Testimonials

My initial reluctance in signing up for Katie’s coaching program came from money concerns and the time commitment.

Soon after we began, I realized that the time we spent together made a difference. While any food plan or other tool almost always works short-term, self-critical and self-limiting beliefs have always sabotaged me in the long run.

The most valuable thing I discovered is the importance of self-awareness, self-compassion, and self-care. I am surprised how helpful it’s been.

Some specific things that Katie helped me with are:

• Learning effective ways to interrupt negative and self-sabotaging thoughts before they can spiral into a depressive episode.
• Developing a toolbox of helpful techniques and resources.
• Accessing other helpful information. (Katie is very knowledgeable about what is available. If I want to pursue a specific idea further, she can usually recommend a website, book, CD, or other resource.)

Katie's coaching is different. She doesn’t tell you what to do. She helps you find your own way. She helps you clarify what you want from the coaching and then helps you reach your goals in a way that works for you.

I highly recommend Katie’s coaching programs. She has been there herself and she knows what we are going through. She is warm, outgoing, and easy to relate to. Most important of all, Katie genuinely cares about each of her clients.

I don’t usually like group activities. Katie manages a group really well. She makes a point to help everyone feel safe and comfortable, and she engages everyone. She has a nonjudgmental approach that is really comforting. The friends I’ve made through Katie Jay’s groups are so precious to me!

In the past I had worked one-on-one with Katie, which I loved, but I wasn’t sure about being in one of her groups. I liked having her all to myself!

But now that I’ve tried coaching with a group with Katie, I have to say I enjoyed the experience almost more.

The thing I liked most about group coaching is I realized I am not alone. I felt safe and got much closer to the other ladies than I expected.

Katie did a great job of facilitating the group. I felt like she kept us on track and made talking about difficult things easier, because she is so compassionate.

I love Katie’s concept of the Weight Loss Surgery Stages of Transformation™. It’s really powerful – I understand myself much better than I used to. I know why I have done certain things I regretted and have come to a much better place.

I blamed myself for everything. And now I realize it’s much more complicated than that. I have always done the best I could. I am so much kinder to myself now.

I highly recommend small-group coaching with Katie, because she has a great depth of knowledge and she is very connecting. She helps everyone feel safe to share and she never judges.

My small-group coaching experience was wonderful because we all learned from each other and we became very close.

I was hesitant to attend Katie’s workshop. I had my surgery 8 years ago. I am a bariatric surgery coordinator. Katie gave practical, insightful advice in a humorous, enjoyable manner. I left feeling enlightened and renewed.

I knew I needed to address my feelings, which I had “stuffed down” with food. So, I enrolled in Katie’s coaching program. During our time together, Katie introduced me to Nonviolent Communication, which I explored further and have since been facilitating for six years in a re-entry program at the local jail, as well as in several churches.

I felt an immediate connection with Katie. She provided a safe environment for long-term exploration of food issues, which I have had for decades. Her coaching was free of judgement and emphasized self-care and self-compassion, which were really valuable to me and continues to influence me years later.

I highly recommend Katie’s coaching program.

I knew what I was doing wasn’t working, so I decided to make the investment in coaching with Katie.

What I liked the most during our time together was having Katie’s undivided attention. I’d participated in Katie’s coaching groups (which are great), but I loved having her all to myself!

Coaching with Katie gave me a renewed hope for weight loss and better insight into why and how I do things. She helped me develop better self-love.

I absolutely would recommend coaching from Katie. She has walked our path. She is the real deal.

I wasn’t sure Katie’s Book Club would be worth the time. I have gotten so much out of these discussions. The women are wonderful, and the books are, too! I’ve learned everyone has their struggles. I love sharing ideas and hearing examples from real life. For our most recent group we had women from New York, Arizona, South Dakota, North Carolina, and Virginia. Katie leads the group with skill and compassion. I highly recommend Katie’s group coaching.

Katie Jay offers unique information and services in the WLS field. I endorse her as one of the most accomplished professionals I have known. Her continuing contributions will benefit deserving individuals around the world. I also highly recommend Katie's book, Dying to Change: My Really Heavy Life Story, which is brilliant and groundbreaking.

