Hypnosis for weight loss?

I was reading this article on losing weight from hypnosis.  I have heard of this and know people who stopped smoking after being hypnotized.  I don’t know it if really works, or if people are just convincing themselves that hypnosis cured them in a mind over matter type of way.  I think that the idea is fascinating. 

In the article, Judy Seward struggled with her weight. She was 100 pounds overweight in April when she decided to make a change.  While her doctor suggested gastric bypass, she opted for a session with hypnotherapist Rena Greenberg.

Greenberg believes that hypnosis is about replacing her obsessive eating habits with healthier ones and not controlling her mind.

According to the article, during “private sessions - which run from $297 to $1,099 - Greenberg also adds this twist: convincing Judy that she's had surgery to apply a band around her stomach that physically limits her food intake.”

 In three and a half months, Judy has lost 30pounds due to her newfound love of fruits and vegetables. 

She also exercises using dance programs and she listens to CDs with Greenberg’s messages. 

Dr. David Sarwer, who runs Penn Medicine's Weight Management Program, says  “30 years of research haven't turned up evidence that it's effective for many people, especially that simulated weight loss surgery.”

He believes that Judy’s lifestyle changes are the cause of her weight loss and not hypnosis. 

I don’t know if I really believe in hypnosis, but if it worked for Judy, maybe it does work.  I don’t know.  Maybe I’ll try it. Or maybe not.