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Hypnosis for Weight Loss and Comfort
Have you ever explored the use of hypnosis as an approach to stress and pain management? Many years ago, by chance, I learned how effective it can be. Up until about ten years ago, I believed hypnosis was the way it was portrayed in movies. People doing things they would never conceive of doing if they were in control of their mind. Well after talking to a hypno-therapist, I quickly learned differently.
My daughter has suffered from a weight problem since she was about a year and a half. When she was about 13 years old we decided to try hypnosis as a way to lose weight. So we found this prominent hypnotherapist outside of Albany, NY and we went to see him. After talking to him, we decided to go ahead with it.
Because my daughter was only 13, I went in during the therapy. I was allowed to listen with a set of headphones so I could hear everything being said to her. We both had comfortable recliners to sit in so I had all of the same benefits she had. She was given special tapes to listen to each night for a month. She was faithful to the program and the results were incredible. She was a donuts and French fries junkie before being hypnotized. Once she was, she had no desire to eat them. In fact I had a call from her teacher because suddenly she was giving away her donuts and cookies. It was so unlike her, the teacher was afraid she was ill or something. I reassured her she was doing fine and I applauded her sticking with the program.
I remember going to a fast food restaurant and ordering a big burger sandwich, fries and soda. She ordered a salad and a diet soda and was perfectly satisfied. In fact, I would eat the fries in front of her and it never phased her a bit. She stayed on the diet for about three months and lost weight consistently in small amounts. Then we had an argument and for spite, she ate a donut in front of me... and it was as if she was never hypnotized. She regained the cravings for these things and unfortunately before too long, she regained the weight she had lost.
The other thing I realized was that I lost weight right along with her...but I really couldn't say why except that I wasn't as hungry and I was able to eat smaller portions. I remember trying on clothes that started getting baggy on me and the clincher was when I was running upstairs with my slip on shoes and walked right out of one! Then I realized even my feet had decreased in size!! I could not say that I even tried to lose the weight but it did come off...and I was thrilled!!
Some of us carry around a little more weight then we should. And I have to admit I am uncomfortable and I suffer arthritic pain in my major weight-bearing joints. Losing weight for me is for health and comfort reasons and not for cosmetic ones-although I do want to look better and function easier than I currently do. I feel I might decrease the pain I experience and that would be a blessing. I am considering hypnosis for myself this time in hopes I might benefit as much as my daughter did way back when...I Will keep you posted if I decide to give it a try!
Related Topics: Weight Congrol Health Center, Diets A to Z
Technorati Tags: hypnosis, weightloss, diet,
My daughter has suffered from a weight problem since she was about a year and a half. When she was about 13 years old we decided to try hypnosis as a way to lose weight. So we found this prominent hypnotherapist outside of Albany, NY and we went to see him. After talking to him, we decided to go ahead with it.
Because my daughter was only 13, I went in during the therapy. I was allowed to listen with a set of headphones so I could hear everything being said to her. We both had comfortable recliners to sit in so I had all of the same benefits she had. She was given special tapes to listen to each night for a month. She was faithful to the program and the results were incredible. She was a donuts and French fries junkie before being hypnotized. Once she was, she had no desire to eat them. In fact I had a call from her teacher because suddenly she was giving away her donuts and cookies. It was so unlike her, the teacher was afraid she was ill or something. I reassured her she was doing fine and I applauded her sticking with the program.
I remember going to a fast food restaurant and ordering a big burger sandwich, fries and soda. She ordered a salad and a diet soda and was perfectly satisfied. In fact, I would eat the fries in front of her and it never phased her a bit. She stayed on the diet for about three months and lost weight consistently in small amounts. Then we had an argument and for spite, she ate a donut in front of me... and it was as if she was never hypnotized. She regained the cravings for these things and unfortunately before too long, she regained the weight she had lost.
The other thing I realized was that I lost weight right along with her...but I really couldn't say why except that I wasn't as hungry and I was able to eat smaller portions. I remember trying on clothes that started getting baggy on me and the clincher was when I was running upstairs with my slip on shoes and walked right out of one! Then I realized even my feet had decreased in size!! I could not say that I even tried to lose the weight but it did come off...and I was thrilled!!
Some of us carry around a little more weight then we should. And I have to admit I am uncomfortable and I suffer arthritic pain in my major weight-bearing joints. Losing weight for me is for health and comfort reasons and not for cosmetic ones-although I do want to look better and function easier than I currently do. I feel I might decrease the pain I experience and that would be a blessing. I am considering hypnosis for myself this time in hopes I might benefit as much as my daughter did way back when...I Will keep you posted if I decide to give it a try!
