its not like you are starving her!

Answer 2

I don't know about the hip displasia or the body cast, but my daughter had a feeding tube. When she was 2 yrs old she stopped gaining weight for no apparent reason. The doctors put a feeding tube in her stomach. The first one had a tube, but they replaced it with one that they call a micky button it was really small and you couldn't see it under her clothes. It really wasn't too much of a problem and she was able to gain weight. She had the feeding tube for about 2 years and once she got some weight on her they took it out and she has been fine ever since. She has a small scar from the tube, it just looks like another belly button. If you'd feel better getting a second opinion then do it, it is always your right. But if she does have to get a feeding tube don't be too worried. It can really help your daughter and although it can sometimes be a hassle for you, it's not really hard to deal with and you will be able to get through it. Good luck and I hope your daughter gets well really soon.

Answer 3

I don't think she needs a feeding tube then again I am not her doctor. However my 3 year old only weighs about 30 pounds if that. The doctor said she was under weight but thats because she doesnt like to eat. She always prefered a bottle. Now she might still be under weight but a feeding tube was never even considered shes just a little thin. No big deal at least your daughter is not over weight with a bad hip.

Answer 4

Is your daughter eating normally? Is she getting enough nutrition? These are the questions that you need to answer before making a decision on the feeding tube. A feeding tube is not a forever thing. It will help your daughter regain lost weight and make sure she is getting all the nutrients she needs. If she is having alot of problems with weight gain, I would defiantely consider the feeding tube. Talk to your Dr. about your concerns. But again, a feeding tube is not a forever thing, it is just used to add the weight and nutrition, then when things are back to where they should be, it is removed.

Answer 5

Some doctors just don't get it. My daughter has always been small, she was born small from a very long line of very petite people on BOTH sides of her family. She didn't even REACH the growth chart until she reached puberty and even then was at the very bottom. She eats CONSTANTLY and her metabolisim burns it as fast as she shoves it into her mouth. Her father is the same way though. Most of the doctors we had (military family) realized she was just a very small little girl, though healthy but we did have one doctor who insisted on her seeing an endocrinologist who just by looking at her said she was healthy, just small but looking at her genetic background that was normal for her family so there was no reason to even test her since there was nothing wrong. So, my suggestion is to get a 2nd and even 3rd opinion, tell your doctor that although you trust his judgement you would like to cover ALL of the basis before choosing such a drastic measure, no it is NOT normal to have to put a feeding tube into a baby. But your baby had reasons for loosing weight and sounds to me to be healthy from what you say. But I do strongly suggest you see another doctor or two just for your own peace of mind if nothing else.

Answer 6

I know the perfect weight gainer. I had five kids, now pregnant with my sixth. They were all underweight at some point. The doctors said the same thing to me with my first kid, Miachel. I was so worried. His pediatrician said to put him on the milkshake diet. All you do is give them a homemade milkshake every night after dinner. I did this for all my kids, It worked and they loved it! here are a couple recipes. You put any kind of ice cream in a blender, add some milk and any type of flavoring. Some things i did was put nesquick chocolate milk powder, or fresh fruit, flavored syrups, Oreos, cookies, mini candy bars, or just ice cream. It will definitely give her an extra 3 pounds, and not too much weight will be gained! I hope that this works for you! GOOD LUCK.

Answer 7

My daughter is almost 3 years old and only weighs 24 pounds my son on the other hand is almost 10 months old and weighs 23 pounds I have done nothing different so far with him then with her. Every child is different. She weighed 20 pounds 2 months before her 2nd birthday. My Dr and I left her on formula until she was 18 months for the calories but other then that my only advice is every child is different and if the Dr is not worried you shouldn't be.

Answer 8

Well...my daughter was 15 lbs 9 oz at 1 yr..she was never on the chart for children her age, but was healthy and happy..just small. I do not understand the reason for a feeding tube...but before I did that i would seek another Dr for an opinion...my daughter today is 22...103 pounds..smart and cute as a bug...

Answer 9

I would get a second opinion about the feeding tubes, that sounds extremely drastic. As far as putting on some weight, try giving her foods with a higher fat content. I had a friend whose child had a different medical issue and they needed her to gain more weight and that is what she did. Bologna, whole milk, yogurt, cheese, stuff like that. Hope that helps, good luck.

Answer 10

Try getting a consult from another doctor and see what they say. If you truly are against a feeding tube then try giving her whole milk products (yogurt, cheese, formula even) Check with your doctor about if she can have olive oil...a family I nannied for had an underweight daughter and dipped all her bread and veggies in olive oil and hummus since it's a healthy fat.

Answer 11

Hmmmmm......................... Maybe a second opinion. I think a feeding tube is a bit extreme. My 16 month old weighs 21 lbs. and I think she is perfect. Your baby may be a little underweight, but not extreme. Go get a second opinion and I would put your foot down firmly about not putting her on a feeding tube. Good Luck !! I will pray for that precious baby of yours.