Cutting yourself to lose weight?

downsizinghoss

Thought this was going to be about amputation.

Leather_N_Lace

I see what you did there OP:)
:drinker:

Fullsterkur_woman

Thought this was going to be about amputation.

Me too.

lunglady

The infection risk of bariatric surgery would be limited to a certain amount of time post surgery.... the infection risk of maintaining these cuts in a bacterial rich mouth would be ongoing and in my opinion, because of the environment (not a sterile OR) and time frame - a bigger infection risk. I see it ending badly.

AND not healthy either as a weight loss plan. You aren't fixing the problem - you are finding a work around instead.

this! ^^^^^^

TheSlorax

Well I'm sure this will make all the people on MFP who support surgery as a weight loss method think twice. Because topics about surgery for weight loss don't always devolve into finger pointing and shaming and MFP is a place that, as a whole, really supports that sort of thing.




Oh wait. A post about how something shouldn't be socially acceptable (Is weight loss surgery socially acceptable by the way? I think that's a stretch) in a place where it's generally considered not acceptable/the easy way out. Fascinating.

And yeah... this. I've seen bariatric surgery called "self mutilation" at worst and "cheating" at best. Socially acceptable, you say?

b2kelly

This is something I'd consider. Thanks for raising this point, very insightful and not f*cked up at all.

ironanimal

How about you fix whatever **** is screwed up in your head instead?

moontyrant

I love how one of the first responses is "What do you do when the cuts heal? KEEP CUTTING YOURSELF!?" People who get a band that tightens their stomachs EAT THROUGH THE BAND all the time. Then what do they do? They get it tightened or adjusted. Meal times for bariatric patients are also uncomfortable if they get their portion sizes wrong, as their newly shrunk stomachs stretch too much to accomodate food. My cousin, who got a band wrapped around her stomach to make it smaller, spent the first few weeks post operation vomitting regularly because she overestimated the amount of food she could eat.

Bariatric surgery: not even once.

MoreBean13

Lol, the point of this post is ALREADY lost on most of the people who replied!

You are supposed to be disgusted by the idea of cutting your gums. The comparison is meant to make you think about why this isn't socially acceptable, but having bariatric surgery is. It isn't meant to be taken as an actual weight loss technique.

To those of you who say that the poster is irresponsible ... IMO, you should never censor yourself just because some people are too stupid to understand you. If people are seeking out extreme and dangerous weight loss strategies, they're going to find plenty on the internet regardless, and they most likely won't be starting with My Fitness Pal.

smh...

It's not censorship to change the delivery of the message to eliminate potentially dangerous ideas.

I don't know how long you've been around here, but if you stick around, in the next few weeks the boards will have an influx of "18 y/o" girls posting about loosely veiled pro-ana (pro-anorexia) ideas, looking to hook up with other like-minded teens. Once they find one another, most of the communication between them moves to private groups and each other's walls (rather than the forums), and it's extremely disturbing and heartbreaking.

I'm not trying to censor the OP's message, just to make the OP aware that these kids are out there reading these posts and looking for ideas. The OP's message doesn't break any rules, and I have no strong feelings about bariatric surgery.

Warchortle

Dafug is this?

No...just no. You never develop a healthy relationship with food this way. Once the cuts heal, then what? Cut again? And again?

The only "cut" I do is a fat-cutting regime of healthy eating and exercise, thank you very much. People are crazy.

darthlacey

Interesting idea, but definitely not something I would do

darrensurrey

If you're not keen on intrusive surgery, I have another option. Every time you eat beyond your calorie requirements, I'll kick you in the shins and charge you £100.

Codilee87

I think the difference is that bariatric surgery is performed in a sterilized environment with the proper tools, by trained professionals. Yes it comes with risks, as does any surgery but there is a far better chance of having a successful procedure - while cutting your mouth could lead to horrific infections. Not a fair comparison.

1longroad

Maybe it is time to realize that not all dieters are successful period, whether they have bariatric surgery, count calories, go on Weight Watchers, Atkins, or any other type of weight loss plan. There are successful people who have undergone bariatric surgery and tried all of the other listed methods of weight loss and more. They are the people who were motivated to make an actual change to their health and well being and didn't lie to themselves or/if there were professionals who worked with them prior to their weight loss journey.

As for comparing cutting you gums or mouth, which is unhealthy and prone to causing infections, it seems a huge way to increase the type of long term problems that will make the rest of your life difficult. Tooth loss, gum disease, infections, poor nutrition outcomes as it would hurt to drink enough fluids or even open your mouth well enough to take supplements.

Wifey7891

this read was entertaining

ScientificExplorerGirl

Those reading this post should look at literature regarding the use of antibiotic prophylaxis prior to dental procedures (even minor procedures such as dental scaling and polishing) to prevent bacterial endocarditis. This is a serious issue, especially for those with congenital heart disease. Mouth cutting would be much more invasive then these dental procedures and would therefore increase the risk of contracting a life-threatening disease with very serious long-term implications.

supplemama

What a fantastic post. I understand the point of this will be lost on many people, but I get it.