My patients love Katie Jay. Her information is unique and top-notch in quality; plus, she encourages patient compliance in an especially sensitive and thought-provoking manner that keeps patients from getting resistant or defensive.

For the bariatric patient seeking freedom from their food and weight obsessions, Katie Jay’s message stands alone. There is no one else in the bariatric industry that is focusing on the emotional process, and going beyond the behavioral basics, to provide information to truly help patients.

Katie Jay has taught our bariatric nurses how to approach patients with a depth of sensitivity and understanding I have not seen before.

Katie Jay is an invaluable resource for any weight loss surgery patient. She understands the unique experiences and needs of the bariatric population on a very deep level. Her materials go beyond the lifestyle changes that are necessary, also focusing on the psychological changes that are essential for true and lasting success. The WLS Stages of Transformation Katie developed perfectly captures the journey of the weight loss surgery patient. Relatable, compassionate, and extremely knowledgeable, Katie Jay will be an asset to your post-operative program.

I recently had the privilege of attending one of Katie Jay's workshops in Charlotte, NC. Her comfortable and relaxed style seemed especially well suited towards presenting information that was very well thought out, but which can also potentially have deep emotional impact on her listeners.

Katie is knowledgeable on both technical issues, such as advanced nutrition concepts, and the complex emotional issues that tend to accompany problems of obesity.

She is among the very best speakers I have ever heard, especially in being generous with a wealth of information plus leaving the listener with a genuine warm fuzzy feeling that follows you all the way home.

Her sensitivity is remarkable, without being sentimental. Her scientific grounding is impressive. She has the magic triad of a calling, a passion, and thorough knowledge of her subject matter. I consider Katie to be among those rare gifted individuals who is not just a helper, but a healer.

Katie Jay is a visionary, who is leading the charge to raise awareness and elevate the conversation about how to create reliable WLS success and better long-term outcomes.

Dear Katie,

I would like to thank you sincerely from my heart for being our very special guest at “Overcome the Past, Transform Your Future!” It is such a wonderful opportunity to bring weight loss surgery patients together to celebrate, reflect, and learn about successes and struggles we encounter in our journey towards health improvement. Sharing your personal experience, strength, and hope touched many that attended the 3rd annual reunion.

Your presentation called “Do You Have a Fat Personality” was awesome. Personally, for me it affirmed that the journey is full of ups and downs as I adopt new behaviors and learn about how my mind and emotions can promote success or sabotage.

As a professional, I was thrilled that our surgeons also had the opportunity to learn more about the emotional and psychological aspects of the disease of obesity. Often, they understand the mechanics of the surgical procedure but lack the insight into the struggle in the mind that most of us experience. As a professional and a patient, we are obligated to share our challenges so that they may have a stronger understanding of our journey.

As I reviewed the participant evaluations, I wanted to share some of the comments that were shared.

1. “The Stages of Healing really spoke to me. It helped me to see what stage I am currently going through and the stage I want to be at.”
2. “I appreciated the fact that the hospital sponsored Katie as the keynote speaker at our reunion. It was a tough-love presentation filled with love and understanding for what we go through after WLS.”
3. “Katie Jay knows what life after WLS is like because she lives the same journey that I do.”
4. “I get up, fall down, get up, fall down, get up, fall down, and get up! I loved that because I am not a failure even though I still struggle in my recovery.”

I just finished listening to one of your “Train to Maintain” CDs as I was writing this letter. The big take away for was me was, “Motivation is a choice and a decision – taking action is the key.” I am going to embrace this statement and not wait for the feeling of motivation to hit me! I will choose to be motivated and take action towards my health this day.

I do hope that you come back and spend time with our program again. We would love to have you! We were serious about you becoming a Nebraska Cornhusker!

My Best,

Dear Katie,

Thank you for coming to speak to our patients at two support group meetings and counting. I trust that your third visit to our office is in the works.

