The Ocean Isle 2008 NAWLS Renewal Retreat. (We did not want to leave!)

Just 3 Days to a
Healthier, Happier You...

**Attention ALL Bariatric Surgery Patients, Including Gastric Bypass, DS, Band, and Sleeve: **

 "Give Me Just 3 Days...And I'll Give You My Entire Step-by-Step System for Transforming Your Life After Weight Loss Surgery into a Wildly Successful and Fulfilling Experience that Includes Not Only Reaching Your Weight-Loss Goal and STAYING THERE, but also the Steps, Tools, and Mindset You Need to Create a Vibrant Future and to Transform Yourself into the Most Confident, Healthy, and Happy Person You Could Ever Imagine."

It's No Accident... I've Done It, and You Can, Too. I'm Revealing ALL My Secrets, Step-by-Step, at my Newly Added NAWLS Renewal Retreat:

October 23-26, 2009:

at the Naramata Centre in Naramata, Canada

But HURRY... Right Now We Can Only Take Up to 30 Registrations Total!

From: Katie Jay, Wilmington, North Carolina, USA
Tuesday, 8:30 a.m.

Dear Friend,

Are you a bariatric surgery patient (gastric bypass, DS, band, or sleeve), who would like to...

• Lose your fear of weight regain?
  
• Lose your feelings of unworthiness?
  
• Lose your self-destructive eating in reaction to emotional triggers?
  
• Lose your uncontrollable cravings for refined carbohydrates?
  
• Lose your regained weight?
  
• Lose your obsession with food, your body, and the scale?
  
• Lose your fat personality and the mindset that keeps you stuck?

And...

Gain a new, healthy perspective on yourself and your life?

Gain the steps, tools, and strategies you need to reach your WLS goals?

Gain a real-life WLS Mentor to guide you?

...A mentor who actually IS at goal weight, living a fulfilling and exciting life, and who has taken FULL personal responsibility for her WLS success!

Then I'm ready to help YOU this fall at my NAWLS Renewal Retreats in Naramata, Canada!

You see...

"I Used to Be Where You Are Right Now!"

Three years ago, my WLS honeymoon had ended and my hunger had come back. Of course, it wasn't long until some of the weight I had lost came back, too! I was devastated. And worse, I was out of control -- at least that is what I told myself.

I got into a cycle of making healthy food choices for a few days, succumbing to sugar cravings, feeling out of control with the sweets and carbs, gaining a pound or two, and eventually managing to eat right again for another few days.

Then the cycle would start again. And, of course, I didn't lose the weight that I gained. I just kept packing on more weight.

I felt fat and I was hungry all the time; I was white-knuckling my way through life.

What was so frustrating was how hard I fought to stay in control, and how exhausting that fight was. I really didn't think I would ever get my act together and get a handle on my eating. I was so close to giving up.

Let's face it. I was an emotional and physical mess after my weight regain. My thought life was overrun with negativity like a patch of unruly weeds. I was in major emotional pain.

My outer life wasn't in such great shape, either. My food choices were horrible, and much of the food I was eating was setting me up to crave more food -- and I was beating myself up for being weak-willed and a failure.

But, thankfully, I didn't give up.

I kept looking for answers, convinced that there had to be something that would help me. As I struggled to take control of my emotional life and self esteem, I realized I had what I call a "fat personality." I was more negative than Eeyore and was playing the victim, telling myself I was hopeless and could never change.

After a particularly bad eating episode, I sat alone in my living room and cried. I thought about all my dreams being shattered and realized that if I didn't do something different, I was likely to return to morbid obesity.

In that dark hour, I came to the decision that I was willing to go to ANY lengths, willing to consider all possibilities, willing to make whatever changes were necessary to achieve long-term weight loss and good health -- and that I wanted those things because I wanted to live fully, enjoy my relationships, and be a messenger of hope to others.

I stopped playing the victim and took responsibility for my beliefs, thoughts, choices, and actions.

To me, negative thoughts and beliefs are like a garden full of weeds. Even an overrun garden has potential, but without a decision and some effort, that potential will never be reached.

