"I am a 59 year old retired teacher from Halifax. I have always struggled with weight. Since retiring I had put on even more weight than when working. I had been to Slimming classes several times and had lost 4 stones on one occasion but it always went back on with extra on top. I always seemed to be dieting - and not being allowed to eat certain things made me want them even more, and of course I had them! Pies and fish butties were my favourites! 

In March this year my brother had been to Julie’s colleague and, having one session, managed to stop smoking after being a heavy smoker for 50+ years. I saw that weight loss was also available so I went to see Julie at the end of June 2007.

One of my problems was regular social drinking but when my wife was on her second drink I would be on my 4^th pint. 7 or 8 each night was, as Julie pointed out, just a habit. Julie said could stop me drinking beer completely but I enjoy the social aspect of the local so we agreed that I would only have 2 pints when I went there. 

This has actually happened and sometimes I go and do not have any beer at all.  We do not go out every night now and I have several days alcohol free. It really does not bother me.

Food was tackled next and the amounts I had were addressed. Having starters when out for a meal was just a habit so now I seldom bother with one. At an ex-colleague’s retirement meal I had to leave a load of meat as I was full!

So far I have lost 2 stone 5 pounds and I am NOT dieting. I eat what I want, though having no restrictions means I do not want things which will put on weight.

The other main thing which Julie sorted out was my exercise, or lack of it. I did not walk anywhere but now I walk every morning for my paper and other times as well.  Recently I walked a 4-mile trip to the shops when on a visit to my daughter’s house. I feel much fitter and enjoy going out for walks. 

I only regret that I didn’t go earlier to have the sessions. I would recommend hypnotherapy to anyone. My new eating, drinking and exercise habits are for life.  I do not look forward to when I can stop, which was what I did when following diets.

I am losing about 2 pounds a week, which is fine. It took a long time to put the weight on so I do not expect it to fall off suddenly but it will continue to come off. I am going to Spain soon for a week and this would have meant a lot of weight on in the past, but I know that it will not happened this time. It will also be nice to fit comfortably into the aeroplane seats!!

To anyone who is considering going to see Julie I would recommend it. It is one of the best things I have ever done."