OT, kinda: My son has to see a nutritionist

My 8 year old son went to the doctor today (sick with a cold), and the doctor said that he was going to be okay as far as the illness goes, but what concerns him the most is his weight.  He talked about the epidemic of obesity in the U.S. in kids right now and the rise of childhood diabetes, etc., and wants him to see a nutritionist.  I am all for it and scheduled him an appointment this coming Monday.  I explained to this doctor that I was well aware of the obesity in the U.S. and tooted my own horn at success following WLS while I was there.   My weight issues started when I was 7 years old and I struggled for the next 32 years until I finally had RNY.  I don't want that for my son, so I will help him learn whatever strategies he needs to hopefully help him avoid the life of obesity that I had to deal with.  The odd thing is that my 19 year old son is 5'10" and weighs a whopping 132 lb, and has never been overweight in his life...and he is very sedentary.  My 8 year old son is active as much as the weather allows, always outside jumping on the trampoline or otherwise playing in the yard.  My 17 year old daughter is struggling with her weight right now, and having issues with the fact that I've lost so much weight this year and am now actually a little smaller than she is.  I think that her little brother having to go see a nutritionist at a doctor's recommendation may actually help her to deal with issues, too.  I want this to be fun for them (learning to eat healthy) and not make it like a chore, and I'm hoping that it benefits them in the longrun.  I'm rambling but wanted to share.  Any/all comments welcome.

Dena, We both know what life can be like as a obese person most of our lives. I did hear from a friend that some NUT's have developed a program using red light for risky foods and green like for good food choices and yellow light for coutious foods. Sounds like a easy system for children to use. I would be intrested in hearing what the NUT says to your child if you want to share it. Good luck to you and your son.                                       Annie

Getting on the path to healthier eating... the sooner the better! My sis and BIL have been diligent with little Wyatt (my 3yo nephew).  I took Wyatt on a date Sunday night to a movie and out to eat.  He had some fruit on his plate with the usual Mac and Cheese.  He got free ice cream with the meal, so I told the waitress to only bring half or less of the free ice cream cause he wouldn't know the difference.  He took a couple of bites of the ice cream, pushed it aside and started slurping down that fresh cantaloupe/pineapple and oranges on the other plate.  I was SO proud of him... and astonished... to see a 3yo make that CHOICE on his own... to opt for fresh fruit over Birthday Cake Ice Cream! I try so hard to keep him on track when he's with me because I don't want to undo what they teach him AND I don't want him to grow up like Aunt Dee Dee and battle the bulge forever! It's so great that your son had a doctor that is PROactive in getting him to a NUT now.  I'll bet that WILL help your daughter... and everybody in the house!