TODAY, I am the "master gardener" of my life, choosing to cut back my unhelpful beliefs and behaviors, and plant the seeds of health and hope.

I also lost all of the weight I had regained, and got rid of my out-of-control hunger. YES, I lost all the weight that I had regained, have maintained that loss, and with the right strategy, have said goodbye to my ravenous drive for carbs.

Pretty amazing, right?

Listen, I'm not sharing this simply to impress you. But I am sharing it to press upon you that this IS absolutely doable, I've learned the system to do it, and YOU can do it, too.

It's an unbelievable feeling when you've been struggling so hard for so long (and you thought it had to be that way), when suddenly...

WOW...

...the system appears, the weeds are tamed, and your success is blooming like an exquisite garden.

It's honestly been a dream come true, allowing me the health and confidence to:

• Be at goal weight and have more energy than ever
• Be at peace with my eating
• Put my health needs first
• Take responsibility for my well-being and my happiness
• Help others find peace with food, their bodies, and the scale
• And, most important to me, be F-R-E-E from my fat personality and my constant struggle with food and my weight!

And I'll let you in on something else... I do not eat low-fat diet foods and exercise like crazy. I eat food that is satisfying, in the quantities that are satisfying -- and I exercise enough to feel strong and fit, but not to excess.

Would you like to know exactly how I do this?

Good! Keep reading, because...

"I'm Ready to Teach You My Complete System,
Step-by-Step, LIVE and In Person."

Our Renewal Retreats are a time to reflect on your WLS journey and make new friends, who share your dreams and goals.

Over the last few years I've spent tons of money, read countless books, interviewed more than one-hundred experts, and more importantly, communicated with thousands of WLS patients. As I worked to support others on their WLS journey, I also tested on myself almost every possible strategy I thought might bring better WLS success!

I found out:

• How to halt weight regain.
• What foods reduce my carb cravings and keep me satisfied longer.
• How to lose weight and keep it off long-term, without dieting.
• How to identify the thinking patterns that were sabotaging my efforts and how to create a more effective thought life.
• Which of my beliefs were making success unlikely, and how to change them.
• How to respond in a more healthy way to life's challenges, rather than by eating.
• How to boost my self confidence and claim my worthiness.
• Which strategies to use when life gets hard, or when trauma happens.

Now, I've GOT it. I've got this all down to a COMPLETE SYSTEM that I want to pass on to those who want the same success.

You see, I've been VERY good at teaching people PARTS of this system, and now I'm going to connect all the dots for you!

I am putting it ALL together and giving away ALL my secrets.

In fact, I'm going to give you a complete BLUEPRINT to weight loss surgery success.

It's all at my NAWLS Renewal Retreats!

But first let me tell you what a NAWLS Renewal Retreat is NOT...

This is not another program for which you pay good money to be talked at by a bunch of biased presenters who want to sell you something.

This is a HANDS-ON RETREAT with well-organized workshops and experiences that build one upon another, allowing you to learn new information and to practice applying it!

It's just YOU, ME, and a limited amount of others who share your same goals, getting away to a beautiful, setting, at which I can teach, listen, encourage, and teach some more...without life's distractions!

I will TEACH you how I turned my own WLS disaster -- fraught with uncontrollable food cravings, weight regain, hopelessness, frustration, depression, and self loathing -- into a story of hope and a lesson about how to truly change yourself and your life, so you can experience the satisfaction and joy of lasting weight loss and a more fulfilling life -- a life with better health, self confidence, close relationships, a sense of excitement, and realized goals.

Because, isn't that what WLS is all about? Isn't that WHY you had weight loss surgery? If you don't have peace around food, your body, and the scale; if you are beating yourself up and unhappy with your life; if you are isolating; if you feel frustrated and out of control with your eating; then clearly WLS is NOT enough!

Something has to change -- and that something is YOU!! Are you ready?

Imagine standing, staring out your window at an overgrown, weed-filled, mess of a garden. The idea of transforming that garden into a paradise is daunting when you feel defeated and discouraged. You may not have a green thumb, or you may have lost your hope -- all things being equal, the weeds will prevail!

