Hi there, great idea! Years ago I asked an anesthesiologist to "hold the room" when I had my gall bladder surgery. He had no idea what I was talking about and I'm sure he thought I was out of my mind. This was in groovy Vermont, too, but kind of a while back. I can see his face now.

When I started this band journey at the beginning of the summer I decided to look for a therapist so I'd have an objective person to go through the process with me. When I got the list of providers from our insurance company, I couldn't believe it when there was a hypnotherapist listed. I studied hypnotherapy about twenty years ago when we lived in California and I respond well to those relaxation techniques. Also Mindful Meditation, etc. My eating issues are so connected to anxiety -- stress eating, soothing myself, etc. I really want to sort out whatever I can ahead of time so I am really ready to go once I am banded. I know there will be head hunger, but when it comes I will be ready!

I will definitely ask the anesthesiologist to plant some healing information in my brain -- and I'll do it myself as well. I think I'll write it up on a piece of paper to make it easy. I think of the band as a gift I'm giving to my body, the help it needs to get healthy. I have needed to make friends with my body again and what better thing to do than offer up a gift like this?