Related Topics: Weight Congrol Health Center, Diets A to Z
Technorati Tags: hypnosis, weightloss, diet,
28 Comments:
My family lives in the Albany, NY, area. Quite a number of years ago, my Mom (who is no longer living) and several of my brothers and sisters went to a hypnotherapist in order to stop smoking. My Mom did succeed in quitting smoking. The others did not succeed at that time, but did quit eventually. I do not think any of them smoke today. (I do not live there anymore and never smoked.)
I think hyponotherapy for weight loss is probably a viable alternative and should be included in any list of drug and surgery-free options. I probably should try it myself.
Nancy Robison, Houston, TX
Regardless of effectiveness, Hypnosis should not be valued as a treatment option for anything. Giving someone else open access to your subconscious is crazy and as a health professional I would never suggest it to anyone.
Perhaps taking your daughter to the hynotist pressured her into changing her habits. Think about it. If you act concerned and even go to the extreme of taking your child to such a doctor (one that any child would clearly recognize is not the normal doctor they see) your child will pick up on the subtle hint that you view her as having something wrong with her. She didn't change miraculously because of being hypnotized, she changed to apease you. That also explains why she suddenly returned to her old eating habits after an argument with you. (Just a stab in the dark here, but was that argument about food or her progress?) As for your unexplained weight loss, the reduction in stress caused by not having to continually worry about your daughter would be enough to curb emotional eating, something most Americans do. Hypnosis is not a viable answer to the weight loss struggle, it's just another gimmic that will rob you of your money and your self-esteem. Do yourself and your daughter a favor and incorporate healthy eating and excercise into your daily life (two things that are time tested and approved).
When I went to a hynotist for weight loss a few weeks ago, I was afraid to get my hopes up too high. So many successful weight loss attempts have left me discouraged since eventually all the weight loss plus some pounds always came back.
What's different about this is that its almost effortless and easy. Never felt I could give up sugar and not feel deprived, or that I might treat myself to something sweet only to find that I'd lost my taste for it.
My hypnotist suggests eating mini meals when hungry and eating natural foods that are not fatty. So all I need to do is just keep some healthy foods around and its pretty simple. We'll see in the long term how it all works out, but its pretty unbelievable to me the weight I've loss without feeling deprived or obsessing about food.
I'd highly recommend hypnosis, and can't imagine anyone consider any of the surgeries for weight loss without at least trying hypnosis. Hypnosis is so much safer.
Hi the person who left this messages need to find out why thay are so judgemental of others.
Better to be overweight and happy enough to enjoy life than pig-headed and judgemental of others.
twenty years ago my husband & i went to a hypnotist for smoking. it didn't help us but i have heard several friends quit that way.
it can't hurt to try it unless you can't afford it. anything you can do to lose weight you should.
more important than you is your daughter. i can't believe that all you learned from this whole thing was that maybe you could lose weight with hypnosis? your daughter needs help now. sounds like you two have the same issues with food and maybe you were unable to encourage her because you were jealous of her weight loss. work it out for her sake. you're the mom!
Whoever said "stop eating like pigs" seriously needs professional help.
I was hypnotized for weight loss in June 2004,. One year later, I had lost 100 pounds. I have kept it off too. Keep in mind, I am a health care professional who understands the human body and importance of good nutrition and exercise. What I lacked was the ability to control my cravings. Now, I can eat one bite of a cookie and set it down. I have an adverse reaction to anything fried. The hypnosis was a part of a year long process where by I faced those cravings and overcame my lack of self control. Hypnosis is simply a powerful tool that can aid you in achieving your goals by tapping into your inner strength.
Thank you for your open and honest article. Those who have never had a weight problem should not comment as they do not understand the complexities involved. We all carry around with us known and unknown beliefs which can either assist us in achieving our goals or hinder our attempts, as in this case, weight loss. If you believe that Diet X probably won't work for you - guess what folks - it won't work. To help eliminate those beliefs and replace them with positive ones, hypnosis can assist where sheer willpower cannot. Bravo to you and your daughter for seeking help.
I had read several months ago about hypnosis as a viable option for weight loss. The magazine had rated several hypnotists and I chose one of them. I did not actually meet with the hypnotist, but rather, I bought his cd. The idea is that you set aside 25 minutes per day to listen to the cd for 21 consecutive days or more. I did this and I found it to be quite effective. I have lost weight continuously ever since - at a slow, steady pace while incorporating good nutrition and exercise. I wouldn't say that it was the hypnosis by itself that brought about my weight loss, but rather a combination of many things including the hypnosis. The 25 minutes a day that I set aside for myself is my time - time to focus on my priorities of good health and nutrition. Perhaps this is why it is so effective for me. I strongly urge others to try it - at least the cds, if not a live hypnotist - because it's fairly inexpensive (approx. $40-50)and it really can't hurt, but it can boost one's confidence and give a person time to think, reflect, destress, and focus.