Why have the surgery in the first place, when setting a calorie limit, practicing portion control and incorporating exercise is free and without risk?

Because that assumes people are willing to take responsibility for their actions. Most are not. :grumble:

supplemama

If you're not keen on intrusive surgery, I have another option. Every time you eat beyond your calorie requirements, I'll kick you in the shins and charge you £100.

Wouldn't it be awesome if personal training worked this way? LOL :laugh:

Slacker16

Would you even consider making small cuts in your gums and on the inside of your mouth, just enough to make eating uncomfortable, in order to lose weight?

Glasgow smile diet?

SLLRunner

What a fantastic post. I understand the point of this will be lost on many people, but I get it.

No, the point is clear.. Why would you think that you are about the only one who "gets" it? But, it is a disturbing comparison, to say the least.

Why have the surgery in the first place, when setting a calorie limit, practicing portion control and incorporating exercise is free and without risk?

This is so true. My sister-in-law had gastric bypass about five years ago and now says she wishes she'd never done it. She lost weight so fast that she go super-saggy skin and she can't eat normally. She also has gained some of her weight back, but was under the understanding when she got her surgery that it was impossible to regain.

ShellyBell999

Someone out there is going to read this and go "gee, I hadn't thought of that idea. Doesn't sound that bad. I will have to try that"

This is something I'd consider. Thanks for raising this point, very insightful and not f*cked up at all.

:huh: :noway:
I'm scarred forever by this.

uconnwinsnc

Would you even consider making small cuts in your gums and on the inside of your mouth, just enough to make eating uncomfortable, in order to lose weight? Probably not.

It sounds crazy, but if you can set your emotional reaction to the idea aside and look at the science and math - this idea actually presents a much safer and less invasive approach than bariatric surgery, and at a fraction of the cost.

I am NOT suggesting anyone do this. I am suggesting that if you or a loved one is ever considering bariatric surgery, really think about what's involved - and learn more about it than just what the physician who makes his living doing the surgery tells you.

You will be risking your life, going under anesthesia, being cut, maybe implanting foreign objects into your body . . . in an effort to force a behaviour change.

(Source - Freakonomics Radio)

Dafuq.

tberrycastle

Great post, and nice to see that there are still some open and analytical minds at work out there. And then, those that aren't....but I suppose that can't be helped :-) In my own experience working in the medical field, it suddenly became trendy locally about 10 years ago to have a gastric bypass. In short order, numerous employees where I worked (In a hospital) signed up. Several nurses, & CNA's, a couple of spouses, 2 secretaries. The first one to go into surgery was the husband of one of the nurses. He died a few hours after his surgery. You'd think that would have dissuaded the others but for the most part, it did not. Even his wife went ahead with hers. Out of about 10 people, one of them developed such severe post-op issues (A nurse) that she was completely disabled and constantly in the hospital with bleeding and other issues. She lived but did not recover and was never able to return to work. She is emaciated and chronically ill. The majority of the rest of them either gained the weight back or suffer with permanent problems such as "dumping syndrome", which is extremely miserable and can be fatal. At best, the success stories live in a constant state of malnutrition to one extent or another. After seeing the results of these relatively few surgeries locally, the procedure was halted here. Cutting your gums is extreme but does not compare to the extreme of having your stomach literally amputated. And cutting your gums/mouth is reversible. A ridiculous measure....but still reversible. So...it is interesting to me the response to your post....the horror at such a notion, such a suggestion and yet gastric bypass has been hailed as sensible. Go figure.

AJinBirmingham

The OP sourced Freakonimics Radio. Automatic credibility fail.

Are you familiar with Freakonomics Radio? Or was that a knee jerk, emotional reaction to the name? These are the people behind it:

Steven D. Levitt is the William B. Ogden Distinguished Service Professor of Economics at the University of Chicago, where he directs the Becker Center on Chicago Price Theory. He is the 2003 John Bates Clark Medal winner, an award that recognizes the most outstanding economist in America under the age of 40. In 2006, he was named one of Time magazine’s 100 People Who Shape Our World. Levitt received his B.A. from Harvard University in 1989, his Ph.D. from M.I.T. in 1994, and has taught at Chicago since 1997. In addition to his academic and Freakonomics pursuits, he is a founding partner of The Greatest Good consulting firm. He lives in Chicago with his wife Jeannette and their four children.

and

Stephen J. Dubner is an award-winning author, journalist, and TV and radio personality. In addition to Freakonomics and SuperFreakonomics, his books include Turbulent Souls (Choosing My Religion), Confessions of a Hero-Worshiper, and the children’s book The Boy With Two Belly Buttons. His journalism has been published in The New York Times, The New Yorker, and Time, and has been anthologized in The Best American Sports Writing, The Best American Crime Writing, and elsewhere. He has taught English at Columbia University (while receiving an M.F.A. there), played in a rock band (which started at Appalachian State University, where he was an undergrad, and was later signed to Arista Records), and, as a writer, was first published at the age of 11, in Highlights for Children. He lives in New York with his wife, the documentary photographer Ellen Binder, and their children.

SLLRunner

Lol, the point of this post is ALREADY lost on most of the people who replied!

