post appendectomy stomach weight gain

Elias had surgery on a ruptured appendix when he was 71/2yrs. old. he was in the hospital 7 days, and sent home with a port to have several more days of IV antibiotics.   He is now 91/2 yrs old. He seems to have a similar activity level and eating pattern as our other children, (we have 12 children). His waist now measures 34 in.. Around the time of the surgery he was about a 29 in. waist. It seemed like he was getting a little pudgy before the surgery. I wonder if he needs his system reestablished somehow.

[Renee Radenberg]

His weight and height are both above the 95th percentile for his age. Suggest increasing his physical activity. Have your child go and play outdoors, run, walk, and dance. Limit time in front of the TV or non-active-video games. There have been studies showing the longer the length of time a child sit in front of the TV, the greater the weight gain. I suggest you do limit high sugar drinks/snacks and replace with low-fat milk/yogurt or fresh fruit/air-popped popcorn/low-fat cheese. High sugar drink and snacks do not give the child nutrients they need. Eat low fat meats (chicken, fish, loin of pork) or non-meat sources (soy products, nuts), low fat vegetarian combinations (rice & beans, pasta & beans, low fat cheese & pasta), substitute dairy products (low fat soy milk/soy yogurt), use plant oils, non trans-fat margarines, and eat a lot of fruits and vegetables. Eat daily high fiber breads and cereals (oatmeal). Thank you for your question.