Whether it's hypnosis, Weight Watchers or Jenny Craig, the important thing i s to realize why you overeat adn gain weight.
For many of us, we eat to satisfy emotional pain, we make cakes and cookies for family or friends so they will think the better of us.
Once the weight is lost we are prey to the trap of "I can eat a little bit of that (my "red light food") because I lost XX pounds.
Before you know it those pounds, and more, are back. And this time it's harder to loose.
I am very proud that she gave hypnosos a try. I also did that, but the clinic is 45 miles away and now with gas prices -well! to those that think hypnosis is a way for "someone to get into your mind", they don't have a clue how it works! Please don't be too quick to judge and it doesn't work for everyone. After all hypnosis is a choice and it's only a suggestion,
A number of years ago I went to a Hypnotist that promised weight loss and/or stopping you from smoking. There was a large group of people, and we all signed up with our credit cards. He then went into his routine, giving us all a small metal ball dangling from a metal chain. We were supposed to hold it up, and have you make the chain swing by thinking it. The chain on the people to my left and right seemed to be swinging, but not mine. I stared and thought and thought, trying to make my chain with ball swing. No WAy!! I got my money back, because it seems that I cannot hypnotize myself. I once gave up smoking COLD TURKEY. I did it, but remember I only had to give up ONE THING, CIGARETTES. With weight - you have to give up so many, many foods that I wonder whether I can ever do it. Is it possible that some of us cannot be hypnotized?
bubThis is a nice blog with very good information on NLP.I'll continue visiting it for more information.
Thanks,
Pradeep Aggarwal
I found quiting smoking with Hypnosis to be very easy and I did not even want to quit. I think it is easier than weight loss because you NEVER have to smoke another cigarette. However you do have to eat and deal with food on a daily basis.
I agree with the posts from people being supportive. If it works and is non-surgical, go for it. I'm motivated to try this too.
I'm a bit surprised at the person who won't do it because of gas prices. Isn't it better to pay a few bucks for gas rather than spend hundreds or thousands on food you shouldn't eat or on extra healthcare costs you wouldn't incurr if you weren't heavy? I realize that is a personal decision but if hypnosis can work for me, it's worth the up-front costs of fuel to save money (and physical pain) in what I hope to be the next 50+ years of life!
Good luck to all who try to drop the extra lbs. It's a battle worth fighting!
I just tried a hypnosis treatment 3 days ago. I can honestly say I have tried everything to help my cravings, stress mgmt and my inability to sense a full signal to stop eating. I have even unsuccessfully had bariatric surgery to no success 2 yrs. ago. I've been in the Phen-fen class action suit. So I can honestly say I have tried everything for the past 20 yrs. I am not sure of the outcome, but I know by day 3 I fell more relaxed, at peace with meal decisions, and satisfied with 1/2 portions and the ability to stop when I fell my appetite is satisfied. I am hoping the process will continue to work, it is expected to take 6 sessions to get me fully on track. I cannot see any negatives to trying this approach. I have been following and sticking to my balanced new eating program and to forget the word diet exists.
I am scheduled for a hypnosis treatment in two days for weight loss and to stop smoking. I don't care what anyone says, doing either one is almost impossible in today's stressful world. I have tried doing both at the same time and I honestly thought my husband and children were going to leave me. I have tried weight watchers, adkins, prescribed diet pills, lipo injections, and almost every diet pill that's over the counter. I haven't tried any aids to quit smoking because I don't want to gain more weight. I tried going cold turkey and smoking schedules. Let's just say the only time my family would speak to me was on my scheduled smoke breaks. I really hope this works because this is my last resort. I know that I Have to quit smoking and I have to lose weight. I am a nurse and as awful as it is, my patients do look at my weight as well as my health choices. How can I honestly look at my patients and say you need to quit smoking and then go on a smoke break myself? How can I look at a patient and tell them how their health will be altered unless they lose weight when I'm 30 pounds overweight? It's really hard for people who are in the public's eye and they don't have a model's figure. If you work in public then you will be judged by the public. Let's face it our society today can be cruel. How many of us have been walking down the street and see someone and judge them in our mind or aloud to someone else? It's awful that we're like that. I personally am trying to stop my thoughts mid-sentence when I'm judging someone because at the same time someone is probably judging me on that doughnut I'm eating while I'm smoking a cigarrette.
I have been thinking of trying a hypnosis cd series. I have been on Weightwatchers and lost weight before. I went off of the program and have been trying to get back in line and it is so much harder this time for me to burb my cravings. Has anyone tried the "Enjoying Weight Loss" cd's?