Don't worry, you just need the BLUEPRINT for creating a beautiful life-garden, including a reasonable plan to maintain it.

We'll Focus on These 3 Keys to Transform Your Life into One that Gives You Better Health, Weight-Loss Success, and a Life You Love:

1. Surveying your current "garden" and identifying the weeds and flowers you already have. What is the state of your thought life? What are your current thinking and emotional patterns? What do you believe? What mindset do you have now? How much of what you do in your life reflects what you desire to have and to be in your life?

2. Identifying your intentions for your new "life-garden." How will your garden grow? What weeds will you pull? What flowers will you plant? How would you like to believe, think, feel, and act? What resources do you have available to you to help you change? What will work in your particular garden (every garden has a type of soil, an amount of direct sunlight, an average rainfall, etc.).

3. Learning how to create and attend to your desired garden. Step-by-Step guidelines for discovering, creating, and maintaining your "life garden." What are the objectives, strategies, and tactics you will need to succeed with weight loss and life satisfaction? How will you deal with the inevitable weeds that crop up time and again? You CAN be the Master Gardener of your life!

Sound good to you? (I thought it would!)

But you won't just learn HOW to do all this...

You'll actually DO a good portion of the work while you're at the retreat!

I'll demonstrate things, you'll do exercises, you'll make progress at the actual event, and you can ask me questions on the spot. This is completely hands on!

This way you're guaranteed to make progress, even before you've left my event.

I want you to have NO excuse to not succeed -- and I'll hold you to that!

Be sure to see what attendees of past retreats had to say about this event...you'll see their testimonials in the boxes throughout the rest of this page. (Some of them also have audio, so be sure to click the "play" buttons to listen.)

You'll leave my retreat with a CLEAR, STEP-BY-STEP PLAN you can use immediately to begin creating the WLS lifestyle you want -- guaranteed.

I'm leaving no stone unturned at this retreat. I'm teaching you everything you need to know.

Here's just a SAMPLING of what you'll learn during our time together:

1. Identify Your Real WLS Lifestyle Challenges and Learn How to Approach Effective Change.

You probably know quite a bit about weight loss and weight loss surgery. You certainly know a lot about your own experience. Knowing a lot and actually doing something are two different things. To move from knowing to doing, it helps to have the most accurate, current information available. I want to show you:

• What researchers are learning about obesity and permanent weight loss (that you may not know!)
  
• What the physiology is behind food cravings, depression, and low self esteem.
  
• How carbohydrate sensitivity sabotages your success.
  
• How your thoughts and beliefs sabotage your weight-loss success.
  
• What psychological issues can hamper WLS success and how to address them as economically and effectively as possible.
  
• The anatomy of change and how to make lasting changes in yourself and your life.

2. Study the Differences Between Weeds (Unhealthy Beliefs, Thoughts, Feelings, and Behaviors) and Seeds (Healthy Beliefs, Thoughts, Feelings, and Behaviors).

We all have heard of Denial -- which isn't a river in Egypt!! Sometimes it takes awhile for us to see the truth about ourselves and our world. I will share with you how I learned to separate the truth from the lies, and I'll explain:

• Where your beliefs, thoughts, feelings, and behaviors come from.
  
• Why your beliefs, thoughts, feelings, and behaviors run your life.
  
• How to identify and evaluate your belief systems.
  
• Which beliefs are helpful and which are harmful for long-term weight loss or maintenance.
  
• What to believe when it comes to your thoughts and feelings.
  
• How to take charge of your inner garden.
  
• How to plant healthier beliefs and thoughts in your life.

3. Survey Your Garden:  What Is Your Current Life Blueprint?

One of the biggest "aha's" I've ever had was when I realized I was creating the same negative patterns over and over again in my life with my choices. It was hard to look at my role in the failed patterns of behavior. But, once I saw the patterns, I could begin to change them! It was challenging at first, because living out a familiar pattern is easier than having to pay attention and remember to do something new and different. But I did it! And I'll share with you how to:

• Explore the repeating patterns in your life.
  
• Identify your current coping strategies.
  
• Discover your Feelings Blueprint.
  
