One of the hottest and most troubling weight loss fads right now is the so-called feeding tube diet, or the K-E Diet, which sees women (mostly) being fed through their nose for 10 days. Kathie Lee and Hoda are now being lambasted for making fun of the diet.
As we also informed you yesterday, the diet is very popular with brides who are literally dying to fit into their dream wedding dress, mostly because it promises a 20 pound (9.07 kg) loss in no more than 10 days.
On The Today Show, Kathie Lee and Hoda started talking about the diet and how it was stupid and, at the same time, very risky, as the video below will confirm (talk of the diet starts at the 5.17 minute mark).
“That tube has to stay down, there could be some infections who knows what the other problems are with it, but you’re carrying around a bag all the time. And if it gets knocked out, what if you fall down,” Hoda says laughing.
She's likely imagining what would happen if you fall down and the tube comes out of the nose, which is precisely what Kathie is also thinking, though slightly in a different scenario.
“A nightmare, just flops out of your nose in the middle of the night... you’ve got to think these things through,” she says.
Ever since the segment aired, which, as you can see, is only in reference to the feeding tube diet, the duo's Facebook page was flooded with criticism from mothers of sick children and patients who think they deserve an apology.
As they see it, Hoda and Kathie did nothing more than to help boost the discrimination that already exists among those who depend on a feeding tube with their life, by talking about one as if it were the grossest thing in the world.
“I don’t think you realize how many individuals in the USA right now have a feeding tube. The numbers are staggering. Patients in the ICU, NICU, PICU, and Oncology departments all have the possibility of having a feeding tube,” one commenter writes.
“I hope so because you will see your ratings fall I am sure. I am sure you have a medical resource on your show… they need more education and so does your hosts Kathie Lee and Hoda,” adds the same.
More join in the conversation and agree: the two mocked patients dependent on feeding tubes and, as such, must come up with an apology as soon as possible if they don't want their image tarnished for ever.
As of now, Hoda and Lee are yet to address the public outcry in any way.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=349PuuUTPvQ Does my son look like feeding tubes are a joke or something to play with. These two need to appoligize for their comments. Feeding tubes are no a beauty fad. It is a medical treatment for those who can't eat.
The community of tubie moms has been rocked by the insensitivity of these two women. I hope somewhere along the way, they see some of the comments and emails concerning their flippant and inconsiderate attitudes from their show that day. I have a 2 1/2 year old granddaughter who has been kept alive by her feeding tube since she was a newborn. One day maybe she'll be able to eat like the rest of us but until then, she carries a bag with her life-sustaining formula and pump in it. She is happy and healthy because of the technology they mocked on their show. They owe thousands of people an apology for their attitude and for not using their position in the media to educate the general public as to what these tubes are really for and of the many people who depend on them daily. It is difficult enough for those in the feeding tube community to be in public without others staring and ridiculing them--these women could have made a huge difference by using this opportunity instead of treating it the way they did. I think it would be wonderful if they would bring on a couple of mothers and their children who are fed by tubes, maybe a teenager or two, and let them tell their stories. What better way to educate the public than a forum like this? Time to dispel the misinformation that was given the other morning.
anger, why are Dr`s allowing this? my grand baby had to live off this tube and i can tell you this is sad, that we joke about this. let`s make these people keep the tube in for month`s. they can find out what it`s really for. what is next?
Comment #4 by: lovemybabies4 on 19 Apr 2012, 17:18 UTC
My son has a feeding tube and to be honest...I don't see what the "other" parents are freaking out about!?! They are just talking about this stupid diet! My son doesn't care what others think about his tube and niether do I frankly! Sorry, but I think that they are probably over reacting just a tad!! Just my opinion!
Comment #5 by: BEAUTYTUBES on 19 Apr 2012, 17:59 UTC
YOU 2 WOMEN MAKE ME SICK THATS WHY I STOPPED WATCHING YOUR SHOW!!! I HAVE A FEEDING TUBE TO LIVE...LET SEE YOU HAVE ONE FOR THE REST OF YOUR LIFE!!! YUCK!!!
I think that these people are absolutely morons, I mean first of all they shouldnt be talking about thing they have no clue about! Second off, they are acting like its no big deal, there is nothing funny about this!! People with certain problems, including Gastroparesis, are being forced to use these tubes and its no fun! This is a life saving device not a weight loss tool, maybe they should stop eating.
You need to update the story. It's not the diet they were mocking. To the contrary, they seemed intrigued at the notion of dropping pounds so quickly. It was the use of a feeding tube and bag that they mocked-- the very thing many people need to live. Their giggling over the icky bag and "eew what would you do if it fell out" is the behavior that demands an apology. If they want to mock a stupid diet, that's fine. It's mocking children and adults who already deal with small-minded behavior that is not acceptable. To ignore the outrage makes their actions all the worse. Shame on NBC for allowing it to continue.
