Virtual Gastric Band

The following is the press release used after the completion of the 'Virtual Gastric Band' trial.

Virtual Gastric Band’ could save the NHS £Millions

Since undertaking a trial for the ‘Virtual Gastric Band’ last year, East Yorkshire based hypnotist, Sheila Granger is continuing to help people to lose weight. The group trial showed a 99% positive result.

A group comprising of twenty-one people of varying ages, lifestyles and weights shared one common factor - a history of diet plans and a struggle to maintain a satisfactory weight and size.
The virtual gastric band is applied under hypnosis, with no invasive surgery. The subconscious believes the stomach is smaller and the mind doesn’t allow a person to over-eat. There is no diet, instead simple rules to reduce portion sizes, motivation to exercise and a supporting hypnotherapy CD to listen each day.

Hypnotist, Sheila Granger explains:-

“In the first week I explained that I do not wave a magic wand, instead by consciously following the rules each person should achieve a natural, steady loss of inches.”

“Twenty-one candidates completed the trial and each of them experienced good results over the five-week programme.”

“When the trial began I expected to see a 50-60% success rate. In a group the hypnosis is watered down as I am unable to focus on individual issues - it is much more general. However, I am very excited to find that we have had a 99% positive result. The final session was a tightening of the band and now I won’t see the group until late November for pre-Christmas support.”

The figures from the 5-week trial are as follows:-

22 candidates – 21 successes

Total group loss – 4.73 metres

Average loss – 22.5cm

Most individual lost – 47cm

Least – 5cm

Sheila goes on to explain: “The key is to focus on inches lost rather than weight, however, in approximate terms 1 inch lost equates to 1lb. Therefore, we estimate a group loss of approximately (190inches) = 190lb or 14 stones!"

One particularly successful candidate due to undergo an actual gastric band operation is under a consultant at Castle Hill Hospital . She weighed 21.5 stones and has herself recorded more than 2 stones weight loss since the trial began. She is considering cancelling the operation as she is so pleased with the success of the ‘Virtual Gastric Band’.

She explains: “I have reduced my portion sizes dramatically and joined the gym. I feel motivated and my willpower is supported by the hypnosis.”

The most important thing about the virtual gastric band in comparison to the actual gastric band is that the virtual version deals with the issues in a person’s mind and their relationship with food. Having a foreign body inside your stomach simply does not deal with psychological factors.
A surgical patient can still over eat and burst the band, plus they have to eat a pureed diet. With the virtual band, if they find they are eating too much, it can be tightened under hypnosis, there is no invasive surgery and they are treating the psychological problems not just the physical.

Another successful candidate Amanda Brown says: “It has changed the way I approach food. I no longer constantly think about it like I used to, I feel in control.”

Prue Blake said “I have enjoyed listening to the supporting CD each day. It made me feel relaxed and re-energised. I now feel more in control of my eating habits and have stopped nibbling and eating in-between meals.”

Sheila Granger explains:
“The general consensus from the group shows increased will-power and no need to deprive themselves of the foods they enjoy. As humans if we are told to avoid something, we crave it even more.”

“I have been reporting this success to the NHS as I know the virtual gastric band can support and in some cases replace the actual gastric band. The NHS needs to save money and considering the cost of the surgery (approximately £10K) and Britain’s obesity problem the success of the virtual band cannot be ignored. Unfortunately so far, I haven’t received a response.”