Landlady kicks lager habit and feels good
A LANDLADY claims hypnosis stopped her drinking 20 pints a day and helped her lose three stone.
Mary Gowler-Hawkes, who runs the Welcome Inn in Fullbridge, used to neck calorie-loaded pints of lager in a bid to cope with her unhappiness.
But after deciding enough was enough, the grandmother-of-three kicked the beer and lost three stone in the process.
Speaking at her pub located at the bottom of Market Hill, 47-year-old Mary said: "I feel absolutely fantastic.
"I really did used to drink that many pints, followed by vodka chasers.
"I felt really miserable and all that alcohol makes you feel depressed.
"I wasn't eating healthily and that much alcohol is not good for anyone.
"My health started to suffer and in the end I knew I had to do something about it all."
Seeking the services of Maldon-based hypnotherapist, Alice Pinion, Mary was trained how to think more positively and crush her binge cravings. She added: "Working in a pub it's so easy to drink too much and eat the wrong things.
"There's always crisps and things behind the bar so I would snack all the time.
"After my sister passed away, things got worse and I knew Alice would be my last resort.
"She hypnotised me into thinking I'd had a gastric band.
"The day after I'd had my band 'fitted' I really felt like I'd had an operation.
"I felt dreadful and couldn't even get out of bed.
" But after that the difference was amazing.
" I felt full after eating small meals and didn't want to touch beer at all.
"I had the operation and have lost just under three stone.
" I want to lose another three stone after Christmas, even though I've already dropped two dress sizes.
"I haven't given up alcohol all together as I still have a few vodkas two nights a week but that's because I work in a social environment."
And it's not only Mary's waistline that's changed dramatically.
"I used to be such a worrier and really stressed, now I'm calm, so much happier and just enjoying life.
"My daughter was worried about how much I was drinking, so she's really pleased I've given up.
"And my three grandsons are six, four and two, so I've got even more energy to run around after them.
"To be honest, even walking up Market Hill was difficult for me but now it's easy.
"And all my punters think my transformation's great – they're calling me the 'sexy cougar'."
6 Comments
by Brainybird
Wednesday, February 29 2012, 3:03PM
“luvduplin - I do have a personality and no need for hypnotherapy. Get all the therapy I need living on the white sands of the Caribbean.”
by Frankiiii
Wednesday, February 29 2012, 9:12AM
“Sadly Mary and her hypnotherapist are not wise enough to know if she needs a little more help. Alcoholics do not recover through hypnotherapy, the disease is progressive and will get worse in her later life unless she takes action now.
As a friend luvduplin you need to get you friend into recovery, kind words will not holt her disease.
More info here: http://tinyurl.com/84g3k”
by luvduplin
Wednesday, February 29 2012, 8:51AM
“Well done Mary! You and your hypnotherapist are certainly wise enough to know if you need a little more help - just stay committed and positive.
Reading the comments from StuartAxe (get a life Stu!) and the so called "Brainy"bird (get a personality BB!) makes me feel a little sad. Hopefully, you've both found something more useful to do by now - BB, if you're still so unhappy with yourself, maybe you could try a course with a hypnotherapist.”
by Frankiiii
Monday, December 12 2011, 5:24PM
“Sadly alcoholism cannot be treated long term like that, I suggest she gets herself down to AA if she doesn't want to be back drinking those levels again by the new year.”
by StuartAxe
Friday, December 09 2011, 4:37PM
“Scraping the beer barrel for so called news stories this week aren't we 'this is Essex'?”
by Brainybird
Friday, December 09 2011, 12:43PM
“Is that a before or after photo - hopefully before.”