Our patients continually love meeting you and thoroughly enjoy each presentation you give. Your talks are informative, timely, thoughtful, as well as inspirational. I believe your MSW allows you to speak with authority, yet our patients are quick to add how approachable and down-to-earth you are.

I appreciate your message of hope and perseverance. As a bariatric patient yourself, you are truly a speaker who ‘walks the walk.’ Thank you for offering a path to long-term recovery. Our patients identify with you and are encouraged by the example you have set.

Katie, you also have a great sense of humor! Your in-depth talks are always as funny as they are informative. It’s been a pleasure working with you and getting to know you. I hope you are coming back very soon!

Affectionately,

In June 2009 our hospital, Southeast Georgia Health System, invited Katie Jay to present an all-day workshop for our weight loss surgery patients. The patients loved it!

They learned additional skills that will assist them with their long-term success. They laughed, they ‘played,’ they shared, and most of all, they ‘connected’ with Katie. I cannot say enough positive things about our time with her.

From a coordinator's perspective, Katie was a pleasure to work with. She was very accommodating to our educational needs by developing the exact program I requested. She was very professional and knowledgeable about her presentation topics. I look forward to working again with Katie.

As a patient support provider, I learned that WLS people are desperate for more guidance on their emotional and psychological process after surgery. The WLS Stages of Transformation provides a framework we can use to identify more effectively, and then meet, our needs.

The depth and quality of the resources Katie Jay offers is incomparable. Her book, WLS Stages of Transformation, is a great resource and has helped me to better understand and navigate this challenging journey.

I have all of Katie Jay’s books and attended two of her retreats, and my experiences with her have given me a new look at my life since WLS.

I have been encouraged by reading about others’ situations and I have been filled with enthusiasm while attending the retreats. It is always a good thing to spend time with others who are on the same life journey as myself.

Katie, I thank God that our lives crossed paths.

Katie's book Small Bites: Daily Inspirations for Weight Loss Surgery Patients is exactly that, inspirational! I keep it by my bed side and read it every night. I go to sleep and let the daily inspiration whisper to my subconscious during my sleep. I find it very comforting, as well, to have a book written by someone I value and have had the honor of getting to know through individual coaching, phone conferences, her website, and her retreats.

Katie has a lot of knowledge and has "been there, done that.” She understands. All we have to do is be willing to open the book. That can be the tough part, but the comforting part is knowing that she is there with us.

If you haven't bought this book, I encourage you to do so. It’s a great book to give to yourself.

At first, I was hesitant to attend Katie’s WLS Rock Star workshop, after all, what could she share with someone that had had WLS 8 years ago and is the coordinator for a bariatric surgery program? I knew everything I needed to know about this surgery, right? WRONG!!

I had WLS over 8 years ago and lost 220 pounds. After about 4 years, following an injury that prevented my usual exercising, I started regaining weight; I actually regained over 100 pounds! About a year before attending the workshop, I dedicated myself to losing my regained weight and have lost 70 of those dreaded pounds.

I learned from Katie that many of my techniques were right on the money, but I also learned several new ideas that are proving most beneficial. She gave practical, insightful advice in a humorous and enjoyable manner; I felt like I was spending time with a very wise friend, and indeed, I was! I left feeling recharged and renewed.

Thanks, Katie, for sharing your passion, special knowledge, and inspiration! Should you ever have the chance to hear Katie Jay speak, grab that opportunity with both hands and hang on, you’re going to learn a tremendous amount and have fun doing so!

Katie Jay was professional, poised, extremely knowledgeable, and very approachable. She spoke to us the way you would speak to a good friend—with candor, understanding, and humor.

I heard more than one person remark that Katie was hands down the best speaker we’ve ever had here. And I most wholeheartedly agree!

I was worried I would gain weight if I went off my usual plan and attended Katie’s retreat. I was relieved to find the food she provided to be WLS friendly, healthy, and well prepared.

Much to my relief, she and her staff were flexible and understanding. They seemed to really care that I felt satisfied and safe when it came to the food. I tried some new foods, and I also felt supported in having the snacks I was accustomed to (I brought them with me).

