slim wrap, and slimdome, are they safe

[ladysmith105]

I was diagnosed with pure tubular breast CA 04/09, had a lumpectomy with clear margins followed by 33 radiation treatments.  I am doing great, lost 22 lbs just eating right and exercising without even trying.  My skin is getting flabby and I've reached a plateau in the weight loss.  I am 5'1" and still 154 lbs.   I read about Slim Wrap which was on the Tyra Banks show and many others & is supposed to be a safe way to lose inches by tightening fat and skin.  You can read about it on www.thebodywrapshoppe.com.  I want to try it but exclude the breasts and upper arm as I am concerned about risk for lymphedema.  I spoke to a person there who had a close friend with breat CA receive the treatment.  There is another procedure called the "Slimdome" at Anara MedSpa in Piscataway, NJ  (they were just voted the best spa in NJ)   which uses Infared Rays to detoxify the skin and helps with weight loss by burning about 600 calories every 40 minute treatment.  Can you comment on the safety of these treatments?

[James G Beckerman, M.D.]

I'm not very familiar with either.

But I can tell you that "wrap" treatments don't help you lose weight.  They basically just compress fluids within tissues to different parts of your body.  The effects will disappear within hours.  Not worth your time or money!!

The idea of infrared radiation to burn calories seems like a completely false claim - I wouldn't recommend it either!

It sounds like the eating right/exercising plan is the way to go, and has already given you a lot of success!  Take care.

[Jaquta]

I read recently that a good way to minimize the flab was to tone the underlying muscles.  I expect this would work to some degree but wouldn't necessarily overcome the problem completely.
Varying your exercise routine may help to jump-start your weight loss again.
Good luck!

[ladysmith105]

Thank you for the encouragement. I am working very hard to get in shape.   I am currently participating in the Lance Armstrong Live Strong Fitness program at the Edison, NJ  YMCA.  It is a free 12 week fitness program exclusively for cancer survivors.  I love it.  I have a personal trainer for 1 full hour 2x a week, followed by 1/2 hr relaxation class, which is just as important as the fitness piece.  I am in a small group of 6 people.  I started in the pilot program 8/3/09 after finishing my radiation treatment on 7/31/09, I am now in the regular program.  You can pass this information along to any cancer survivors you man know.  Not all YMCA's participate though.  : )

[Jaquta]

You are working hard.  Could you be working too hard??
You may also like to keep a food diary to see if that helps identify any areas that may need addressing.
I'm envious of your program.  It sounds exciting.
In my country patients are offered a one month gym membership to Curves.

I finished a course of radiation in April this year myself.  While I was feeling absolutely shattered at the time it has given me a strength to push through any excuses I may now have when exercising.
I have been for two 96 minutes runs already this week.  Just under 20 km each time.
Exercise is extremely invigorating (and is great for stress).

Have you thought about what you'll do once the 12 weeks is up?
Lance Armstrong seems to have been a good advocate for health and fitness.

I think Dr Beckerman has offered the most encouragement and I think he has given good advice.
For me personally I think diet and exercise are the way to go.  I would also be steering clear of those other 'treatments'.

Good luck for everything and also your follow-up oncology appointments.