European Slimming at Deborah McCamie Beauté
Dateline: 04/19/99
For years the ads tempted me - "Lose 2 dress sizes in as little as 3 weeks." It always sounded too good to be true. I never got around to checking it out until 3 weeks ago. Four weeks ago, my husband and I decided to attend our company's annual ball. We didn't attend last year and we weren't planning to attend this year - we didn't dance, trying to talk above the noise level of a live band is impossible, I didn't have a dress, my nails were in bad shape, I was in bad shape,.....Then three other couples talked us into it. They said it was great fun last year, and we shouldn't miss it. We all decided to rent a limosine and go in style. I decided to use this as an excuse to:
1) Learn how to dance - We signed up for 6 private dance lessons at the Crystal Ballroom
2) Buy a new dress - I found one at Lord & Taylor
3) Have my hair, makeup and nails done at Michael Christopher Designs (That's where I usually get my hair cut, but the makeup and nails were a treat)
4) Start to get in shape - This is where Deborah McCamie Beauté comes in...
Deborah McCamie Beauté, the first European slimming and body treatment salon in the Delaware Valley, was started in 1982 by Deborah McCamie, who has trained with weight loss specialists, attended New York's Nemectron Institute, and is certified as a body treatment and skin care specialist.
I went for an evaluation and initial trial treatment which cost $125. At that time, they performed some of the treatments that I would have if I were to take a series of treatments. They also gave me the cost for these treatments which ranged from $12,561 for fifty two (52) 2-2 1/2 hour double treatments to get me to within 90% of my desired goal to $1,600 for four (4) budget single treatments with no estimated results. All treatments have to be paid for in full in advance. I decided to sign up for six (6) 2-2 1/2 hour budget double treatments for $2,150. I thought if I lost even one size, it would be worth it. Of course, I secretly hoped it would be 2. So what does $2,150 buy?
Deborah McCamie Beauté uses three basic weight loss methods combined with diet plans to help their clients reduce in size and weight. The three methods are detoxification,emulsification, and electronic muscle stimulation.
DIET
A diet plan is given at the time of payment. This diet is fairly restrictive, high in salt and protein, and relies on ketosis. You are asked to give a urine sample at the beginning of each treatment. If ketones are detected in the urine, then the diet is working. I declined to participate in the recommended diet. I have been on similar diets and, while producing a substantial initial weight loss, I find I can not follow the diets for any length of time. I chose to stick to the McDougall Program, a no fat, no dairy, no egg, vegan diet. I tend to agree with Dr. McDougall's evaluation of high protein restrictive diets. I have been back on the McDougall plan since January and have lost 15 pounds - slowly, surely, and healthily, but never with hunger. At Deborah McCamie Beauté, I was told that I would lose inches, but possibly no weight. I had to sign a statement that I refused to follow their diet. However, I did lose three pounds over the two weeks I went there.
DETOXIFICATION
I began each session by replacing my clothes with a robe, weighing in, then a 15-20 minute sit in a steam cabinet (which I like better than a steam room since my head stayed cool). Heat seems to be a recurring theme in the treatments. After the steam, I was shown to a small treatment room where I was asked to lay on my stomach on a massage table covered with pink sheets. Small towels were used to cover key areas for modesty. The technician then rubbed essential oils on my back, buttocks, and legs. Some of the technicians, but not all, then applied pressure (somewhat painful) to spots on my outer thighs, ankles, and back to "empty the lymph glands" of toxins.
EMULSIFICATION
Afterwards, the G-5, a machine made by General Physiotherapy, Inc. was used. It is essentially a vibrating flat 4" diameter head covered with knobby protrusions. The intensity of vibration is adjustable. The technician rubs it over the body with a fair amount of pressure (somewhat uncomfortable) giving extra attention to problem areas. I was asked to turn over and the process was repeated on my front side.
MORE DETOXIFICATION
After the G5, I was painted from ankle to chest with a mixture of seaweed, algae, and "fat burner." The sheets I had been laying on were then wrapped around me - a sheet of plastic, a cotton sheet, an electric blanket set on HI, a space blanket, then a fluffy comforter. I was then left to "bake" for 40 minutes. I requested the lights be turned off and practiced deep relaxation techniques. The last 10 minutes usually became a bit uncomfortable. I broke into a sweat and was tired of being in one position for so long. After the technician unwrapped me, I showered off and returned to the room. Then the treatments alternated. One time I got CUPS, and the next, CII. CUPS, made by PhytobioDermie, is a machine with two long tubes attached to two glass cups about 3 inches in diameter. The machine alternated suction with no suction as the cups are run along the skin - the idea is to release toxins.
ELECTRONIC MUSCLE STIMULATION
CII is an electronic muscle stimulator made by Pinter (similar to the Tone-a-Matic). Six inch bands are used accross the ribs, stomach, and thighs to hold electronic paddles covered in wet sponges. There is a 10 minute warm up, 25 minute workout, and 5 minute cool down. It is supposed to be the equivalent of 1500 sit-ups. Frankly, it is a very unpleasant sensation at first, feeling like worms crawling under the skin. However, after a minute or two, I got used to it. I did feel like I had exercised these muscles afterward.
What were the final results? According to Deborah McCamie Beauté, I lost over 10 inches from my middle, hips, and thighs. According to my measurements, I lost 4 1/2 inches. And I lost 3 pounds. I heard one client say she goes for a series of 8 treatments now and again to get the fat moving. Maybe that's the value. I certainly did not lose 2 dress sizes - not even one.
High point - Plenty of personal attention. The technicians did a good job of making me feel comfortable and not self-conscience when working on my problem areas.
Suggestions for improvement:
Use a rolled towel under the client's knees while they bake. It makes laying flat on the back much more comfortable.
Always, Always pull the screen across the entrance to the hallway. Too many times I felt as if I were exposed to the street traffic as I ran to the shower wrapped in a towel.
It is a noisy place. The equipment makes a lot of noise. The technicians chit chat constantly in the hallway. The walls to the rooms stop 1-2 feet before the ceiling (that may be a comfort to some clients who may want to get unwrapped early and know they will be heard). It would be nice if it were quite a bit quieter. It would be more relaxing.
The term "treatment sampler" would be more appealing than "budget" when spending over $2,000.
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