The funny thing is, as time has gone on--and I’ve attended five of Katie’s retreats--I have focused less on the food and more on Katie’s teachings that relate to developing self-awareness, learning how to set boundaries, and getting my needs met in life, so that I can continue to do well with my WLS.

I don’t earn a huge salary. I work in the public schools. But I have found Katie’s retreats to be worth every penny. They are an important investment in myself and have kept me on a healthy, evolving path.

It was a big leap for me to spend the time and money to attend Katie's retreat.

I'm so glad I did. I was in a rut and gaining weight. I felt discouraged and frustrated!

Taking a dedicated week for myself was a true gift to myself. I didn't realize how desperately I needed it!

Katie provided information and experiences in unique and compassionate ways. I was blown away by her gentle approach and loved her sense of humor.

Since the retreat, I have truly changed. I really don't look at life or my WLS the same anymore. Katie and the other women helped me to stop judging myself and start creating a healthier life. I see my way forward, and I know exactly what I need to do. I'm so excited! Go to a Katie Jay retreat. It will change your life.

My concern about the retreat was the time commitment away from my family, and my fear of getting out of my safe place and making myself vulnerable to others.

But I wanted to step outside of my comfort zone and to acknowledge that I have regained weight, and that I am terrified that I will regain back all my lost weight.

As an introvert, I loved that the group and Katie did not force me or anyone to participate who was not ready to participate. Yet, she 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 cannot continue the WLS journey alone, and I deserve time for me. I found out that my struggles and fears were like many other women who have had WLS. I am not alone on this journey.

I learned that I am worth the time to focus on my WLS journey. I learned that I deserve more than breadcrumbs when it comes to making time for me in my everyday hectic life.

I would absolutely recommend Katie’s Renewal Retreats to others. I really felt like it was all about me during the retreat, and I can lose the weight I have regained.

The retreat was worth every penny I invested. I have started saving to attend the next retreat.

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 looked when I got home.

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.

Because I am basically 'on track' and not gaining weight, I was hesitant about whether to attend Katie Jay’s retreat. I found it 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. The place was great, everyone was together, and it was a relaxed atmosphere.

I would recommend Katie’s retreats to others because the time apart is always helpful, and gaining other friendships and networking with others is very supportive.

I was worried that since I was struggling with my recovery 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 the 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 recommend Katie Jay’s Renewal Retreats 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!

My biggest obstacle in signing up for Katie’s 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 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 people, I felt safe enough to dig into my ‘soul’ and find answers.

I would recommend Katie’s Renewal Retreats 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.

This unique retreat is a great investment in your long-term WLS success. (Many others would charge a whole lot more for a retreat of this depth and quality.)

I wanted to save a little money, so I chose a slumber-party room with four bunk beds. I wasn’t thrilled about the prospect of sharing a room with three other women. Looking back, though, three things made the sleeping arrangements comfortable enough to enjoy myself at the retreat:

1. We spent very little time in our rooms
2. In the slumber-party room I made quick friends, so I felt more comfortable at the retreat, in general
3. I was able to try out the retreat and keep it more financially manageable.

It was the first of several retreats I attended with Katie Jay. Her retreats are great!

Katie, 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 remarkable 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.

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!

I was very aware of how much I wanted coaching after my surgery. So, when the nutritionist at the hospital where I had my surgery highly recommended Katie, I made the call.

I discovered that my feelings were shared, and that I was not alone. I no longer had to hide all the nuances of my experiences and found someone who really understood the many phases of this process.

I loved Katie's natural ability to be authentic and genuine. I always felt comfortable talking to her, never feeling judged. Regardless of what I said, Katie listened with an attunement that made me feel at ease.

With coaching, I keep paying attention to what I do with food and my feelings, and I know never to stop!!! To take the time for self-care even in the face of others being disappointed with me. Seeing how old behaviors are being replaced with new ones, if I stay conscious and aware.

There is no doubt for me that I would recommend Katie for coaching. She shares my journey which is invaluable. I could not see myself discussing my profound experience without a person like Katie, whose own work is a guiding light!

