Yes, I am aware of his recommendations, which mirrors that of most physicians, except of course, that he does include hypnotherapy as an option.
Actually, I have met the good doctor in person and attended several of his lectures (though he would not remember me, it was with many others at a symposium.)
In the real world, it is very rare that hypnotherapy would be the first thing tried in any circumstance, because our medical system is just not set up that way.
IBS patients seek out hypnotherapy when nothing has worked at the doctor's office. Anything outside the mainstream is suspect, even if it does work, and statistics found in studies do not always reflect what goes on in the real world. There are so many variables!
If exclusion of insoluable fiber, addition of SF, diet and lifestyle changes work - then hurray and I am super happy for those IBS patients that can address their symptoms this way.
But the fact remains, for those of us who are severe, refractory (which means nothing tried has helped satisfacorily)and who are at their wit's end, hypnotherapy has been the journey forward and the first glimpse at getting their life back.
No amount of reasons negates that. But medical protocols preclude trying it first, because it just isn't done! Not because it won't work!
So those of us who were despondant from all the other things not working have to wait and wait until we stumble upon the hypnotherapy via our own research (since it isnt suggested as a rule by docs)because of reported finite success - which still supercedes other treatment methods that have failed.
If you would apply that thinking to any other disease or health condition, it would be so irrational.
I do think using hypno as an adjunct with other treatments is fine. But then what are you treating? IBS symptoms are so similar to other digestive conditions - are you treating a lack of fiber, or the wrong fiber in your diet that causes IBS symptoms? Once that is addressed, is that what IBS "is" - a fiber adjustment needed in the diet?
If it was, then every single IBS patient would simply need to adjust their fiber and there would be no more IBS - but because there are so many different treatments, and so many people being helped with different ways for them - (calcium, imodium, prescription meds, supplements, SSRIs, antidepressents, diets, off-label uses of other meds) and I speak from experience - it is trial and error for most IBS patients when it comes to treatment.
Most of Michael's patients are so beaten down from years of trying things that didnt help. So then they are helped, in addition to removing years of pain and frustration. So, if docs did suggest hypno first (for their more severe patients) and then have 70% be helped, with the remaining 30% to go on to try meds, diet, fiber, etc. would that really be a bad thing?!
I guess it is perspective; since I speak with so many IBS sufferers who ARE despondant, sometimes bringing tears to my eyes, and having been there myself, I am passionate about helping those who suffer. I did my pre-grad work at a school affiliated with Mayo Clinic; my friends and family are in the medical field, and they too know the frustration of not being able to help people heal. So that is where I am coming from. IBS since 1983; being helped or helping on the BBs since 2000 - not because I have to be here, just giving back what was given to me - support! 
Thanks for your insights and info! It is good to be informed.
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My Journey and Success with the IBS Audio Program Hypnotherapy Program: www.helpforibs.com/messageboards/ubbthreads/showflat.php?Cat=&Board=hypnotherapy&Number=224850
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Re: Something interesting
