follow me on Twitter -  suesmithcoach   or  Linked in -   ssmithconsultant

Sue has qualified with the European College of Hypnotherapy in Gastric Band Hypnotherapy and has conducted over 200 sessions.  About half of clients succeed in losing weight after just two sessions, because all that was required was weight management and hypnosis.  About half continue and do all six sessions.  The success rate is about the same as real gastric band surgery.

Gastric Band Hypnotherapy and Slimming      More info

What is it?

The actual gastric band is a silicon belt which helps to control the diameter of the fundus (top) of the stomach, thus reducing the volume of the stomach.  In one clinical trial with 5,827 patients they lost over 50% of excess weight over a two year period after the operation.

There are side effects associated with actual surgery such as:-  vomiting, infection, pulmonary embolism and complications assoicated with general aneasthetics.  Well motivated patients who exercise lose more weight than others.

 It has been discovered that we have a 'Gastric Brain'

Michael Gershon.  The Second Brain (1998) by Quill publishers (Harper Collins) ISBN 0--06-018252-0 McMillan,  David, et al (1999) The Abdominal brain and enteric nervous system.  The Journal of Alternative & Complimentary Medicine.  Vol. 5, No 6.  Robinson, B. (1907) The abdominal brain and pelvic brain.  Hammond. Indiana. 

Only about 1,500 nerves link the head brain to the gut brain.  But the gut has many hundreds of millions of interconnected nerve cells.

There is a lot of additional and on going research.

The Science Editor of the Daily Mail on Monday May 25th 2009 reported on a case in Spain where a lady from Merseyside was 'talked through' an operation for weight loss, although she did not have the actual operation, she was under the influence of hypnosis, with a successful outcome.

 What happens in Gastric Band Hypnotherapy?

Most professional clinical hypnotherapists who advertise this service, will have experience and qualifications in both hypnotherapy and the Gastric Band Hypnosis Certificate.   I qualified with the European College of Hypnotherapy with Professor Keith Hearne, and I practice a recognised, tried and tested technique.  This involves at least six sessions or six hours of therapy to give a professional service.

Session 1 & 2    This lasts two hours and consists of a questionnaire, weigh-in and analysis.  Followed by a practical session (not dietry advice), about managing weight and motivating factors.  Followed by training on self hypnosis, and techniques to help with motivation.  Finally a hypnotic session or a conscious therapy, which forms the first part of  the Hypnotic Gastric Band. 

A hand out is given, and this session alone can be sufficient for helping with weight loss.

Session 3 & 4  This lasts for two hours and is usually booked as one long session.    There is a preparation and analysis following on from sessions one and two.  a further question and answer session.   Then a very relaxing hypnosis session, or a concsious therapy technique. Then (usually) while in a state of very deep relaxation the Gastric Band Hypnotherapy 'operation', is performed as a talk through procedure.  This involves both the unconscious mind and the 'gut consciousness'.  Most clients find this session to be very relaxing and pleasurable.  The hypnotherapist uses positive suggestion which communicates with the head brain and 'gut' brain.  Messages sent from the stomach communicate the fact that the stomach is full earlier, as if a real gastric band had been fitted.

Session 5 & 6  This is taken about a month after sessions one to four, and again lasts about two hours, or can be taken as two separate sessions.  This is similar to a ' Post Op' session, when we check to see if all is well, and use a combination of techniques including hypnosis to help with motivational factors and any necessary adjustments.

Sometimes clients may actually put on a bit of weight initially, due to the fact that they are starting to convert fat to muscle, and muscle is heavier than fat.  But over time the weight starts to reduce.   There can be a further one hour session of follow up at six months ideally and again a year later. 

Just as with real surgery, hypnosis can produce the effect of believing that the operation has been reversed if at all required, or adjustments made, without the complications associated with real surgery.

Some clients find that they need to do different types of therapy for other issues that arise as a result of the consultations, and the programme may take longer.  Prices are adjusted with significant discounts on offer for therapy which is extended over several months.

PRICE COMPARISONS

Real Gastric band surgery  £ 7,000 to £10,000,  Gastric Balloon - up to £4,000.

Gastric Band Hypnotherapy, full course £600 with over 6 therapy hours, plus on going support.

Sue    Contact