Having a network of support for this work is essential, and Katie has that network. Katie pays so much attention to every facet of the process, which I have so much appreciated. Whether you are days out from surgery or 10 years, Katie can coach you through it.

I really wanted to do Katie Jay’s year-long Empowerment Coaching Program. I wanted the kind of attention you get with private coaching. I was regaining weight at an alarming rate.

Because of my financial concerns, I joined Katie Jay’s Book Club/Coaching Group instead of signing up for the year of coaching, and it was awesome. The ladies were wonderful. Katie was so compassionate, knowledgeable, and funny. She’s honest about her journey and she walks the walk.

I loved the book club so much I signed up for the Empowerment Coaching Program so I could have Katie all to myself.

I’m not the same woman I was before I met Katie and learned about her philosophy. I’m much more compassionate toward myself, and my self-care is much better.

Before I signed up to participate in a coaching group with Katie Jay, I was concerned about the time it would take, and I didn’t want to be a part of the ‘typical whining WLS environment.’

As a result of my participation, I realized that, for me, even if I do some emotional eating, I can still work my program.

I love how the group calls were set up, especially the first one. Katie designed an alliance with the group about how we would work together.

I loved that the calls were recorded so that we could go back and listen again or find out what we missed if we couldn’t attend. Katie also sent optional text messages that kept me connected.

I would recommend coaching with Katie, because she is smart, analytical, playful, and walks the walk.

At first, I was concerned about the costs involved with my participation in Katie Jay's Empowerment Coaching Program. What I discovered was real support, compassion, and empathy.

I benefited from the awareness, mindfulness, and education Katie offers. I got stretched! Absolutely, I recommend coaching with Katie Jay.

I was concerned about spending the time and money to do coaching with Katie Jay.

Working with her helped to reinforce that bariatric weight loss is truly a journey. Just because you have this tool that helps you lose weight doesn't mean that the issues you had with using food as an emotional crutch go away.

One of the tools I found most helpful was Katie's approach to dealing with feelings and needs. She helped me to understand that one of the first things I needed to do, in order not to turn to food, was to define what I was feeling and what I needed and then take a look at how to solve those needs.

I love working with Katie because she has amazing insight and experience with the whole bariatric weight loss journey. After reading her book, I realized that many of the struggles she described were also things I had personally experienced. I felt like Katie had worked through many of the challenges I had been through and had successfully helped others do the same and I wanted to work with her.

Katie is an understanding, compassionate, inspiring coach. She uses her own personal experience, and the experiences of others she has worked with, to help you come up with solutions to challenges you might be experiencing.

She is flexible with setting up mutually beneficial scheduling times to do coaching. I feel like I’ve already invested time and money into the whole bariatric life journey and working with Katie is money well spent.

When I was thinking about signing up for Katie Jay's Empowerment Coaching Program, I wondered if the investment would be worth it. I had never done anything like it before and wasn't sure what to expect.

Once I got to know Katie, I knew I had made the right decision. She made me feel so accepted and "normal" with my feelings and challenges with weight loss. I went from being nervous about the money to feeling very comfortable and wishing I had done this years ago.

Katie has helped me with discovery and acceptance of my feelings about myself and where I am on the WLS journey, which is a lifetime journey.

I have learned to use new tools to notice when I'm undermining myself and to take a different path.

I'm much more self-caring now and don't talk as negatively to myself. I can think things through more effectively. I still have a long way to go, but feel I've made big strides.

I would recommend coaching with Katie to anyone who has had WLS. (Or anyone, really! She is the best!).

I was embarrassed about my emotional eating and was really nervous about meeting Katie in person. I had regained 40 pounds and hated even leaving the house. My friends asked me why it was worth spending the money and having a whole day to be with Katie Jay in person to kick off my year of coaching. Now that I've done it, I can't imagine why someone wouldn't. Katie’s warmth and compassion were encouraging to me. And she made every minute of our time together count. The rest of the year we coached by phone and it was just as wonderful. I totally recommend Katie’s coaching.

