Comments on: So, what are you feeding YOUR kid?

By: Niksmom

Niksmom — Fri, 13 Nov 2009 17:11:07 +0000

The canned fomulas are a higher percentage of carbs; if you want him to gain (and to gain greater cognitive function as well) you need to add fats & proteins. You could do this by adding a protein powder to the formula, using MCT oils or something like DuoCal which is a nutritional supplement used by lots of nutritionists for FTT kiddos.

Also, if you’re only adding fruits/veggies to his formula you are diluting the fat/protein/carb ratio even further. What happens then is that he’ll acutally start burning off the carbs quicker. Fats and proteins help slow the rate of metabolism of carbs. Eliminates spikes in blood sugar which can also cause behavioral and other health issues.

One caveat about adding the foods through the tube is that it can shorten the life of the tube. At least, that’s what happened to us.

You have my email address. Contact me if you want any more suggestions, ok?

By: Suzi Searles

Suzi Searles — Fri, 13 Nov 2009 06:44:42 +0000

I have been feeding Luke homemade formula through his g-tube for almost 5 years. It’s a pretty big job, but I only make his food about every six weeks and then I freeze it in Ziploc bags. I am so happy to say that last time I took Luke into his Gastronologist he told me that Luke was at a perfect weight right now, I was almost in tears as we have not heard those words in the past five years. He is currently 6 1/2 years old and weighs 39 pounds. He is still only 10% on the weight charts, but his Dr. said that he would rather have him smaller than bigger when he has his kind of condition. Which I would agree since I have to carry him everywhere he goes, or push him in his wheelchair and I don’t have the best back. Oh well such is the life of a mom with a special needs child.

I have a huge recipe of food that I blend in my Vita Mix, meat, vegetables, fruit, mixed grains, rice, nut butters, oils, whole milk yogurt, raw milk, Superfood, Carrot juice, Cranberry juice, I could go on and on and will if you would like to hear more about it.

Sue Searles

By: Barbara

Barbara — Thu, 12 Nov 2009 23:28:41 +0000

No authority on this (and you’ve read me say this before, Tammy) but if you are talking weight-gain and absorption of key vitamins – fat.

By: Susan (5 Minutes for Mom)

Susan (5 Minutes for Mom) — Thu, 12 Nov 2009 20:09:09 +0000

Wow. What a tough situation. I have NO idea… but I definitely see your concerns.

And oh yes, doesn’t he look sweet playing with his brother.

By: Awesome Mom

Awesome Mom — Thu, 12 Nov 2009 06:11:26 +0000

Thankfully Evan is off the tube feeds but Pediasure is awful stuff. The smell of it is really off putting (and if you think it is bad right from the can try being pregnant and having your kid throw it up) and I would have had Evan on a blenderized diet had Pediasure been his only source of nutrition, he was semi oral at the time. A lot of times I would push the remainder of the jar of baby food down his tube when he would not finish. Anyhow, I have heard a lot of great things about blenderized diets and that they have really improved the quality of life in the kids that have tried it out.

By: Alisha

Alisha — Thu, 12 Nov 2009 00:39:40 +0000

I know nothing when it comes to this type of stuff, BUT, I would have to say that even though the canned stuff is suppose to give him what he needs, I’d bet he LOVES the spikes you add. Fresh fruits and veggies most likely have a lot of good things that help fight off illness. I hope you are able to find more info and that his study’s give you back a little leniency.