From Jessica, Child's Age 12 - 07/10/10 - IP#: 68.39.11.xxx  Click here to reply  
I'm writting this about my son, David. He's 12 now. When David was about 6, he begain to gain massive weight, even though he had a small appitite (sp?) and played soccer, basketball, and baseball. When I took him to the doctor, the first thing he did was press on his stomache, which David CRIED! We found out then that he had developed a rare version of IBS, which didnt allow for him to go to the bathroom. We were refered to a nurtionist. Now, I'm not telling parents to do this for your children, my son is a rare case, but David basically lives on SlimFast, Carnation instant breakfast, and lowfat milk. Once every other day he can have a solid meal, but only an apple, grilled chicken, fish, or meat, high fiber veggies. It hurts to know he can not eat like a normal child, but the inpact has made a HUGE difference. He lost close to 25 pounds in one week (going to the bathroom). He regained all of his energy.
Nowadays it seems (in my oppinion) that so many people have colon problems. To parents who state their child is dieting and exersising, insist on a colon test. It might be infact the answer. Good luck to all of you!
Reply from Jessica, Child's Age 12 - 07/10/10  - IP#: 68.39.11.xxx
Oh, I agree. I should have put down that we went threw multiple test before hand and then saw the nutritionist. He actually did have a problem (genetic). Ever since he has followed this regiment. He goes to the dr. twice a year, is growing, gaining weight, all normally.
 
Reply from Robert - 07/10/10  - IP#: 131.112.7.xxx
I'm a pediatrician. Impaction of stool is actually quite common among kids in your son's age range. Hard stools result in a painful bowel movement, such that the child tends to "hold onto" stool thereafter, a vicious cyle. It's interesting that the resulting weight gain may be misinterpreted as fat gain. I'm curious who diagnosed your son as IBS (irritable bowel syndrome), as typical stool impaction, after removal, is generally treated with mineral oil and stool softeners to prevent recurrence.