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???
This has to have been concocted by someone who has never ever been through an insertion of a NG tube....... its bad enough having to have one inserted for a genuine therapeutic reason
Then again, they can compare it to gastric bypass…I'm guessing major surgery is less pleasant…
Specializes in LTC, assisted living, med-surg, psych.
No. Freaking. Way. I've never had an NG tube myself but I have inserted them, and the experience can be nightmarish for the patient. I'll take my chances with losing weight the "hard way", thanks.
There is no way I would do this to my body, put it in starvation mode with a tube sticking out of my nose. Dobhoff's are notoroius for getting dislodged very easily and the normal NG size tube would cause the mucosal lining to become nerotic. No thank you!!
U ain't lying! I had one back in 1990 when I was in the hospital with pancreatitis and it was brutal! It hurt worse than the pancreatitis.
I had one years ago..I had such a horrible reaction when they pulled it-I vomited all night and had the worst dry heaves and mucous production that I feel the pain of anyone who has one.
Burn more than you consume. Eat less. Eat healthier. Be physically active. Why can't people just do these things? Is there a single human culture in the world (besides American) that is so quick to excuse themselves from these very basic, proven weight management tips?
A friend of mine has had have a NG tube to survive due to gastroparesis. After seeing the struggles she has on a daily basis with this horrible condition, I can say there is NO WAY IN H--L I would do that. The "doctors" that thought of this as a weight loss tool have disrespected pts that need one to live; they should be ashamed of themselves and should seriously have their license revoked. I saw this on the news last year and the lady wearing the NG tube was trying to lose weight (about 10#) to look at wedding dresses; she was already a size 6 and wanted to buy a size 4 wedding dress. Grrrr.
There is no way in Hades someone is going to put another NG tube in me. I would have to sedated.
It is excruciating.
What is in this magic formula that the person cannot just DRINK the stuff ?
I've had an NG tube more than once. Not pleasant, but far from excruciating, especially if you cooperate and swallow instead of fighting it. I'd father have that than say a foley. And they are using tiny ones for this. I also don't indersfand why they can't just drink 800 calories worth of ensure.
For zero dollars outside of the cost of the supplement, I can drink the Boost or whatever, myself, and achieve desirable results. I've got better things to do with $1600.
:no:
psu_213, BSN, RN
3,878 Posts
Then again, they can compare it to gastric bypass…I'm guessing major surgery is less pleasant…