Question:
Has anyone tried/purchached an Electronic Ab Belt?

I have seen several advertisements for the electronic ab belts that are supposed to stimulate specific muscles and tighten and tone. I was hoping that I might be able to use one after surgery to assist in the tightening process. Has anyone out there tried/purchased/or asked a doctor about whether this is safe/effective for post-op folks?    — Amy A. (posted on August 27, 2002)

August 26, 2002
I believe they were all taken off the market because of false advertising....they don't actually work.
   — Ginger J.

August 26, 2002
I haven't tried it, but I know a few people who did and it did not work for them. It just another fad. I would try to get a refund if I were you.
   — Samar M.

August 26, 2002
Yes, I tried one. But only for about 10 seconds!!! It hurt my incision scar. I felt like it was sticking me with thousands of tiny needles. I bought it at one of the TV SHOPPING CHANNELS and mailed it back for a refund the day after I got it. I hated it. Don't bother spending your money for this product. I haven't seen it advertised in quite a while. Maybe they took it off the air because they got too many returns. What a waste of my time and money that was!!! One machine that works well for me is the AB-DOER. It is a chair that you sit in and has arms that move sideways and forward and backward and it helps you exercise your abs and your back too. It feels so good when you stretch with it. It also massages your back at the same time. I also use the "bun and thigh rocker". It works wonderfully too! I like to use machines at home because I just do not have time to go to a gym. I have one bedroom that has several machines in it. Someday I would like to have my own home gym.
   — RODEO CLOWNS S.

August 26, 2002
I had purchased one and tried it and found that it burned my skin, so I went on the net and found many many reports of hospitals and doctors offices having to treat people that have used these devices for small to very large and infected burn sites. I sent mine back the very next day. I WOULD NOT RECOMMEND THIS PRODUCT.
   — DRutherford

August 27, 2002
Amy, my sister purchased one of those belts several months ago. I wrapped it around my arm for a few minutes just to test it out and my arm and fingers twitched and had spasms for 4 days. Also, after testing it..I then decided to read the directions and warnings. It clearly states that you should not use it ANYWHERE near scars. Also, it's quite a scary product. You have to put this "conductive gel" on the site where you will be using it, so that your skin doesn't fry, basically. You can't use it with a pacemaker or any serious heart problems, either. Sounds to me like something you wouldn't want to mess with. I don't reccomend it.
   — Kelly C.

August 27, 2002
My PT has something like it that costs around $800 and helps promote muscle healing. I asked him about these things and he says they are complete garbage. They don't work at all. Save your money. :)
   — Carmen K.

August 27, 2002
They are all phoney and the goverment is suing the companies-it was on CNN.
   — Brian G.

August 28, 2002
Amy - Please don't waste your time and money with one of those belts. Not only have tests on them proven that they don't work, they can be seriously dangerous as well! The Federal Trade Commission is currently in the process of outlawing the belts, and suing their manufacturers. Please read this article: www.ftc.gov/opa/2002/05/projectabsurd.htm Another good source for researching medical products and services is: www.quackwatch.com Hope this was helpful!!! Amber
   — blank first name B.