Women from across the country met in Florida with a common purpose: to learn how to live the best life possible after WLS!

The NAWLS Renewal Retreat was an amazing and powerful time. We gathered in Navarre Beach, Florida, and shared a lot of laughter, some tears, and compassionate support.

We spent time getting to know each other.

Sherly Armes-Harding, from North Carolina, had this to say:

"I wasn't sure I would be comfortable in a group of strangers, but I didn't feel that way once I walked in the door. WOW. We had so much in common, and I now know I am not alone on my WLS journey. I enjoyed all the women. And Katie shared excellent information and made the whole thing interesting and fun. She has some amazing insights and is so profoundly inspirational, because she has walked the walk and has overcome many of her own struggles. I highly recommend this retreat to WLS patients -- no matter what the surgery type. It is my second NAWLS retreat, and I'm already saving up to the next one!!!!"

We spent a lot of time laughing!

Robin Zinaman, from New York, wrote to say:

"Hi Katie, I just wanted to take a minute and thank you for an absolutely incredible weekend.  I learned so much and, at the same time had so much fun!
 
Thank you for providing a comfortable environment and a safe harbor. I bonded with each and every woman there!
 
You are a remarkable woman and I am so honored to have had the opportunity to spend so much time with you. You are an inspiration and truly a shining light. Much love - Robin."

We commiserated about our burdens and learned how to lighten them.

Bernie Ingrham, from Pennsylvania, shared this:

"This is the second NAWLS retreat I have attended in three months! I LOVE them. People don't know ahead of time if it's worth the money, or worth taking the time off work. But let me tell you, it is life changing! I felt so safe, I didn't want to leave. And I have never laughed so hard in my life. I also loved meeting all the women. We have so much in common, yet each of us has a unique beauty. It was amazing!"

We juggled cats!

Beth Patrick, from Georgia, shared this in the NAWLS forum: 

"I'm new to NAWLS but just wanted to tell everyone what a wonderful retreat Katie put on. It was awesome! I was fearful because I had never gone to a retreat before much less with 8 other women I had never met and 1 had met briefly (Katie). But from the moment I walked in I knew I was in a safe place and my fears evaporated. Katie is like the sun coming out on a cloudy day!! She is so inspirational..so many gems to take away. I have never posted on a forum either but I just wanted to share the joy of such a wonderful weekend. Thank you, Katie Jay!"

Katie gave us the flying felines to take home as souvenirs.

We got a visit from the "Boundary Queen" during the workshop on setting boundaries.