They are perpetuating myths about life-saving medical devices and encouraging bullying! If the diet had been using chemotherapy to lose weight, would they have laughed about balding, vomiting and mouth sores, or would they have known that was insulting to cancer patients? Why didn't they research feeding tubes and the correct way to use them? Parents of kids with Eosinophilic GI disorders have been requesting them to cover the disease for YEARS w/ no answer- many kids w/ this disease end up w/ feeding tubes, and battle prejudice and misunderstanding on a daily basis.
Comment #10 by: EOSmamaKE on 20 Apr 2012, 03:41 UTC
I'm appalled that media and general society would even think this way too say you along with the fashion industry would even consider along with joke about something that has offended millions of adults but the also the parents of children wholive with Gtubes daily for their survival!
Millions of children and adults with rare diseases could only wish they could live without theirs, then they would finally be CURED of their diseases and they would be able to partake for the first time in their lifetime what others take for granted and that's the ability to eat without having their digestive system become sick.
I wish I could bring my 6yr old son Tony Fortes to meet you in person to say what he feels.! I should invite you to Tony's Pediatric Children's Hospital and witness an infant having a Gtube placed because of a rare digestive disease, having to hear that baby cry and yearn for the instinct to suck on a bottle and feed but can't because they have to be on complete bowel rest, while the parents cry also because they see other parents feeding their infants and want to just give that baby a bottle like any normal baby.
It brings tears too my eyes, to remember the days when I had to fill a bottle cap with Tony's elemental formula,dip his nuk in it to get a drop on it on his tongue and feed him like a baby bird because that is all they would allow me to give him when he was a mere infant and it lasted like that for almost 2 years of his life. I'm one of the those parents who refused to take pictures of Tony with and NG tube coming from his nose until his Ped. Surgeon of the Penn State Chdren's Hospital came in after two months and the nurse was helping place the NG tube back in because he pulled it out- while she was waiting for another nurse to assist her.
Dr. Cilley in the hallway overheard me ask "Can I take some baby pics of him without it until she gets here?" Dr. Cilley came in and said "Can you sign this green form and we can place a GTube in the OR- he'll have to go to surgery ,the nurses will teach you about GTube care that way you can have your baby pictures!"
Here is an inspirational story that my 11 yr old son penned himself: I feel you and Hoda need to apologizeto the Chronically-ill and those with a life-threatening disease viewers .You guys might have thought it to be an innocent joke,but for our community- it hit a HUGE nerve.
" I personally was born healthy along with my younger brother Dominic (9) and although we would want our youngest brother healthy, GOD gave us an inspiration in him and without it ,we might be just like every other family going about daily life but not really understanding someone pains until you,yourself go thru it.
As we too know what it is like to have a child with a life-threatening disease. We are from Lancaster County, Lancaster,Pa . I want to share my brother's story.Our story begins in 1996 when our parents Monica & Stephen decided to exchange their vows and this April 20th we will be married 16 years. They started our family in 2000-2005 and from that came us boys. However after Tony was born and came home at six days old he was born with Total Colonic Hirschsprung's Disease which is a debilitating intestinal disease. At 2 years of age he had to have entire colon and 1/3 of his small intestine removed at the Penn State Children's Hospital. Since 6 days old Tony has been Totally Dependent of IV Nutrition which is fed thru an IV Catheter in his chest, has an ostomy bag and a GTube which we can no longer use for stomach feeding other than receiving meds. He has had to endure lengthy admissions (never alone,either mom or dad always stays and cares for him),never being able to eat a full meal without pain and sickness,never having freedom from his IV bag or any medical care,never stepped foot in a classroom,never had a sleepover or his own friends,never able to take a shower,swimor have a bath that doesn't require a sponge bath and not knowing what its like to be a "real-boy".
Tony currently is awaiting the most living saving transplant for a stomach/ full intestinal and now liver because of the IV Nutrition which has been over the years damaging the liver. We currently have been home-schooled by our mom while we await transplant to keep Tony safe and free of germs that we could bring home. As you probably witness like we have in the Children's Hospitals taking care of a child-like Tony is a hardship unlike no other. If it wasn't for our grandmother of 84 providing a financial means of keeping our family stable, we would have become another statistic. Her aide allowed both our mom and dad the peace of mind and solace that they needed in their focus and the extreme medical care that they had to provide our brother and to the two of us.
After Tony was listed for transplant at nine years of age ,I took the fore-front and vowed that I could raise the funds needed for Tony. I started by creating a website at www.aftft.com and www.giveforward.com/tonyschallenge to help promote our story and his cause. To date we have raise closed to $134,000 dollars of which we have a very long way to go to hit $866,000.00 . ( Our team of Doctors suggested we raise one-two million dollars). Back in October 2011, both Dominic and I were awarded the title of Grand Marshal of the Magic Kingdom in Walt Disney World for our selfless acts of compassion we have for Tony.
