Costing $1600, an NG tube is electively inserted into a pt for the sole purpose of a weight loss management program. The NGT with tubing is carried in a backpack and is connected to a formula bag that delivers 800 calories and runs 24/7. A "cycle" of feeding lasts 10 days and can be repeated for 10 "cycles'. The cycles are medically supervised with freq bloodwork and attendance at group meetings 3 times /wk is also required,
Saw this program discussed on a morning talk show that I had never watched before. I thought The Doctors was a soap opera. The show's panel of 3 doctors were interviewing a guest MD with a client pt (I think that she was also now a spokesperson /tech for the program?). The host panel doctors were aghast with the procedure citing cost, patient safety issues, long-term efficacy and other concerns that would be expected with such a program. For all their protests, I again got the impression that they were deep-down envious that they hadn't thought of the procedure to make money themselves. JMHO.
I liked the guest MD. He was well composed and informative, citing studies that sounded reputable. He kept emphasizing the "cycle" was ONLY a "jump start" to other weight management approaches for which the pts were educated/counseled and monitored . Guest MD and pt explained there was good weight loss (average 26 pounds) and no negative outcomes to the program. The MD is the only one performing the program in the US, although it is done in Europe.
I liked that MD. I would have had a gazillion other questions - I was that fascinated, but it was a TV show. MD explained that years ago (1960's or so) today's bariatric surgeries and other procedures were considered extreme. This was just a quick "jump start" other approach to weight loss and NOT a diet itself and that other dieting would be nec.
So what do you think --- would you have an NG inserted to "jump start" a diet for $1600???
