I would advise against medications, especially as young as he is. If he were older, yes, medication could be an alternative. Alli is a complex medication and if he messes up on the diet, he could have big problems. Does he have any comorbidities (high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes, asthma, etc.)?

The local YMCA should have options for low income households that would be able to help him get more exercise. Talking to a nutritionist or a pediatrician is also important especially when it comes to his diet. There are also exercise options for not only him but also his family that would include him.

I also would advise against surgery because of his age. In fact, I doubt an MD would take him as a patient. I would stress guidance in exercise and nutrition to help him. Getting him and his family to adopt a healthy lifestyle will benefit him for the rest of his life.

I would think if she's breaking out around the mouth when she drinks milk, she's allergic to it. You are at a good time in her life though because she won't remember anything 10 years down the road but eating healthy.

I don't think that an artificial sweetener is good for any child or adult. With her allergies, I think you do need to consult a pediatric nutritionist if possible. If not, talk to her MD and see if soy milk is an option for her. Here's a link to a website that gives excellent advice as to what and how to feed her (http://www.aafp.org/afp/20061101/1527.html).

Exercise should not be overlooked, especially at this young an age. Here are two websites that offer good information: (a) http://www.fitnessforyouth.umich.edu/frames/frameset_parents.html; and (b) http://www.illinoisearlylearning.org/tipsheets/fitness.htm

Hope this helps!

I'm 17 and will be 18 at the end of the month. I really want Lap Band Surgery and I am so nervous that they are going to say that I am too young and will have to wait. I'm 240 now and think that since my BMI isn't 40 its like 37 that they will also turn me down. I tried to diet and last year i got down to about 211 then I ballooned back up to what I am now. So any words of wisdom will be appreciated! thanks!

congrats!  i had rny done july of last year when i was 19 im now 20 and 3 months away from ebing a year out with 20 more lbs to go until my goal.. i lost 110 lbs so far i will say i had a few complications with dehydration and my opening to my stomache was swollen shut so i had an endoscopy to stretch it but since then its been wonderful...i think im having some gall bladder problems as well but thats not uncommon and nothing to worry about really....just remember to always talk to your family about what your feeling through this and go to the support groups i didnt but i really wish i would have... anyway good luck with everything and keep us updated on your progress!

Hello, new to this forum.   I have a two year old daughter (almost 2 1/2) who weighs 50 lbs.  I have an appointment at the end of the month with an endocronologist per my pediatrician, then reviewing blood work etc. with pediatrician afterwards.   My question is that I want to start NOW on a correct diet for her age.  Does anyone know the amount of calories, fruits, veg etc. she should have on a daily basis?  Also is splenda a good choice for children?   She has had bad food allergies her whole life and was put on special formula (Neocate) at 1 month of age and besides apple juice and water, she has had bad reactions to other fluids.   I did take her to an allergist and she is allergic to peanuts and eggs but he said she is no longer allergic to milk.  Blood test said milk is an allergy, but skin tests said it is not (however she has bad diaper rash after eating milk products and "sometimes" breaks out on her face when eating milk products).  Additional tests will be done over the next few years.  But the doctor told me "she is over weight and needs to loose weight" .  Well duh but HOW do you do this -no diet nothing from him, just said to go back to pediatrician. I just want to do what is best for her and need an education myself and for my husband.  Thanks for any info you may have (or maybe a referral to another forum?) I had the lap band myself a year ago and have lost weight, but don't want to see her go through this.  I also have 2 older children who were "chubby" as toddlers but very active and healthy bmi's now as teenagers.  -Ruth