I had a psych eval w/ a Dr. who just started doing virtual lap band (hypnosis to believe you've had LapBand through several sessions, causing you to eat like you have the actual band). She ask me would I consider it. My first response was "Yes," Who wouldnt prefer that to actual surgery. But because my insurance pays only for actual surgery, And I cannot afford the other my decision was for surgery. The pros: even more les evasive physically ( no surgery, fills, etc.), no scaring, less expensive. (Averages around $850). The cons: Its farely new in the US, so its not covered by insurance companies, weight loss is alot slower than actual surgery, and I personally have issues with someone messing with my head. Reminds me of the movie "Shallow Hal" LOL! I'm so silly. What are your thoughts on virtual lapband?

Silly.

My first reaction would be, "Is there research to support this?" It looks like there is quite a bit of research that supports the effectiveness of hypnosis for other compulsions, so it isn't so far fetched. I found this news story about it: http://abcnews.go.co...pnosis-11743607

I wonder, if this is something you'd really like to try (even if it's just in the interim while you wait for a real surgery date), whether you would be able to find a hypnotist-in-training who would be willing to provide sessions for a minimal cost or for free. It's worth making a few calls, I'd say. But I certainly wouldn't pay the big bucks for it given that a good number of people aren't all that "hypnotizable."

Good luck.

What the hell id let them try it out on me if it was free and while i was waiting. But as a alternative to the Lap-band itself ...I dont think so . Not for me anyway . It is quite interesting tho . Keep us updated if you do it ! =)

Research or not... this is just snake oil nonsense.... similar to hypnosis for smoking cessation or 'willing' your cancer to go away...

I've had lots of magic 'medicine' men try to cure my paralysis...

I'm a psychologist trained in hypnosis.

No way would I use it to treat obesity. There is no research that shows it to be effective. Now, if you had chronic pain or irritable bowel syndrome, I'd say go for it because research finds it to be effective for a good number of people with those issues. But not obesity, or frankly anything else really.

I used hypnosis to quit smoking. I smoked for fifteen years and after my second session of hypnosis I stopped completely. Didnt even need the patch or gum. Haven't smoked since and that was three years ago. I don't even crave it.

I did try one session after that for weight loss - didn't work for me!

I had booked surgery for last November, then had last minute nerves and cancelled. i then embarked on 'hypnoband', it cost me £300, and didnt help me......im now booked to have a band in 3 weeks time. i guess it was worth a shot, and i guess it must work for some, but now i feel the band is the only option, but its good to know i;ve tried everything else!