• Look at your WLS lifestyle and what your current behavior is.
  
• Explore your beliefs about food, your body, and the scale.
  
• Explore your beliefs about life, relationships, work, and purpose.

4. Develop Your Intention for Your New Life Garden.

Many self-help gurus encourage people to "find your why," or to "discover your true purpose." They're right! My determination has grown as my understanding of my true purpose has blossomed. The thing is, if you don't spend some time thinking about what you really want out of life, how will you ever get what you want out of life? Every life can have meaning and purpose. And for a truly blissful life, every person must define that meaning and purpose for themselves. I'll show you how to:

• Describe in detail your best future.
  
• Identify what beliefs, thoughts, feelings, and actions will help you reach your highest aspirations.
  
• Develop an understanding of who you are and how you feel when you are at your best.
  
• Create a step-by-step action plan to create your new life garden.
  
• Discover the ways in which you already are moving toward your goals.
  
• Learn to visit your ideal garden whenever you want to.

5. Prepare for New Growth.

When I decided to change, I realized I must get rid of the things in my life that were not working toward my highest good. I needed to let go of certain friends, habits, and beliefs; and make space in my life for what I really wanted. You'll find out how to:

• Weed your garden, and let go of what is not useful to you anymore.
  
• Fertilize the soil or create an inner environment in which healthy things can grow.
  
• Learn the ways in which you are sabotaging your progress.
  
• Understand what is "YOURS" and what is "NOT YOURS" in terms of life responsibility.
  
• Discover your particular challenges and begin to address the things you CAN change.
  
• Practice acceptance, gratitude, and perseverance.
  
• Prepare for rain. Be ready for the change that is coming.

6. Plant New Seeds.

One of my favorite sayings is, "If you keep doing what you've always done, you're going to keep getting what you've always gotten." When I decided to take charge of my life, I accepted the fact that I would need to try new things and embrace new ideas. I will explain to you how keeping an open mind, taking risks, and staying out of your comfort zone are great strategies for creating change. I'll explain why I believe you must:

• Continue to visualize your new garden.
  
• Choose the seeds you want to plant, the thoughts you want to have, and ideas you want to embrace.
  
• Learn how to talk to your plants (yourself!) -- understanding that talking nicely to yourself will help you flourish!
  
• Discover how to implement new actions that will help you reach your goals faster and with less stress.

7. Tend Your Own Garden.

A beautiful garden is a wonderful thing to behold, but if the gardener doesn't keep it well tended, the weeds will grow back! I have learned to not let anything go for too long unattended in my life. I use all kinds of tool and tactics to keep myself in the WLS groove -- and I'll share them with you. You'll also learn how to:

• Complete your very own step-by-step plan to maintain your progress and reach your goals!
  
• Weed your garden regularly, reviewing your beliefs, thoughts, feelings, and actions.
  
• Stay on top of things in your garden:  Learn to tolerate conscious living.
  
• Continue to talk to yourself nicely, rather than returning to old patterns.
  
• Easy ways to gain a deeper understanding of your current gardening techniques.
  
• Learn how to deal with droughts, clouds, rain, sunburn, and pests.
  
• Keep expanding your knowledge -- and remain teachable.

8. Solidify Your Role as Master Gardener of Your Life!

All the knowledge in the world won't help you if you don't step up and take charge of your life. Once I realized I was playing the victim, I resolved to step out of that role and claim my responsibility for my life. You can too. I'll help you:

• Identify the important factors to consider in your role as Master Gardener of your life.
  
• Learn how to write your "job" description and do it!
  
• Explore how and when to set limits (and with whom).
  
• Find out how to stay committed.
  
• Discover how to get enough of the right support.
  
• Develop the qualities of self-honesty, courage, self discipline, responsibility, and perseverance.

Plus, Don't Miss Out on THIS...

BONUS SESSION: For the first time EVER, I'll Reveal My NEW Secret Self-Love Strategy That's Helping Me Learn to Love my Body -- Sagging Skin and All!!

Okay, this part may sound unbelievable. I mean really, Katie, LOVE MY BODY?!?

I had so much body shame and self-loathing; I didn't think I'd ever get over it. But I am.

