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   My 10 yr old daughter was diagnosed w crohns a few months ago. She takes asacol. she is also on probiotic and fish oil supp.She has not gained any weight since her last appt and her Dr. talked about starting her on steroids vs. high calorie diet. We opted for the diet. Tried an elimination diet when she was first diagnosed and found out she does not tolerate dairy or any corn products( including hfcs). Tried a bunch of different protein powders, have yet to find one that she likes (they do taste odd).  Have found that scrambling 2 eggs, then adding them to smoothie made w banana, soy milk,& honey is one thing that she likes. Any suggestions for healthy high calorie foods (that a 10 year old would actually eat) to help her gain weight would be appreciated.

 Reply posted for halffull.

I was ten years old when I was diagnosed and had the same issues.  In fact they wouldn't release me from the hospital until I gained ten pounds but needed to gain ten more after I was home.  I remember drinking a lot of boost (better than ensure for me because it has no lactose in it).  I'd even freeze it to make a slushy type beverage.  I also remember eating a lot of pound cake and mashed potatoes and grilled chicken (of course anything bland!).  But we also discovered a website (which seems to no longer exist) called Teens with Crohn's (TWC).  I used to love the site and it had an entire section devoted to recipes.  I have attached an archived version of the site's recipe page.  It's worth checking out as it has so many recipes catering to so many different needs.  Hope it is helpful!  Good luck!

 Reply posted for katya.

Thank you to everyone that replied. The coconut oil was a great idea thank you! I've been adding it to the smoothies. I also switched from soy milk to coconut milk. I haven't been able to find coconut milk without guar gum yet though. Why is guar gum bad? Which is the better choice between the two? The smaller frequent meals/ snacks are a great idea too. Our family eats the same meals. I was pretty much a health nut before my daughter was diagnosed (even more so now), so our meals haven't changed drastically. The hard part for my daughter is when we are away from home. Say she is at soccer and her siblings/friends are all having the typical junk food snack. She brings her own snack but of course she wants to eat what everyone else is eating. Any further suggestions are welcome. Thanks again.

 Reply posted for halffull.

Smoothies are definitely a way to get more in.... drinking is a way to get lots of calories. 
and are you feeding your family the same meals as your 10 yr old?  if she is not part of what everyone is doing, she may rebel.  And if the whole family eats healthier < with appropriate portions, she may have as much as she wants>  there is no excuse for illegal foods to be in the house.  then they will no longer tempt her.  You may need to even bring your own foods or send them with her when she is away from home.....there will be an adjustment period - but if the whole family is eating the new way it will become the new normal. 

Living with IBD is a great opportunity to get an informal degree in nutrition....how much you research and run with it is up to you.

 Reply posted for halffull.

My daughter also suffers from "failure to thrive" so I am no stranger to the challenge.   There are several things you can do.   We have met with nutritionists several times and each child is different, but they all seem to agree that the supplemental beverages these docs recommend taste horrible.  We've discovered a few alternatives.  The first is a product called Duocal.   It is a high caloric powder, google it, because I'm not sure if your daughter's indiv. needs would be met, but it is high in calories and is vitually tasteless/undetectible.  Another product is a juice box of sorts.  It is called Resource Breeze, is made by Nestle, and packs 250 calories, along w/9 grams of protein in each 8 oz box serving.  It tastes like an overindulgently sweet juice, and we have even made ice pops from it in the summer.  What seems to help w/my daughter is smaller/more frequent meals and "safe" snacks in-between.   Our nutritionist explained to me that we have to add-in calories, think of it as if you were going on a diet (all the things you eliminate or cut back on), we need to add in.  Therefore, add olive oil to your steamed veggies.   Gravey to mashed potatoes, meats, dressings, dips, peanut butter if not allergic to fruits, etc.  Our daughter can tolerate milk, so it is a bit easier we make calorie loaded shakes, but you can still add in calories, it will just take some creative thinking.

I hope this gives you some ideas.

Lizzies Mom