So what exactly is hypnotic gastric banding? How does it work? How does it differ from bariatric surgery? Bariatric surgery is weight-loss surgery: the term covers a number of procedures, the most common of which are gastric by-pass and gastric banding. This is currently available on the NHS to treat people who have a body mass index (BMI) of 40 or above – there is a move to have this reduced to 30. Those who have a BMI of 35 or higher and also suffer another serious health condition such as diabetes can also be considered. The operations can also be carried out privately. Typically having a hypnotic gastric band fitted would cost between £5,000 and £9,000, and a gastric by-pass operation would cost anything between £9,000 and £15,000. A gastric band operation is used to reduce the size of the stomach so that not so much food is needed to make you feel full. Imagine your stomach as a figure 0 – when the gastric band is in place it becomes a figure 8 with the top section smaller than the lower section. The top (smaller) section becomes your whole stomach, so of course it does not take as much food to fill it up. In a gastric bypass operation, tubing by-passes past most of the stomach so that less food is actually digested – but this also means that the body cannot extract and process the vital nutrients in the food that is eaten, meaning patients have to stick to a very strict diet with vitamin supplements. There is no doubt that both procedures are very effective and patients can lose up to 1/3 of their total body weight in a matter of months. However, this creates a separate problem – how to cope with the rolls of flab that are left hanging, primarily over the stomach. In many cases a second operation is required to cut this away. The side-effects of such operations can include blood clots and internal bleeding. Interestingly, on the NHS website, it also states that certain conditions including depression will not necessarily be improved by having such surgery. The “fitting” of a hypnotic gastric band is a non-invasive procedure that is done while the client is in a deep state of relaxation rather than under an anaesthetic. I only “fit” a hypnotic gastric band after several sessions with the client in which we uncover and resolve the real underlying emotional reasons why he or she is holding on to excess weight in the first place. It could be for comfort or protection against traumas such as childhood abuse, broken relationships, bullying at home, school or in the workplace,  or even termination of a pregnancy. Once the emotional onion has been peeled, and all of these issues have been dealt with and laid to rest, the client no longer needs that comfort or protection, and is ready to let go of the excess weight. Then – and only then – do we discuss whether he or she actually needs a gastric band at all. If the answer is yes, then it is a normal session where the client goes through a virtual operation, so to speak, from being in a comfortable private hospital room to having the pre-med, then being wheeled into the operating theatre, having the anaesthetic, then the gastric band is fitted, back to the room, come back and all is well.  That is, of course, a simplified version. The client’s unconscious is convinced that there is a real gastric band in place and therefore programmes the physical body accordingly. It is safer, simpler – and far more cost-effective than going under the surgeon’s knife. If you would like to know more, contact Judy Sharp, hypnotherapist at Vinings Natural Health Centre on 07597 020 512 or go to:  www.effective-hypnotherapy.co.uk .    

Yaso is our resident herbal medicine lady. She has applied all of her scientific knowledge of plants and natural remedies to develop her own range of fabulous creams, lotions, oils and soaps that are kind on the skin and totally free of harmful chemicals. The range is called Centella and you can buy individual items or beautiful gift boxes that would make fabulous presents for those who want only the best skin care. For more information, visit the Centella website:  www.centellaskincare.co.uk   or call 07817 420 118.  

It’s not always easy to choose the perfect present for that someone special – may we suggest something a little different? How about a gift voucher from Vinings Natural Health Centre? Starting from just £15, the vouchers allow the lucky recipient to choose a treatment from any of our practitioners. It could be a pampering aromatherapy massage perhaps, or a treat for the feet. Acupuncture, homeopathy and herbal remedies can restore balance in the body and improve overall wellbeing. Or what about a past life regression? If you would like to give the gift of wellbeing this Christmas – call Caroline on 07552 167 439 or email her on  caroline@vinings.myzen.co.uk for more information.    

You know what it’s like when you’ve organised a party or an event, and you are never quite sure how many people are going to turn up? So it was for our recent Taster Day – but we didn’t have to worry at all! At one minute past ten, the first couple arrived to have their free taster sessions of everything that was on offer – and it went from there! The therapists who were offering free tasters were kept busy all day – visitors enjoyed acupuncture, reflexology and different kinds of massage. It was easy to spot those who had received treatments – they floated out of the door with smiles on their faces! The talks proved popular as well. Helen Malik talked about food intolerances, a common issue nowadays, especially with so much processed food in the typical diet and hidden “nasties” in many so-called natural foods. Yaso Shan demonstrated her skills and experience with herbal remedies and even made up a herbal remedy to ease arthritis during her presentation! Judy Sharp talked about the various ways in which past life traumas can trigger issues in the current lifetime, including relationships, health and money. It was all food for thought! We were delighted to see so many old friends there, and to welcome new friends to Vinings for the first time. Because Vinings has been going for 25 years, some people said “I used to come to you years ago, how lovely that you are still here!” while others said, “we’ve only recently moved to the town and we hadn’t found you until now” – so it showed that by getting out and about at The Orchards and the Town Day, we do meet new people! If you knew us ages ago, or if you have only just found us – come along and say hello!