I realized I had been letting my negative self image keep me from being the best I could be -- and that was no longer tolerable to me. I deserve to feel great about my body. (And you do, too!) So, I set to work changing my negative beliefs, thoughts, feelings, and behaviors with regard to my body image.

The "secret" strategy is right under your nose. All you need is the easy steps you can take to change the particularly stressful and sabotaging belief that your body is flawed.

At the newly added 2009 NAWLS Renewal Retreat in Canada I won't just tease you with a description of what you can do. You're going to experience it (I promise it's not scary or embarrassing)! I will not only tell you about my strategy. I will show you how to do it -- and you will have the opportunity to practice.

I can't tell you how excited I am to share this information with you! It is truly life changing!

Honestly, start thinking about the choices you might make and the risks you might take if you actually loved and accepted your body for the amazing miracle that it is!

Would you...

• Exercise more (like I have started to do!)?
  
• Initiate new relationships?
  
• Look for a new job?
  
• Try a new hobby?
  
• Smile more?!?

You can see the possibilities here. I hope at this point you're as excited as I am!

"Okay, Katie, Sounds Great. What's My Investment to Learn Your Complete System for Transforming My Life After Weight Loss Surgery into a Wildly Successful and Fulfilling Experience?"

Because I'm going to spend nearly FOUR DAYS with you, and I'm limiting this retreat to only 30 people, and it's a true retreat where you get to actually make progress, complete exercises, get coaching, and ask me questions right on the spot, I'm sure you can guess I'm NOT giving this away!

When I told my advisors what I was offering and how much my attendees would get, they said I could get away with charging as much as $2,995 for a PRIVATE, HANDS-ON retreat like this.

But I thought that would price-out many of the people who actually NEED and WANT my help. So registration for the Canadian NAWLS Renewal Retreat is only $799.

That $799 includes 3 night's lodging, 8 WLS-friendly meals, and the  4-day retreat experience!!

And get this...

I'll even let you make TWO EASY PAYMENTS!

Let me give you the biggest piece of advice I learned from a very courageous, successful, and inspiring mentor of mine. He said, "Katie, you have to be willing to go to any lengths to change -- and you can't do it by yourself, in isolation. Real change requires input from others, time, effort, and even money. Look at what it's WORTH to you."

That's very sound advice -- and I took it.

I can tell you the strategies you'll learn at this retreat are the EXACT same ones that I used (and continue to use) in the creation of my new "life garden." I used these strategies to improve my outlook, to lose the weight I regained, to maintain my weight loss, and to create a higher quality of life than I've ever had before.

Ever.

I have finally experienced a peace and hope I never thought possible. And I want to share it with you.

What is THAT type of information worth to YOU?

Hmmm...

"Okay, Katie, But What About RESULTS?
This Stuff Worked for You, But What About Me?"

Here's Nancy on the left with her retreat buddies, Veronica and Myrna!

Here's what two-time retreat attendee Nancy has to say:

Have you heard the saying, "If it's going to be, it's up to me?" When I heard that, I worried that I didn't have it in ME to change. I was a VICTIM! I had to change my whole mindset.

I finally understood that I needed to make fundamental changes in what I believe about myself and the world, what I think about on a day-to-day basis, how I react to my feelings, and what I do. It's not easy, but the rewards are beyond my wildest dreams!

You will learn specifically, an easy step-by-step process that shows you how to, well, blossom!

Personal transformation is a process that takes some effort, but the people who invest in it can succeed. It's all about showing up, keeping and open mind, and being willing to get out of your comfort zone. I only provide information about things that have been tested and found to be successful.

The cat juggling was a big hit. Here is Beth, playing along!

Listen to what Beth has to say about a NAWLS retreat she attended:

It's a time for love,

learning, and laughter!

Mo had a good time doing the cheer in Ocean Isle. Can you tell she loves pink flamingos?

Listen to what Mo has to say about a NAWLS retreat she attended:

Not only is the information you'll receive unbelievably great at all my NAWLS retreats, the locations and accommodations are ideal for your personal renewal! You'll love getting away from the demands of life and having the time to focus on yourself and your needs.