I was worried about the time commitment for Katie Jay’s year-long Empowerment Coaching Program. I have so much on my plate, and I knew that coaching would have to be at a certain time every week, and that was not possible. Thankfully, Katie was flexible.

I didn’t know what to expect during my initial coaching session (one whole day in person with Katie!). I assumed it would be the same old pep talk coaches give people; but I found my day with her to be extremely valuable.

Katie has helped me break down barriers I didn’t know I had. She did not judge me. She has an unbelievable wealth of knowledge. She adapted her coaching to meet my needs.

I highly recommend coaching with Katie Jay.

My initial reluctance in signing up for Katie Jay's Empowerment Coaching Program came from money concerns and making a commitment for a full year.

Soon after we began I realized that the time we spent together made a difference. While any food plan or other tool almost always works short-term, self-critical and self-limiting beliefs have always sabotaged me in the long run.

That’s why working with Katie weekly over the course of a year has been so helpful. In fact, I signed up for a second year.

The support and encouragement I've received from Katie is phenomenal; she has been there for me throughout. She even helped me cope with some very traumatic medical events during our time together.

The most valuable thing I discovered is the importance of self-awareness, self-compassion, and self-care for long-term results after bariatric surgery; and how to cultivate these qualities.

Some specific things that Katie helped me with include:

• Learning effective ways to interrupt negative and self-sabotaging thoughts before they can spiral into a depressive episode.
• Developing a toolbox of helpful techniques and resources.
• Accessing other helpful information. (Katie is very knowledgeable about what is available. If I want to pursue a specific idea further, she can usually recommend a website, book, CD, or other resource.)

Katie's coaching is different. She doesn’t tell you what to do. She helps you find your own way. She helps you clarify what you want from the coaching and then helps you reach your goals in a way that works for you.

I highly recommend Katie's coaching! She has impressive academic credentials and a wealth of experience. She has been there herself and she knows what we are going through. Katie is warm, outgoing, and easy to relate to. Most important of all, Katie genuinely cares about each of her clients.

As a mental health clinician, I didn’t know how it would go when I signed up to coach with Katie. I don’t have to be a professional when I’m with her. She helps me settle in and use the time for my personal development.

I don’t want to focus on food and nutrition, or my weight. I want to focus on what I want to do and the direction I want to go.

Coaching with Katie, for me, is about changing myself on the inside and finding what Katie calls the “sweet spot.” That’s where I am doing the things that are good for me, which matches with what I want to be doing and what I’m drawn to.

Katie is a nonjudgmental, compassionate listener and she accepts me where I am at any particular time. She doesn’t have an agenda for me. I highly recommend coaching with Katie.

I am so happy to have been introduced to Katie through her website. I remember the time that I met her in New Hampshire at a day retreat. She is so soft spoken. She is compassionate. She listens before she speaks. She shares her knowledge and her mistakes along the way. She is truly a wonderful teacher.

Katie, you have so much knowledge I wonder where you hold it all. You have a way of teaching that resonates with those who listen to you, and the hour goes by so fast. I found that I wanted more when it was time to say good night.

I want you to know that I hope you keep up the great work you are doing to inspire and encourage those of us who are not yet so well put together. You give me the courage to try new things and keep experimenting new ways of living this life.

Working with Katie helped to reinforce that bariatric surgery is truly a journey. Just because you have this tool that helps you lose weight doesn't mean that the issues you had with using food as an emotional crutch go away.

I would recommend coaching with Katie, because she is smart, analytical, playful, and walks the walk.

I wasn’t sure how much I would get out of a book discussion with a group of women I’d never met, but Katie Jay’s Book Club turned out to be the most valuable experience I've had in helping me get a handle on my eating. My whole outlook has changed. Katie connected with each of us personally and made sure everyone was getting what they needed. She has a surprising depth of knowledge, and she is open and honest about her own experiences. I’d recommend her book club to anyone.

Soon after we began I realized that the time we spent together made a difference. While any food plan or other tool almost always works short-term, self-critical and self-limiting beliefs have always sabotaged me in the long run.

That’s why working with Katie weekly over the course of a year has been so helpful. In fact, I signed up for a second year.