I’ve been using the virtual gastric band hypnosis approach with my weight loss clients since 2011. Initially I was reluctant to use it because of my reservations about the real-life version, but when I learned how popular it was becoming a decided to look into it.

Right away I was amazed at how effective it was.  Clients really enjoy the experience of imaginary surgery, which seems to help them become more involved in the process of taking control.  With hypnosis, we are able to capture the quick fix mentality of real-life gastric band surgery, and pull it into the creative qualities of hypnosis.  This unique journey seems to make it easier for individuals to adopt a more mindful approach to portion control, nutritional choices, and living and active healthy lifestyle.

My four session virtual gastric band hypnosis weight loss program offers several elements of personal control.  The first session helps the individual release the past. It’s important to stop focusing on the problem and move forward to the solution.  This session employees a unique release technique that establishes freedom from the past In productive fashion.

The first session also prepares the client for surgery.  Just as in real surgery situations, my virtual gastric band hypnosis clients are guided through their pre-op testing.  Individuals imagine going to the hospital for lab work, x-ray is, the nutritional consult, and they also meet their surgeon. This session suggests that they imagine this individual in any way they choose; male or female, any age or ethnicity.

The second session is the imaginary gastric band surgery experience.  With the benefit of Bose headphones, clients experience all the sounds of the operating room; beeping of the heart monitor, quite dialog between surgeon and nurse, and even the distant voice of the hospital paging system.

At the conclusion of this session many clients experience a profound disconnect from the past weight loss challenges.  In fact, a small percentage of clients even experience a slight abdominal sensation, suggesting that this imaginary experience was more real than they would have expected.

In session three, as in real-life gastric band surgery experience,  clients are  guided to imagine the follow-up visit to the surgeon’s office for an assessment and gastric band adjustment.  This session does not dictate whether the band is tight and are loosened, offering another element of control to the individual.

Lastly, session four is all about confidence.  This session guides the individual through the process of enhancing their overall confidence to succeed with their goal.  It can be an exhilarating experience for many.  Throughout all of the sessions clients are routinely guided to look forward.  This program not only releases the unproductive past, but helps individuals to become very excited and involved with their future success.

This program represents about 75% of my practice.  Once the word got out that this affordable, creatively effective option was available, word of mouth referrals took off.  It’s a great experience for the clients, but I enjoyed it as well.  There’s no better feeling than to help somebody become empowered and take control of their life.  I used to frequently experience this satisfaction in my work is a registered nurse, and continue to enjoy it as a consulting hypnotist.

By: Paul Gustafson RN CH