Hypnosis is safe, natural and non-invasive. It is a wonderful opportunity to allow your mind and your body to make the connection! I am sorry your daughter reverted to old habits, apparently there was a secondary gain in doing so. However, she doesn't have to believe that was failure, she can still make healthy choices and changes, with the proper hypnotherapist.
Hypnosis is the farthest thing from mind control. As a hypnotherapist myself, if it was mind control, I could guarantee world peace!
I encourage you to seek out a hypnotherapist that you have rapport with and begin the journey to weight release, pain release and living the life you desire!
How do I find a good hypnotist? My mother took me to one about 20 years ago, and it worked well for a couple of years, but then it wore off. The one I saw is no longer working. I don't know how to find a decent one.
i have been overwight most my life. i have tried everything my daughter got me those think and loss cd. and today it's been a week that i have been doing them. i was very skipial at frist but after the frist day i could tell the differant in my eating habbits. it's the best thing i have ever done. i feel like i have had weight loss surgery without the surgery. i will not have weight loss surgery i think it's to dangous and people do die from it and i am not willing to take a chance on it. and this was my only choice left. and to the person who couldn't afford the gas. get the cd's there about 50.00 and you can use them everyday. i just want to wish everyone good luck.
I have gained 25 lbs over the past 15 years very slowly. After having a baby I lost it all, but now I am busy, with a hectic lifestyle and I eat to nourish and to treat myself. I know I eat way too much. I am going to a hypnotist this Sunday with friends. I really hope it works.
I just had an evaluation at a local hypnotherapy center, and very much want to do it. Unfortunately, it costs $1977 for a six month program, with the option for a free additional year after completing the program. Does anyone know if this is typical? I just don't want to go into debt and have it backfire. I have tried it all, and realized a long time ago that the key is overcoming my attitudes about food and emotional eating. I recently lost a bunch of weight, only to put it all back on in a stressful month and a half! I have tried traditional counselling, but it never tackled the problem. For those of you who don't believe in hypnosis, I'd urge you not to be influenced by "show hypnotists". Its a proven fact that we only use a fraction of our brainpower, and if we can learn to unlock more of its power, imagine what we can accomplish?
To the poster that said
"anonymous said...Regardless of effectiveness, Hypnosis should not be valued as a treatment option for anything. Giving someone else open access to your subconscious is crazy and as a health professional I would never suggest it to anyone."
You really need to do some reading on what Hypnosis is and how it's applied. If you're scared of opening up your subconscious mind, and being controlled by someone, not going to happen. Hypnotists can only get suggestions in that you agree and want to do. If that weren't true, I'd be hypnotizing everyone to give me all their money and I'd be living higher then Donald Trum
This is very interesting - I was searching for some info on the safety of considering hypnosis for weight loss, thinking there would be a clear-cut answer!
I'm like some respondants here - I've tried a variety of weight-loss methods - and am successful up to about a 30 lb. loss, then just give up, or wear out, or SOMETHING. I think the real problem is in my mind - I don't believe within myself that I can achieve weight-loss success. My family begs me to keep trying as they are concerned for my health. I get frustrated with myself and my lack of will-power or ambition to "stick with it" - and that in turn, affects my self-esteem. I know it would do TONS for my personal view of myself as a person, my health, my energy level, etc. if I could whip this thing - so I am seriously considering the hypnisis approach. Now I just have to find one that is reputable. There is a seminar coming within driving distance with a 100% guarantee - a 2 1/2 hr. session and I'm wondering if it is worth trying for $50?????
Input appreciated! :-)
I am currently taking hypnosis sessions with a very reliable well trained master hypnotist - who set reasonable (30 lbs) goals for me. I am losing weight steadily but more importantly, I am sleeping better, the constant tension in my neck is gone, and she helped me with my performance anxiety (pianist). I am delighted with the results - I have a medical background and hesitated because of the attitude toward anything "alternative" but no more!
To the 'anonymous' person who stated using hypnosis is "crazy". You would best serve yourself by learning something about what you chime in on. Altered states of consciousness and varying levels of hypnoidal states affect you regardless of whether you "intentionally" allow it or not. It is a naturally occuring state of consciousness.
The biggest pitfall with people wishing to lose weight is they want a one-session wham-bam type approach. What I have found works best is several sessions that focus primarily on your eating habits, such as emotional and boredom eating as examples.
I have worked with many people over the years and found those that achieve the best results with hypnotherapy (hypnosis) also couple it with light exercise and common sense.
If you are considering hypnosis for losing weight, then do your research (there are thousands of medical research reports on the internet that show how effective hypnosis is) and, most importantly, research anyone you choose to do hypnosis with, and ensure their qualifications are sound.
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