Your FREE Bonuses:

BONUS #1:  **Only for the first 5 people to register!** A FREE recording of all of my presentations at the retreat, both in CD and MP3 format!

I'll be providing notes in your notebook, but there's nothing like listening to a live recording of an event! You'll be transported right back to the retreat every time you listen! (a $149 value!)

BONUS #2:  Your Own Personal NAWLS Renewal Retreat Binder with MY NOTES!

I don't want you to get wrist cramps from all the notes you take during the retreat, so I've already done the work for you! At the retreat, you'll receive a handsome, 8-section, 3-ring binder that you'll use to create your own WLS Success Plan. It will contain pre-written outlines for each presentation I make, along with notes, samples, and examples that we'll use as we go through all the sessions live. (a $199 value!)

BONUS #3:  Two, FREE Pre-Retreat Group Coaching Sessions to Help You Get Acquainted with Your New Friends and Prepare for the Retreat!

A month before the retreat, I'll hold two, 60-minute group coaching sessions for retreat participants, with plenty of time for Q & A. You can call into a teleconferencing line (you'll be responsible for the long-distance fee) and meet the women who will be attending the retreat with you. Before you even arrive, you'll feel like you have some friends! And I'll share with you some secrets about how to get the most out of the retreat. (a $100 value!)

I know it's hard to leave home, leave your routine, and possibly leave behind some of the trigger foods you've been eating. I encourage you to use this time away to surrender control of your food and enjoy the healthy, plentiful meals and snacks that will be provided.

BONUS #5:  A Copy of My Downloadable E-book, "A Collection of Small Bites Essays by Katie Jay"

If you've enjoyed my Small Bites e-newsletter over the years, you'll appreciate this FREE downloadable e-book. I have compiled about 40 of my best articles that you can print out at home. (a $19 value!)

Let's Look at What Else You Could Easily Spend $799 on Instead:

* A bazillion-week teleclass series that promises to get you back on track, but by the third week you're too busy, too tired, and too frustrated to keep up with it. Besides what they teach may not cover ALL of the critical aspects to WLS success.

* A few books and a few trips to Starbucks each month -- and the books just sit on your shelves collecting dust, or in your computer unread, and they won't do a thing for you by themselves. And you feel so guilty for not using them!

* A gym membership you never use. And no useful information about what is really necessary about exercise in reaching your health goals -- and what's NOT NECESSARY!!

* An optional, home improvement project that will not improve your health, your outlook, or your commitment to WLS success.

Makes sense, doesn't it?

Are You Ready to STEP UP and Claim One of the Only 30 Spots in a NAWLS Renewal Retreat as Yours?

"Yes, Katie, I'm Ready to Finally Learn How to
Be the Master Gardener of My Life and
Create the WLS Life of My Dreams!

I understand I'll be one of only 30 people registered for your LIVE, hands-on NAWLS Renewal Retreat in Naramata, Canada, on October 23-26, 2009.

I'm ready to reserve my spot NOW!"

We have only double occupancy rooms available (2 beds, 2 people).

Important: Due to the major investment involved in hosting retreats, the fee is not refundable, but your registration may be transferred to another WLS patient who is at least one-year out from surgery. (If we have a waiting list, we will do our best to fill your spot -- but cannot promise this.)

If you have a last-minute emergency for which you can provide some documentation, we will apply your retreat payment to a future retreat if you cannot find someone to replace you.

Choose Your Retreat Payment Option:

I'm looking forward to getting to know you and giving YOU the keys to the long-term FREEDOM from obesity you deserve. You CAN do it!

Never give up!

Love,

Katie

P.S. If you keep doing what you've always done, you're going to keep getting what you've always gotten. BREAK OUT OF YOUR CYCLE!

P.P.S. Some things you will get at the retreat are priceless, including the ongoing community of support you'll leave with -- the new friends you will have made to share your journey with and to help you stay on the healthy path, new friends to encourage you and to inspire you.

P.P.P.S. Remember there are only 30 total spots available for this retreat! It's up to you to grab one of them for yourself. Reserve your spot now.