However, a year ago our grandmother could no longer provide her assistance of which we as a family knew she could no longer do. The little assistance we receive such as SSI and county assistance almost allowed us to foreclose. So I secretly penned a letter and out of desperation wrote to several charities indicating our great need. Just as our mortgage company was filing papers for foreclosure the same day of December 21, 2012 an organization known a "Gradient Gives Back Foundation" pulled my letter of 700 applicants and awarded us 12mos of Free Mortgage Assistance along with a local financial firm of free financial counseling for life to our family. The hand of GOD was upon us and didn't want us to fall thru the cracks. After that our Dad was called to work, the first in 6 yrs after Tony being diagnosed.
After almost losing everything, both myself and Dominic came up with a non-profit 501(c)(3) called "Silent Heroes for Brave Children" which is to provide practical tools and financial aide to help families weather the storm, that said NO family in the State of PA with a child that has a life-threatening or terminal illness should have to go without! " Silent Heroes for Brave Children" are the dedicated parents of children who quietly sacrifice daily for the survival of their child without saying a word. There is no one organization willing to come forth and help these families! Four Diamonds strictly aids children with cancerand noother illness. So we, along with 5 other siblings who have either a brother or sister ill are ready to take this challenge with :
* Provide the local communities within the State of PA to educate Local,and State politicians about this crisis that GOV't isn't enough. Many Social Workers throughout our three great Children's Hospitals knew of many programs that our family could have benefitted from but for whatever purpose refused to make them known.
* Sibling Support Group: to help siblings cope with the stresses and learn to help.
* Have Parent to Parent Meetings of support.
* Wishful Meals: to have home-cooked for families coming home from a lengthy admission from the hospital.
* Cleaning/ Errands: making sure the home is sanitized and ready for the child.
* Financial Planning: Setting up Special Need Trusts and proper Life Insurance.
* Travel to other States and get More Silent Heroes for Brave Children started where assistance could benefit and partner with other great organizations that do similar assistances .
* Medical Youth Camps with picnics and Holiday Gatherings of fellowship.
Silent Heroes for Brave Children are not and never will become a GOV'T agency and we DO NOT like the word agency. We are a Comfort Zone to be the voice and protect these familes. We will not TURN away any family. We will try to provide that family with the necessary skills to give some relief that they are NOT in this alone and that just as we are families like them ,someone cares.
We have met throughout Tony's journey so many beautiful people and many ask our mother " Monica were you ever angry with GOD?" Her answer shocks them when she responds that "I have never had any reason to be angry at him ,but instead I'm angry with him?" How could a gov't agency and a mortgage company get away with almost handing a 6yr old an eviction notice, when they never were late with the mortgage in 10yrs of being with Citi Mortgage,then at the end of desperation went to the Tabor Community on the advice of the Lancaster County Assistance Office and had their perfect credit rating ruined because under ACT 91 they had to be 90 days late before they could receive any help and yet were denied .
My mom says feel like Stone Phillips from 20/20 where she feels she's under cover and now seeing the corruption that has plagued these families who have a child with a life threatening illness, where they are hushed away and forgotten about, yet before Tony and just having two healthy boys ,swe would have never known.
Thank You for your service too many great organizations I thank you for your time of allowing me to share such a personal story. We would love to have your support in our cause of "Silent Heroes for Brave Children" as you and your family are also "Silent Heroes of your Brave Children.
Sincerely,
Vincent "Vinny"Forte (11)
2131 Fruitville Pike
Lancaster,Pa 17601-3919
717 560-3610 home
717 723-2626 cell
www.aftft.com and www.giveforward.com/tonyschallenge
mforte2131@verizon.net
Monica Forte, a PROUD mother of three beautiful boys of which one has many tubes that keeps him alive and wishes only forthe day that he can live without them.
My 3 yr old has a feeding tube, and I am outraged that you would mock what she actually has to go through every day because of it... It is sick that you both would actually say the things you said.. and being educated in feeding tube protocols, us parents with children that have special needs, do not take this lightly... I am totally disgusted that people would diet this way, it is not a normal way to eat.. my daughter has suffered a because of the tube, and is need of it to gain weight not loose weight. she suffers with failure to thrive and other illnesses and people like you make me sick....
I am saddened rather than angry. I don’t think the intent was to harm. It shows a lack of perspective and compassion. My daughter has had a NG, NJ, and now has a G tube. All of these have involved painful procedures on a month-to-month basis. I worry about the stigma the show has created in showing feeding tubes as disgusting and weird. She is in first grade and wants to be accepted by everyone else and to be seen as normal. We are talking about beautiful people who have fought horrendous medical battles just to survive. They deserve our respect and kindness, not to be the brunt of a joke.
Kathie Lee and Hoda were in no means addressing their comments to those individuals who must have a feeding tube to sustain life. The comments were directed to those who use the feeding tube as a way to lose weight. Seems to me this was pretty obvious.
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