"My biggest obstacle in signing up for the retreat was being afraid that I would not be accepted as myself. I found that my fears were unfounded and we all had our own battles to overcome. I was accepted with open arms, which was very heartwarming.  I liked how we all could laugh and feel at ease with each other. There were some very emotional moments for us and we were all accepting and nonjudgmental with each other.   Some of the benefits to me included, meeting some pretty fantastic women who are struggling with issues, just as I am; learning that secrets will keep me sick (so I found the courage to share my issues with this group of women, who in turn shared theirs with me); and I discovered it's not easy to be honest, although in this retreat setting and with the support of some amazing staff, I felt safe enough to dig into my "soul" and find answers.       I would recommend this retreat to any woman who is struggling with issues around her weight loss and acceptance of herself. It is a very powerful tool to place in our "shed" for the hard work of finding ourselves in the "dirt" of life.     Just remember that weight loss isn't going to clear up a lifetime of bad habits, and if you feel like you're alone with your issues and are afraid of "failure," once again Katie Jay offers you hope to work on "getting it right" This journey isn't something that is a "quick fix." It is a lifetime commitment to ourselves.   Nancy Guptill, CA

"I was worried that since I was struggling with my recovery that I might not fit in with the group at the retreat. (I somehow believed that I was the only one who was encountering obstacles in my WLS journey). I found 20 women who knew EXACTLY what I was going through, 20 women who had BEEN through what I had gone through, and 20 women who were just as determined as I was to "get it right" this time.  I felt an immediate connection to this diverse group of women, and the sense of community which we built in 3 short days was just short of miraculous. And I found that I learned from everyone else...watching others work through issues enabled me to see my own difficulties from a new perspective (a much kinder one, I might add). I liked the fact that people were "real," honest, and had a sense of humor about themselves. We were encouraged to take the time and focus on ourselves for a change. I met some fantastic new friends. I recommend this retreat without hesitation. It is for people who are willing to work at their recovery. I went in not knowing what to expect, but hoping that it would be a good experience. It was life-changing for me. I have already signed up for the next retreat. I see it as an investment in my well-being. A refresher-course in strategies for overcoming food obsession... I didn't expect to have so much fun!" Ory Brown, NY

"My concern about the retreat was the time commitment away from my family, and the cost of the program. I also feared getting out of my safe place and making myself vulnerable to others. As an introvert, I loved that the group and leaders did not force me or anyone to participate who was not ready to participate, yet guided me to do some introspection and self work. I experienced unconditional love and acceptance of myself and my struggles on my WLS journey from a group of incredible women who started off as strangers, and became lifelong friends. I got the strength and empowerment to admit that I have a food addiction and can not continue on the WLS journey alone, and I deserve time for me. I found out that my struggles and fears were similar to many other women who have had WLS.  I am not alone on this journey. I liked the laughing, the sharing, the journaling, the crying, the unconditional love and acceptance from the group. The cheerleading activity and the daily group check-in, the daily one-on-one contact with Katie and Lin.   I learned that I am worth the time to focus on my WLS journey. Learned that I deserve more than bread crumbs when it comes to making time for me in my everyday hectic life.   I would absolutely recommend this retreat to others. The sharing, nurturing and unconditional love and acceptance were incredible. I really felt like it was all about me during the retreat, and I can lose the weight that I have regained after WLS.  I wanted to step outside of my comfort level, to acknowledge that I have regained weight, and that I am terrified that I will regain back all my lost weight.   The retreat was worth every penny I invested. I have started saving to attend the next retreat in Feb 2009."   Sherly Armes-Harding, NC

"What I liked the most was the openness of everyone and the safe environment that was provided to share in. I thank you from the bottom of my heart for a life changing weekend. This weekend has made me a better wife, mother, daughter, friend, and teacher.  Thank you for letting me be me this weekend and accepting all of me."  Mo LaVigne, Syracuse, NY

"Because I am basically 'on track' and not gaining weight, I was hesitant about whether to attend.     I found the retreat very informative. It answered some questions I had about nutrition and confirmed my thoughts about the physical aspects of diet and exercise only being one part of the whole. Emotional and relational health plays a huge part in reaching success.  I liked the small number of attendees, which gave the group a safe place to share.  Meeting new people and sharing common goals and struggles is priceless.    I thought that having someone there experienced in working with the emotional issues was very crucial, Chef Dave was excellent, not only for the "taste" food, but also for information as well.  This made the retreat have a "safe" food aspect. The place was great, everyone was together, and it was a relaxed atmosphere.  I would recommend this retreat to others, because the time apart is always helpful, and gaining other friendships and networking with others is very supportive." Julia Holloman, Wilmington, NC

"I wanted to say first what a fabulous weekend this was. I have had two of my friends, my boss, plus my husband comment on how refreshed, rested, and at peace I look.    I think the thing I liked the most was the safe place to open up with others who are having the same issues I am, whether it is emotional, physical, or with eating.    Since I had never been to a retreat like this I didn't have any set expectations. But, even if I had they would have been met, because you had thought of everything -- every possible thing that would be needed.   So -- thank you from the bottom of my heart for all your hard work, effort and thought that went into planning this retreat.    Katie Jay is very warm, caring, and understanding; and she is a wealth of information. She has walked in my shoes. She knows and understands where I have been, where I am, and what may be ahead of me. She knows how to find out answers that I need and shares the tools I need to walk this walk." Linda Garner, VA