Your Starting Point for Lasting Change

Welcome! I’m Katie Jay.

I help women with weight-loss surgery move past perfectionism, quiet the shame and discouragement that keeps them stuck, and navigate the ups and downs of life after surgery.

Katie Jay, MSW<br />
Certified Bariatric Life & Wellness Coach
Katie Jay, MSW
Certified Bariatric Life & Wellness Coach

A compassionate approach to resolving regain

Katie Jay holding old large tshirt
Still struggling with emotional eating, regain, or self-judgment—even years after surgery? You’re not alone.
As a fellow traveler on this journey, I can help you find a better way forward with compassionate coaching, live classes, helpful tools and resources, and practical strategies.

In this judgment-free zone, you’ll find safety, understanding, and support to create a lifestyle that fits your needs and supports your goals—without guilt, shame, or self-forcing.

Which Personality Traits Are Getting in Your Way?

The Chaos Queen

“I’m too busy to follow a plan!”

You run nonstop, grabbing whatever food is convenient and never quite getting your water, vitamins, or rest in. You long for calm and consistency but feel burned out and out of sync with your body.

The Pleaser

“What if they get upset with me?”

You say yes when you want to say no—driving, cooking, listening, helping—until your needs barely register. You end up resentful, exhausted, and turning to food for comfort.

The Victim

“If they would change, I’d be doing better.”

You feel trapped by people who don’t support your bariatric goals, so you give in and feel defeated. It seems impossible to change unless everyone else changes first.

The Passenger

“Why can’t I stop? What’s wrong with me?”

Your cravings feel like a runaway train—you watch yourself eat foods you don’t want, then crash with regret. You feel powerless and ashamed, like you’re not in control of your own ride.

The Rebel

“I resist control—even my own.”

Anything that feels like a rule sparks resistance—even your own food plan. You crave freedom, yet your rebellion leaves you feeling stuck and ashamed.

The Overthinker

“I don’t know what to do!”

You research, worry, and second-guess more than you act—always hoping someone else has the right answer. The constant doubt exhausts you and makes committing feel risky.

The Butterfly

“I’ve tried everything, but I can’t stick with anything.”

You love fresh starts and new ideas, but boredom makes you abandon strategies before they work. You chase shiny solutions, but rarely stay long enough to see real results.

Essential Resources to Get You Started

Inspiring Reads

Inspiring Reads

Insights and Inspiration for Your Journey.

BariSupport helpful Articles

Coaching

Katie Jay offers private and group coaching to help you find fulfillment and move forward.
BariSupport helpful Articles

Articles

Explore Katie’s articles for honest, down-to-earth guidance to thrive after bariatric surgery.

Classes and Workshops

If you’ve ever thought, “I know what to do—I just can’t seem to do it,” you’re not alone. These classes are for you.

life preserver

Emotional Eating Masterclass

Get information, practical guidance and support for emotional-eating challenges.

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Beyond Basics

Go beyond the bariatric basics, and learn what else you need (physically, mentally, emotionally, and socially) to achieve lasting success.

Are you ready to move forward

Boundaries Bootcamp

Learn how to take care of yourself without feeling afraid, guilty, ashamed, or worried you will burden other people.

Are You Ready to Move Forward?

Coaching that meets you where you are.

Are you ready to move forward
Through individual and group coaching, Katie Jay offers helpful guidance, practical strategies, and deeper insights—without judgment—to help you get “unstuck” and move forward with confidence Schedule your call with Katie now —an informal, no-pressure, 20-minute consultation.

Real Stories. Real Change.

Katie changed my life.

I was stuffing down my feelings with food. So, I enrolled in Katie’s coaching program. I felt an immediate connection with her. Katie’s coaching emphasized self-care and self-compassion, which still influences me years later. Katie also introduced me to Nonviolent Communication, which I now facilitate in a program at the local jail.

Connie Cox
TX

I discovered exactly what I needed to change.

What I liked the most was having Katie’s undivided attention. She helped me find more clarity, renewed hope, better insight, and deeper self-love. I highly recommend coaching with Katie. She has walked the walk and is the real deal.

Karen Lewis
NC

I learned that I am worth the time to focus on my needs.

My concern about Katie’s retreat was being away from my family, and my fear of being vulnerable. I learned that I am worth the time. Katie’s retreat was worth every penny. I’ve started saving to attend the next one.

Sherly Armes-Harding
NC

I felt safe enough to dig into my ‘soul’ and find answers.

My biggest obstacle to Katie Jay’s retreat was fear I would not be accepted as myself. I met some fantastic women who also were struggling. I would recommend Katie’s retreats to any woman who is battling with weight loss and acceptance of herself.

Nancy Guptill
CA

I’m more compassionate toward myself.

