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

Shelly Holman
RN, CBN

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,