The Lowdown on Virtual Gastric Banding: A Revolutionary Weight Loss Technique

Weight loss can be one of the most frustrating and emotionally exhausting journeys a person can undertake. For many, the cycle of dieting, failing, and then starting over again becomes a routine that drains not only their motivation but also their self-esteem. If this resonates with you, you’re far from alone. Across Melbourne and beyond, countless people are stuck in that same exhausting loop, yearning for a solution that doesn’t involve harsh restrictions, shame, or surgery. And that’s where Virtual Gastric Banding enters the conversation—a revolutionary approach that offers hope by combining the power of hypnosis with a mindset shift that empowers long-term change.

A New Paradigm in Weight Loss: Why Virtual Gastric Banding Matters

The idea of losing weight without restrictive diets or invasive surgery sounds almost too good to be true, doesn’t it? That scepticism is understandable. After all, weight loss is a billion-dollar industry built on the back of promises that rarely hold up in real-life situations. But Virtual Gastric Banding offers something fundamentally different. Instead of attacking the symptoms of overeating or poor dietary habits, this approach addresses the root cause—your mind.

Virtual Gastric Banding, sometimes called VGB, is a psychological strategy that utilises hypnotherapy to help individuals believe that their stomach has been physically reduced in size—similar to what happens during an actual gastric band surgery, except without the scalpel, the anaesthesia, or the recovery time. It’s about guiding your mind to change your relationship with food and your body.

Understanding Virtual Gastric Banding: How Does It Actually Work?

You might be wondering how something like Virtual Gastric Banding can really work. The process begins with hypnosis, a focused and receptive mental state in which the subconscious mind becomes more open to suggestion. Contrary to popular myths, hypnosis isn’t about being “under someone’s control.” It’s simply a state of deep relaxation and concentrated focus—similar to getting lost in a book or a film—where change can be gently seeded.

During Virtual Gastric Banding sessions, the hypnotherapist guides the client through a carefully structured process designed to mimic the physical experience of undergoing gastric band surgery. Clients may visualise being in a hospital, meeting with a surgeon, and having the band fitted. The brain registers these imagined experiences as real, and because our thoughts shape our habits, clients begin to feel fuller faster—often eating smaller portions without even trying.

Why Choose Virtual Gastric Banding Over Surgical Alternatives?

Let’s talk about the most obvious comparison: traditional gastric band surgery. The surgical approach can offer real results, especially for those who are significantly overweight and have exhausted all other options. But it also carries real risks—anaesthesia complications, infection, internal bleeding, and long recovery periods, not to mention the emotional toll of undergoing major surgery.

Now contrast that with Virtual Gastric Banding. There are no incisions, no hospital stays, and no physical recovery period. You walk into your session, fully clothed and in control, and you walk out the same day—feeling empowered, not traumatised.

Does Virtual Gastric Banding Really Work? Exploring the Evidence

Scepticism is healthy—especially in an industry full of false hope. So, what does the evidence say about Virtual Gastric Banding?

Studies conducted in the UK have shown promising results. In one 12-week programme, participants lost an average of nearly seven kilograms. That kind of result is significant—especially when you consider that it came without any physical intervention, and in many cases, without strict dieting.

How Does VGB Stack Up Against Other Diets and Weight Loss Strategies?

Most diets operate on one core principle: restriction. Whether it’s counting calories, cutting carbs, or fasting during set hours, the underlying message is the same—you can’t trust yourself to make the right choices, so here’s a rulebook to follow instead.

Virtual Gastric Banding offers a fundamentally different approach. Rather than policing your food intake, it reprogrammes the habits and beliefs that lead to overeating in the first place. Clients are encouraged to enjoy food—just not to excess. There’s no guilt for having dessert. There’s no pressure to log every calorie. Instead, there’s an inner shift that naturally leads to moderation.

Why the Mind Is the Key to Sustainable Weight Loss

At the heart of Virtual Gastric Banding is a profound truth: lasting change begins with the mind. Think about it. Every action you take—whether it’s reaching for a second helping or going for a walk—involves a decision. And every decision is shaped by beliefs, emotions, and habits that live deep within your subconscious.

Hypnosis is one of the most direct and powerful ways to influence that inner voice. It bypasses the conscious resistance and speaks directly to the part of you that wants to change but doesn’t know how. That’s why Virtual Gastric Banding can be so effective. It’s not just telling you to eat less. It’s helping you want to eat less, feel satisfied with less, and believe that you deserve to be healthy.

Real People, Real Results: The Human Impact of Virtual Gastric Banding

One of the most rewarding aspects of offering Virtual Gastric Banding at Release Hypnosis is seeing the transformation in clients—not just physically, but emotionally and mentally. People walk in feeling hopeless, burdened by years of failed attempts and self-judgement. They walk out with a sense of empowerment and renewed optimism.

We’ve had clients reduce their portions without even thinking about it. Others report losing interest in foods they used to crave obsessively. Some begin sleeping better, exercising more, and feeling more in tune with their bodies than they have in years.

Is Virtual Gastric Banding Right for You?

If you’ve tried every diet under the sun, if you’ve battled with body image, emotional eating, or inconsistent motivation, then Virtual Gastric Banding could be a turning point. It’s not a quick fix, but it is a powerful tool for sustainable change.

This approach is especially suited for those who want to lose weight without harsh restrictions or invasive procedures. It’s for people who are ready to explore the psychological side of eating, to cultivate mindfulness, and to build a new relationship with food grounded in respect, balance, and self-compassion.

Getting Started with Virtual Gastric Banding in Melbourne

At Release Hypnosis, we’ve been supporting clients with Virtual Gastric Banding since 2016. Located conveniently on St Kilda Rd, we offer a warm, non-judgemental environment where your goals and experiences are treated with care and respect.

Each VGB programme is tailored to the individual, typically involving a series of hypnotherapy sessions along with supportive audio recordings and lifestyle coaching. We work with you to uncover your unique challenges and guide you toward healthier patterns—not through willpower alone, but by changing how you think and feel at a core level.

Final Thoughts: The Future of Weight Loss Is in Your Mind

Virtual Gastric Banding isn’t just a technique. It’s a shift in how we approach weight loss altogether. Instead of punishment and restriction, it offers insight and empowerment. Instead of shame and failure, it encourages self-compassion and resilience.

If you’re ready to stop dieting and start changing, then perhaps it’s time to try something new—something that respects your body and honours your mind.

You don’t have to keep fighting food. You can build a healthier relationship with it. And it starts not with another plan or product, but with the most powerful tool you already have: your mind.

Release Hypnosis Melbourne Hypnotherapy

Since 2016, Lawrence Akers has been working under the name Release Hypnosis offering Hypnotherapy and ACT based work to the people of Melbourne or an online service. Based on St Kilda Rd, Release Hypnosis is an easy and convenient location to get to and accessible by the ANZAC station train and tram stop. Release Hypnosis can help with a wide range of presenting issues, and I offer a free 30 minute no obligation discovery call for those who are unsure if hypnotherapy is the right way forward for them. Release Hypnosis has also been trained in the Sheila Granger Virtual Gastric Branding protocol.

Book Your FREE 30 Minute Consultation With Release Hypnosis NOW!

You may also like to read:
How to Harness the Power of Your Subconscious Mind for Positive Change
Can’t Visualise in Hypnosis? Here’s What You Can Do Instead.
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