I was regaining! Because of finances, I did Katie’s Book Club instead of coaching. Katie was compassionate, knowledgeable, and funny. I loved it so much I signed up for her coaching after all. I’m not the same woman I was before I met Katie.

Sherry R.
IL

Katie designed an alliance with the group.

I was concerned about the time for Katie’s coaching group. I love how the group calls were set up. They were recorded so we could listen even if we couldn’t attend. I would recommend coaching with Katie, because she is smart, analytical, playful, and walks the walk.

Roz Harris
IN

I put Katie’s teaching into practice and my weight remains at goal.

I was concerned about the cost. What I discovered was real support and empathy. Entering my maintenance phase, I put Katie’s coaching into practice. My weight has remained at goal. Katie taught me mindfulness, which has made my journey easier. I am deeply grateful.

Anne Gerard
CT

I'm much more self-caring now.

Katie helped me accept my feelings about myself. I learned to notice when I'm undermining myself and take a different path, and I don't talk as negatively to myself. I feel I've made big strides. I recommend coaching with Katie to anyone. She is the best.

Mary Ann W.
TX, USA

Katie helped me break down barriers.

I was worried about the time it would take to coach with Katie. It was well worth it. Katie provided a safe space to help me learn about myself and experiment with what might help me. I could talk to her about anything

Lynette T.
NY

The time I spent with Katie was crucial to my well-being.

I had financial concerns, but Katie was truly helpful. Her coaching was different. She didn’t tell me what to do. She helped me find my own way. While any food plan works short-term, self-limiting beliefs had always sabotaged me. I so loved my time with Katie, I signed up for a second year!

Kay Schlappe
PA, USA

Katie is a compassionate listener.

As a mental health clinician, I didn’t know how coaching with Katie would go. She helped me find what she calls the “sweet spot,” where I do the things that are good for me, which matches with what I want to do and what I’m drawn to. I highly recommend Katie.

Linda O.
AZ

Katie gave me the courage to experiment and try new things.

I have enjoyed Katie’s Book Club Coaching Group. She has so much knowledge I wonder where she holds it all. She has a way of teaching that resonates, and the hour goes by fast. I found that I wanted more when it was time to say good night.

Teri Goodwin
ME

Frequently asked questions

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Is your coaching only for people who’ve had weight loss surgery?

Yes—my work is specifically designed for women who’ve had bariatric surgery, are struggling with emotional eating or regain, and are ready to move beyond dieting and self-forcing as their only solutions—and toward a more satisfying, sustainable way of living.

What’s the difference between coaching and therapy?

Coaching focuses primarily on the present and future. As a coach, I help you evaluate your current situation and discover what is getting in your way. Then, I support you to find the right resources and tools to create a lifestyle you love and can sustain. We work together to shift your mindset, as well as develop practical strategies for things like emotional eating, setting boundaries, and redefining relationships so they feel more supportive. We might also explore your deeper, “soulful” needs—like self-trust, self-compassion, and personal fulfillment.

Therapy, on the other hand, is designed to diagnose and treat mental health conditions, such as clinical depression, anxiety disorders, PTSD, or substance use. Therapists are trained to help you process and heal from past trauma, navigate complex emotional experiences, and work through deeper psychological challenges. Therapy often focuses more on the past and its influence on the present.

Do I have to talk about my weight?
Not if you don’t want to. Many of my clients are exhausted by the numbers game. We can focus on the bigger picture—your well-being, your mindset, your relationships, and the life you want to create. Whatever serves you best.
I’ve regained weight after surgery. Will I be judged?
Absolutely not. I’ve been there myself, and I understand how painful regain can be. This is a shame-free zone. You deserve support that meets you with compassion and respect.
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I already know what I’m supposed to do. Why can’t I just do it?

That’s one of the most common—and frustrating—struggles I hear. Together, we look at what’s really going on beneath the surface so you can stop blaming and shaming yourself, and start finding solutions that fit your lifestyle and preferences.

What’s Fireside Small Group Coaching like?
Fireside groups are small, supportive groups of women who meet weekly with Katie on Zoom. You’ll focus on seeing yourself and your challenges more clearly and experimenting to find what truly works for you from a holistic perspective—beyond dieting or trying to be “perfect.” It’s a safe space to be real, feel understood, and connect with other women who “get it”.
What if I’m not sure this is the right fit for me?
Let’s talk. I offer a free 10-minute call so you can ask questions and get a feel for what working together is like—with no pressure!

Start your journey today

The 7 Most Common Mistakes Baritric Surgery Women Make is a great way to start your journey here at BariSupport. Sign up for Katie Jay's Small Bites for your Life weekly newsletter and get access to this helpful, FREE checklist.

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