National Association for Weight Loss Surgery Announces Exclusive West Coast Retreats

Dec. 5, 2008 - PRLog -- DANA POINT, California  - The National Association for Weight Loss Surgery (NAWLS), a leader in the bariatric surgery support community, announces the addition of premier women's renewal retreats on the west coast. Women who are one year or more out from bariatric surgery, and who struggle with the challenges of the weight loss surgery (WLS) lifestyle, are encouraged to attend the first west coast retreat on Valentine’s Day weekend, from February 13-16, 2009, in Dana Point, California. See site for more details. http://www.nawls.com/

“Going through WLS without a foundational support system is like trying to build a house on sand,” says Dr. David C. Voellinger, MD, FACS, FASMBS, of Southeast Bariatrics in Charlotte, North Carolina, “I always recommend to my patients that they find ample support because it is imperative in overcoming the obesity mindset. The NAWLS retreats offer solid help to emotional eaters and those who struggle with poor self image.”

The February retreat, near San Diego, is the second of its kind, and will be held in a private, luxury oceanfront beach home. The first retreat was held in Ocean Isle Beach, North Carolina in October. NAWLS Renewal Retreats are intimate gatherings of 15-22 women, who come together for education, coaching, and support in a safe environment.

“I wanted to create these small retreats for people who have already gone through their honeymoon phases,” says Founder and Director Katie Jay, MSW, and CTA-certified Wellness Coach, “After a year or two, many people allow their old eating habits to creep back into their lives. NAWLS has so many members who share with me that their food obsession and difficulty with the WLS lifestyle are causing them to regain weight. At our retreats they learn the underlying causes for their cravings and other challenges, and how to overcome them.”

Jay contends that both an “obesity mindset” and carbohydrate addiction are the major culprits in unsuccessful long-term weight loss among bariatric patients. She also points out that a negative self image can hinder WLS success. Accordingly, the theme of the February retreat is It's Time to Fall in Love with Yourself.

“We are in the planning stages now for other renewal retreats across the country due to the overwhelming response we have received,” adds Jay. “Members tell me they would like to see other specialized retreats that will make this unique experience available to men, as well as to bariatric surgery nurses who have had the surgery.”  

Membership in NAWLS is not necessary to register for the retreats, but members do receive a 10 percent discount. For more information or to register online, visit www.nawls.com.

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NAWLS is a safe, loving, and nonjudgmental community of bariatric surgery patients who struggle with weight maintenance and regain, sugar and carbohydrate sensitivity, transfer addictions, emotional eating, and eating disorders.

NAWLS was founded in 2005 by Katie Jay, a bariatric surgery patient who became an advocate for patient support when she saw the huge challenges involved in making WLS successful long term, and the lack of information available to WLS patients who struggle with food addiction. The association provides comprehensive and personal support including a private online community, retreats and workshops, coaching, teleseminars, audio programs, books, classes, and more.