I have had the Hypnoband procedure and went through the program over a 6-week period.
I have lost 13lbs!!!!
My therapist was amazing. She spent a lot of time with me discussing my eating 'triggers' and why my behaviour is ending up with me stuffing my face.
The hypnosis focuses on changing self image, eating less, and in a more nutritious manner. The sessions encourage you to eat smaller portions and to be satisfied with less (this is where the 'band' bit comes in - you subconsciously believe that you can't eat that much...you actually feel uncomfortable and vaguely ill if you over-eat).
My 'operation' didn't have all the smells pumped in and I never watched a video - but when that session did take place, there were background operation sounds.
The whole thing is done over 4-6 sessions depending on your consultant. Mine did 6 sessions (one of which included the consultation...which she spent 1.5 hours with me, she was only supposed to spend 30 min.... and an extra one on 'Changing Limiting Beliefs' to help deal with all negative issues and attitude that make you feed your face).
I have been on EVERY diet going and at the start had about 4 stone to loose. I have done SW, Cambridge, IPD, everything. I loose about 10lbs and then give up and gain it all back plus more.
This time I feel in control - I AM NOT ON A DIET. I feel that I have chosen a new way of eating. I have spent all summer being in situations where I normally would have pigged out (lots of crisps, meals out, kids at home so crap in the house). I honestly feel like I DON'T NEED to eat it. When I do eat that sort of stuff, I choose to do it and don't beat myself up.
No one would know I was on a diet - I eat what I am cooking the family (I serve myself the same portion as my 4-year old son). I eat fruit for snacks and drink lots of water. I have cut back on bread and sugar, but still eat a sandwich when I want, and pudding if I feel like it. I eat slower and chew my food out of habit now...which honestly has made a massive difference.
I am very proud of myself. Now, I need to clarify that I have been making a serious effort, not in a painful I'm starving myself way, but in the sense that I have been conscious about what I eat and THINKING about my behaviour. This is not a magic cure - do not go in expecting to be hypnotised into not wanting to eat food...if you are a terribly negative person, not willing to change your behaviour, attitude, or do some self evaluation - this is not the program for you and you will waste your money.
You need to go in for the sessions and you also need to listen to CD's (I listen to them everyday). You need to be positive and want to make some changes.
I am very happy with my progress and have accepted that this is going to be a long process with some life changing decisions...but that is what the program is all about.