As obesity rates in Australia, the United States and the U.K. approach epidemic proportions, many people are opting for radical solutions such as gastric band surgery. This bariatric surgery physically limits the stomach's capacity so that both body and mind register the sense of being full and satisfied with much smaller portions of food.
The success rate (around 70%) is encouraging, but it comes with significant downsides: long waiting lists for elective surgery, the risks and costs of surgery, and unpleasant side effects such as vomiting, diarrhoea, acid reflux and weight regain.
Now there is a pain-free, low cost alternative: gastric band hypnotherapy (also known as hypno band). Channel Seven's Sunrise program recently featured a spectacular success story about a young woman who lost 30kg in six months with the help of this innovative therapy.
The treatment is safe and simple; a clinical hypnotherapist talks you through a simulated gastric band procedure, prompting you to imagine that you have had the gastric band fitted. This effectively trains your mind to think your stomach capacity is smaller, so that you feel full and are satisfied with much smaller portions of food.
Source: Online Hypnotherapy Clinic
While the success of this innovative therapeutic approach is encouraging, neither gastric band surgery nor hypnotherapyoffers a 'magic wand' solution. Even with a gastric band fitted (in fact or through the power of suggestion), it's important to eat a balanced diet to ensure your body gets all the nutrients it needs. Likewise, exercise remains central to maintaining health and fitness, and to burning up excess calories.
The best approach is to combine a balanced diet and exercise with gastric band hypnotherapy, which helps you reduce portions and overall food intake. That's why plenty of hypnotherapy clinics in Australia are offering gastric band hypnotherapy within a program that motivates clients to make healthy food choices and engage in physical exercise to complement the reduction in appetite and portions achieved through the virtual gastric band.
Benefits of Virtual Gastric Banding
Studies have shown that hypnotherapy can help obese people and others who are struggling with weight loss establish healthy eating habits. The program helps you develop a healthier relationship with food and nutrition by assisting you in developing a new perspective. You will notice that you eat less food, and you won't experience the unwanted effects that accompany invasive surgery. Below are some of the many benefits of hypnotherapy for weight loss.
Stops emotional eating
The power of hypnosis can help those who are struggling with excess weight discover the underlying cause behind their food cravings. Sometimes, people who eat beyond reasonable amounts of food are triggered by feelings they deem stronger than they are. Binge eating may be a reaction to anxiety, depression, low self-esteem or other emotional issues. By instilling positive suggestions in the subconscious mind of the patient, the hypnotherapist will be able to help them overcome the triggers and emerge victorious.
You don't miss out on your favourite foods
Hypnotherapy does not restrict your diet like some diet programs. Thanks to your newly rewired brain, you can eat anything you want and still maintain a healthy weight. You'll make healthier choices, and exercising regularly will become second nature.
It can be delivered online
Unlike surgical procedures that require patients to lie on an operating table, a virtual lap band surgery can be carried out remotely. You can receive treatment from the comfort of your own home by phone or through a videoconferencing platform, though the latter is preferred because it allows you to relax fully and remain open to the hypnotherapist's suggestions.
Weight problems can lead to a heart attack and other health problems. It's a good thing that hypnotherapy is a viable option for obese patients and other people who want to reduce their size without experiencing the drawbacks of weight loss surgery. You can find a qualified hypnotherapist in your local area through the practitioner listing pages on Natural Therapy Pages, who can assist you on your journey to optimal health.
Originally published on Jul 29, 2011