You are supposed to be disgusted by the idea of cutting your gums. The comparison is meant to make you think about why this isn't socially acceptable, but having bariatric surgery is. It isn't meant to be taken as an actual weight loss technique.

To those of you who say that the poster is irresponsible ... IMO, you should never censor yourself just because some people are too stupid to understand you. If people are seeking out extreme and dangerous weight loss strategies, they're going to find plenty on the internet regardless, and they most likely won't be starting with My Fitness Pal.

smh...

Well, this is arrogance at its finest.

No, the point is not lost on anyone who has replied ,but I can see that it might be lost to those of you whom think it's a brilliant comparison or something. Lets get real here.

I don't necessarily agree with weight loss surgery, but the comparison to cutting gums is not even valid. Bariatric surgery might actually be necessary for some candidates for health reasons, and certain requirements must be met before one can even have it. However, cutting your gums- no criteria needs to be met and not doctor would approve it.

Bariatric surgery is that--surgery. Cutting your gums is something you would do all by yourself.

Bariatric surgery is not gross or stupid, but cutting your gums is.

jofjltncb6

I get the point...

...but this thread will still turn into this:

garber6th

The OP sourced Freakonimics Radio. Automatic credibility fail.

Are you familiar with Freakonomics Radio? Or was that a knee jerk, emotional reaction to the name? These are the people behind it:

Steven D. Levitt is the William B. Ogden Distinguished Service Professor of Economics at the University of Chicago, where he directs the Becker Center on Chicago Price Theory. He is the 2003 John Bates Clark Medal winner, an award that recognizes the most outstanding economist in America under the age of 40. In 2006, he was named one of Time magazine’s 100 People Who Shape Our World. Levitt received his B.A. from Harvard University in 1989, his Ph.D. from M.I.T. in 1994, and has taught at Chicago since 1997. In addition to his academic and Freakonomics pursuits, he is a founding partner of The Greatest Good consulting firm. He lives in Chicago with his wife Jeannette and their four children.

and

Stephen J. Dubner is an award-winning author, journalist, and TV and radio personality. In addition to Freakonomics and SuperFreakonomics, his books include Turbulent Souls (Choosing My Religion), Confessions of a Hero-Worshiper, and the children’s book The Boy With Two Belly Buttons. His journalism has been published in The New York Times, The New Yorker, and Time, and has been anthologized in The Best American Sports Writing, The Best American Crime Writing, and elsewhere. He has taught English at Columbia University (while receiving an M.F.A. there), played in a rock band (which started at Appalachian State University, where he was an undergrad, and was later signed to Arista Records), and, as a writer, was first published at the age of 11, in Highlights for Children. He lives in New York with his wife, the documentary photographer Ellen Binder, and their children.

Good googling there. Dr. Oz is educated and award winning too, and I think he is a quack. I still think the comparison between cutting your gums and bariatric surgery is ludicrous.

Mr_Knight

I get the point...

...but this thread will still turn into this:

This is MFP. Pretty much any thread with more than 8 posts does.

uconnwinsnc

I am opposed to gastric bypass just because I always wonder, "so when you get to your normal weight, how do you eat normally when your stomach is basically non-existent?" I just feel that it is an extreme response to an extreme problem.

But, I think using the gum cutting analogy doesn't accurate get a message across without turning the readers off.

AJinBirmingham

The OP sourced Freakonimics Radio. Automatic credibility fail.

Are you familiar with Freakonomics Radio? Or was that a knee jerk, emotional reaction to the name? These are the people behind it:

Steven D. Levitt is the William B. Ogden Distinguished Service Professor of Economics at the University of Chicago, where he directs the Becker Center on Chicago Price Theory. He is the 2003 John Bates Clark Medal winner, an award that recognizes the most outstanding economist in America under the age of 40. In 2006, he was named one of Time magazine’s 100 People Who Shape Our World. Levitt received his B.A. from Harvard University in 1989, his Ph.D. from M.I.T. in 1994, and has taught at Chicago since 1997. In addition to his academic and Freakonomics pursuits, he is a founding partner of The Greatest Good consulting firm. He lives in Chicago with his wife Jeannette and their four children.

and

Stephen J. Dubner is an award-winning author, journalist, and TV and radio personality. In addition to Freakonomics and SuperFreakonomics, his books include Turbulent Souls (Choosing My Religion), Confessions of a Hero-Worshiper, and the children’s book The Boy With Two Belly Buttons. His journalism has been published in The New York Times, The New Yorker, and Time, and has been anthologized in The Best American Sports Writing, The Best American Crime Writing, and elsewhere. He has taught English at Columbia University (while receiving an M.F.A. there), played in a rock band (which started at Appalachian State University, where he was an undergrad, and was later signed to Arista Records), and, as a writer, was first published at the age of 11, in Highlights for Children. He lives in New York with his wife, the documentary photographer Ellen Binder, and their children.

Good googling there. Dr. Oz is educated and award winning too, and I think he is a quack. I still think the comparison between cutting your gums and bariatric surgery is ludicrous.

You didn't answer my question.