Does Gastric Band Hypnosis Really Work?

This is a question that I have been asked and contemplated on several occasions. After much consideration and research the short answer is MAYBE.

Well, that doesn't do me any good I hear you cry!

What does MAYBE mean? Let's consider this.

Gastric Band Hypnosis is supposed to 'convince clients that they have undergone actual gastric band surgery' without side effects, risk or trauma of actual surgery. Hmmm. This is the point at which I became skeptical.

If it is true (which it is) that the unconscious (or automatic) part of our mind can imagine having surgery which is just as effective as having an actual gastric band fitted but for whatever reason (which doesn't seem clear by my research) the risks or side effects are not the same, although by argument they could be, just as well, imagined isn't it possible?
Also what about people who fail to get positive results even though they've gone through the real gastric band surgery? They liquidize chocolate bars or drink melted ice cream... because they never dealt with their emotional connection with food. They went for what it promised. QUICK FIX where as you wouldn't be able to eat as much as you did therefore you will lose weight.

I am very suspicious of any quick fix type of therapy that doesn't address the underlying reasons for the problem and has the client take ZERO RESPONSIBILITY for the way they are.

I did as much as to go and be a guinea pig of this process and booked myself with a hypnotherapist which specializes in this approach and charges in excess of £400 over four sessions for this. It was important to me to understand this process fully, although I am not terribly overweight although I want to improve my shape and my fitness... After a short interview the therapist did a progressive relaxation technique which I went along with. The purpose of this session was to get me relaxed and ready for suggestion. I was guided through a visualisation process where I imagined a consultation with doctors and friendly exchanges with nurses to schedule my key hole surgery for a future date. The next session I was guided to visualise a hospital room where I would wait until it was time for my surgery and after a brief discussion with an imaginary anaesthesiologist, I was wheeled in the surgical theatre and dressed for the procedure. It was all very straightforward and of course went perfectly and I 'awoke' from my imaginary anesthetized state, I was guided to drift into the future to see myself after the surgery and reaping all the benefits. Sure, I would have some discomfort, but that would soon pass.

Is this what your imaginary doctor / nurse will look like? --->

I found the process a bit too straightforward and auto-suggestion - like he was reading from a script. It was almost like listening to Radio 4 drama programme... using direct, matter of fact suggestion about how it would look, feel and be for me.

I wondered if the therapist noticed at particular points during the session that I had a 'raised eyebrow' moment as I was, for lack of a better word, shocked at how contaminated this script was with the way he thought it looked, felt and would be for ME. After all, my imaginary hospital is probably a lot different than his... and when it was suggested (or I was told) that it was like his hospital, well, I consciously rejected this suggestion (and so did my eyebrows).

Afterward, I was a bit gobsmacked that THIS IS WHAT ALL THE FUSS IS ABOUT?! I can honestly say that this technique could possibly work for some people, some of the time with a one-size-fits-all approach. They must truly believe this is possible for them and be susceptible to these suggestions. I find it curious and curiouser that it is as effective as some therapists have claimed. As for me, no, I didn't believe I had a gastric band fitted (although I did go through the imagining with zealous gusto).

So how do people lose weight and keep it off? We all know that diet, exercise and nutrition play a part but it's not the whole story... The truth is to be healthy and vital it has a lot to do with how you live your life. Are you living a life of fulfilment and purpose? Or are you stuck in a life of restriction? Do you get to enjoy the variety of experiences and sensations that life has to offer or does that sort of life seem beyond reach right now?

The good news is that the solution is right here, right now. Following simple steps you can experience dramatic results without willpower or restricting yourself.

Exploring your relationship with food and what your emotional triggers are should be the first step to any weight loss plan. You need to resolve your inner conflicts and get leverage for change. You can do this with a therapist who really understands the emotional needs of people and can teach you to learn what you need to learn so the behaviour no longer is needed.

I believe that this technique can be adapted with a skilled and experienced therapist to tailor it to the client's needs AFTER the emotional needs are met. This holistic approach will mean you can change the beliefs, mindset, attitude, emotions and behaviours of the client. So weight loss can mean health, wellness and FUN. With all of these things in place the client will find themselves being motivated and excited to pay the price to change their life and their body with eating healthy choices and moving their body.

So, thanks for taking the time to read this to understand the long answer to the first question. Yes. Gastric Band Hypnosis can be effective with the right therapist and the right approach. So, when considering this process for yourself, before you spend hundreds of pounds, check to ensure that the therapist's approach looks at the WHOLE STORY so you can get lasting results that really work.

If you would like to discuss this option or experience it yourself, then please contact me on 01527 853 424.