When the so-called "feeding tube diet" debuted in a Miami doctor's office two years ago, many saw it as a "crazy" gimmick sure to go the way of the ThighMaster. After all, how many people would pay $1,500 to walk around with a rubber hose up their nose to shed 10 or 20 pounds? Hundreds, it turns out — many of them at their doctors' recommendation. Initially popularized by brides trying to slim down before their big day, the KE Diet has found a foothold in the bariatric medical world as a weapon in the fight against obesity. University of Miami doctor and others — to scientifically track the KE Diet's effectiveness in shrinking the liver. "It's medically supervised," Choi said. "Actually, I think this diet is safer than a lot of other diets out there." Another doctor approached about becoming a licensee, West Palm Beach bariatric medicine specialist Dr. Daisy Merey, opted not to — but not because of safety concerns, she said. She agreed to put KE Diet brochures in her office for a few months, but other than generating some curiosity, none of her patients were willing to try it. She called it "a gimmick." "It's for a little amount of time, and my patients were reluctant to spend so much money," said Merey, who prefers long-term diets that stress lifestyle changes and balanced nutritional goals. "Weight loss is for the rest of your life. This is just a kick in the butt." Still, obesity medicine specialist Dr. Eric C. Westman, an associate medical professor at Duke University and president of the American Society of Bariatric Physicians, said the growing body of research shows promise for the diet's future role in bariatric medicine. "The idea of a feeding tube is icky to some people, but this is something that is almost as strong as surgery, but without the permanent change," said Westman, who signed on as chairman of the KE Diet's Scientific Advisory Board eight months ago and considers it both safe and effective. "I think it's going to be a significant player in the weight-loss world in the right hands, whether as a jumpstart in getting through a plateau or in getting ready for surgery." Source
