Hi ladies! I found you're forum through Google, and I hope you don't mind if I ask some questions. I hail from the States (suburb of Philadelphia) so I hope I don't get anything lost in translation...

First and foremost, I give each and every one of you credit and kudos for all that you've been through. You're responses and your concern for each other is the reason I'm posting here.

My youngest (of 3), Jake, is my only son. He is 21 1/2 months old and weighs ~19.5 lbs (~8.9 kg). He was a good eater but always on the small side. Over the last six months, he has fallen off the growth chart and hasn't gained any weight. Our Pediatrician asked that we see a GI and a Nutrionist (scheduled for June 20th), however, in the meantime, we are trying our hardest to fatten him up. Our biggest challenge is that he has lost all desire to eat.

He is otherwise healthy (bloodwork came back "negative" for whatever they were checking for). He is active (very) and sleeps very well. He just doesn't want to eat. Typically he would eat yogurt, a sandwich, fruit, etc., but now, nothing. It's a struggle to get him to eat cheese. We put butter, whole milk, heavy whipped cream, anything fattening on everything, and he's not interested.

We've been having him drink Pediasure and Carnation Instant Breakfast (mixed with whole milk or Pediasure) per our pediatrician's recommendation.

What I'm struggling with is "why?" Is something wrong with Jake? What are the long term effects of his refusal to eat? I know it's not a texture, color, etc. condition, so I've ruled out (in my mind) some things, but otherwise, why?? And of course, I wonder about the feeding tube. This is what the Pediatrician told me we'd need to do if Jake doesn't gain weight fast (overnight via the nose).

I know no one who has had this problem - and there isn't much information on the Web for me.

Can anyone help? Please be as realistic as possible.

Thanks everyone!!