In January 2013, Lena Redding walked into my life. It was a slow and courageous walk. In the year that followed, her steps became lighter, quicker and more determined. I have had the great joy and privilege to be a part of that journey. Allow me to digress in order that I may explain.
Lena was later featured in the Personal Best section of the Tampa Bay Times, where writer Irene Maher highlighted Lena’s newfound love of Zumba and her mission to inspire others to become fit and healthy—regardless of size. At the time she began her journey, Lena weighed 324 pounds on a 5’2” frame. What the article didn’t fully capture was how hypnosis became a turning point in her weight-loss journey.

Choosing a Different Path

Lena had tried many diets and weight-loss programs throughout her life. Like many people who struggle with obesity, she knew all the tips and tricks—but knowledge alone wasn’t enough. Appetite suppressants didn’t work for her, and she knew she needed something different.

After a serious but compassionate conversation with her chiropractor, Dr. Scott Coletti, Lena made a decision to change her health for good. She chose to participate in the Virtual Gastric Band™ hypnosis program, a non-surgical weight-loss approach that works by training the brain to perceive a smaller stomach capacity.

The Virtual Gastric Band procedure is natural, safe, and non-invasive. Through hypnosis, clients experience a sensation similar to the surgical Lap Band—feeling satisfied with less food and developing healthier eating behaviors.

The Power of Hypnosis in Weight Loss

From day one, Lena was an exemplary client. One program agreement is to purchase a piece of clothing in the desired size and place it where it will be seen daily. Lena took this seriously. She bought a new dress, named it, photographed it, and even used it as her phone wallpaper. When temptation crept in, she had very real “conversations” with that dress.

But the biggest changes went far beyond the scale.

Lena became someone who liked to move. She preferred walking and talking instead of sitting. Shopping became easier. Social events felt less stressful. Most importantly, she felt calmer and more resilient.

“Things aren’t as serious as they used to be,” Lena shared. “Even when things are bad, my attitude is now: can we solve it? If not, it is what it is.”

Why the Virtual Gastric Band Worked for Lena

When I asked Lena what she liked most about the hypnosis sessions, her answer was powerful:

“I thought the sessions would only focus on food and exercise. Boy, was I wrong. You asked questions that helped me get to the real issues. I wasn’t being told what to do—I was figuring it out for myself.”

Stress eating had been one of Lena’s biggest challenges. By addressing stress at its root, she was able to make lasting changes. Hypnosis worked because she was an active participant in her own transformation.

When self-doubt crept in, Lena listened to her hypnosis audios from our sessions. Those recordings helped her stay focused and grounded during difficult moments.

A Life Changed—For Good

Lena now leads Zumba classes filled with energy and joy. When Dr. Coletti later called to congratulate her, she described the conversation as “a whole lotta love.”

When asked what advice she would give others who have tried everything to lose weight, Lena said:

“Overweight people have tried so many things—so why not try stepping outside the box?”

Feeling the band, addressing emotional eating, and learning to respond to stress differently changed her life.

 
UPDATE: The fine folks at Zumba found this article and suggested that I could add a link to their coupons. To quote them, “who doesn’t love to save?” Here is the link…. Coupon Codes Zumba