What is a hypnoband?

A hypnoband is the virtual alternative to gastric band surgery. People who wish to lose weight by curbing their food intake, but feel weary of going under the knife, turn to this non-invasive and more affordable method that combines hypnotherapy with cognitive behavioral techniques.

This system works on the premise of “mind over matter” and is best performed by licensed hypnotherapists. There are currently more than 800 practitioners of this weight loss system scattered across forty countries. Not quite a promising number when you think about it, so it’s no big surprise that some clients still do fall for imitations. It is, therefore, highly recommended to do ample research on this technique first before undergoing it.

Since this method functions on a virtual plane, with no obvious physical form whatsoever, some people tend to scoff at it and doubt its effectiveness. There are also those who are readily convinced and look to it with positive expectations. Eventually, even skeptics who didn’t have much faith in the system are pleasantly surprised when they begin to see significant results.

How exactly does gastric band hypnosis work?

It begins with the initial session wherein the client is convinced into believing that an actual gastric band has been surgically fitted into him, thus decreasing the size of his stomach. Of course, it’s just a behavioral manipulation achieved through hypnosis. Just like with people who do wear gastric bands, this risk-free method will make a client feel sick after eating too much, consequently reducing his food cravings.

But it’s really not just about hypnosis. Qualified practitioners say it’s all down to positive thinking whether or not the method works. Being open to it, accepting it, and most importantly, wanting it are three important aspects of the belief system that makes this virtual weight loss method more effective.

Hypnotherapists in this field take an effort to help a client learn about food and nutrition and the reasons behind his unhealthy eating habits in order to get him on the road to a better lifestyle. It is a behavior forming technique that also aims to improve a client’s quality of life so he doesn’t fall back into old habits that resulted to the excess weight in the first place.

For clients who may be having trouble adjusting through the transitional phase, there are support groups and online forums wherein hypnoband practitioners and clients share their experiences and lend support and encouragement to each other.