Once you’ve checked in to the hotel, they’ll give you a map of the grounds. Find the Paradise Terrace where we’ll be checking you in, passing out the swag bags, and likely hugging everyone enthusiastically.

Location: Paradise Terrace

Let’s kick off the Bariatric Retreat right! Come by for a drink (or two), some snacks, and great company. This is a casual event, so just come as you are.

Location: Paradise Terrace

Sponsored by ProCare Health

Start your morning off right with a light circuit session, taught by Nerissa Stewart @rissarecharged. This workout includes modifiable moves using body weight only, that you can repeat at home! Bring your yoga mat.

Location: Pine Hill Lawn

Pick up samples, snag some swag, and learn more about our incredible sponsors!

Location: Sunset Ballroom (1+ 2)

Breakfast available! Grab some food, snag a seat!

Welcome Remarks 

Stephanie Ristow @one_hungry_mother

Breanna Armstrong @thebresg

Keynote: Your Keys to Bariatric Success 

Desiree Mize @wokeuplikedez

Committing to a long-term healthy lifestyle after weight loss surgery is ultimately in your hands. By choosing to have the surgery for significant and permanent weight loss, you’ve already taken a huge first step. Now let’s break down the winning tips and strategies you need to succeed long term.

Location: Sunset Ballroom

Sponsored by Just Better @justbetterfiber

Grab a fiber sample and some coffee in the Marketplace to refuel!

Samantha Rawley @therealslimsammi

Dr. Keyian Z. Paydar, MD @paydarmd

Dr. Angela Champion, MD @angelachampionmd

Considering skin removal, a mommy makeover, or any other plastics procedure after weight loss surgery? Join this panel with “plastics queen” Samantha Rawley and esteemed plastic surgeons to learn about the process, the costs, the downtime, and what kind of results you can expect in different scenarios.

Location: Sunset Ballroom

Speaker Kristin Hirano, MS, RD, CN, CD @justbetterfiber

Kristin discusses the scoop on poop. What’s good, what’s not so good, and what to do about it. Don’t miss it!

Location: Bayview Room

Come snag a light lunch on the beautiful Sunset Terrace.

East2West WLS (April Williams & Jason Smith) @East2West_WLS

Maddie Spahr @maddie5088

Kedric Barrett @sleevedbelievethehype

One of the biggest challenges we face as WLS patients is the constant change of our shape throughout the process. Excess skin or other differences from expectation in a post weight-loss is a mental challenge, and self-love is not an automatic symptom of the surgery. In this session we’ll dive into coming to terms with body positivity, leaning into body neutrality, and learning to accept and love our bodies. 

Location: Sunset Ballroom

Breanna Armstrong @thebresg

Michelle Farraj @michobabyy

Amy Stien @amyy_vsg

Shannon Nicole Smith @shannonnicholesmith

There are a number of potential revenue streams inherent in the content and resources you already create for the bariatric community. As an influencer in the Bariatric community, you can partner with brands to test and promote products, create eBooks or paid resources for bariatric patients, or even coach! Join this session to learn how to turn your weight loss journey into a brand and earn income from the world you’re already doing.

Location: Bayview Room  

Sponsored by Devotion Nutrition @devotionnutrition

Grab a protein coffee and a Devotion protein snack in the Marketplace while you mingle with our sponsors!

Hosted by ProCare Health

A bonfire, bari-friendly s’mores, and good company! Who could ask for more? 

Location: Lawn by Barefoot Bar & Grill

Sponsored by Celebrate Vitamins @celebratevitamins

Start your morning off right with a light circuit session, taught by Desiree Mize @wokeuplikedez. This workout includes modifiable moves using body weight only, that you can repeat at home! Bring your yoga mat. 

Location: Pine Hill Lawn

Pick up samples, snag some swag, and learn more about our incredible sponsors!

Location: Sunset Ballroom (1+ 2)

VSG Tea (Breanna Armstrong & Samantha Rawley) @vsgtea

Desiree Mize @wokeuplikedez

Suzanne Razaq @1gastricgirl

Everybody says “the hard part” of the weight loss journey really starts when it’s time to maintain. And with an estimated 50% of WLS patients regaining their weight within a 5 year period, there’s some truth to that challenge. Join us as we discuss the core challenges, systems, and brutal facts we must face to overcome that statistic and have long-term success.

Location: Sunset Ballroom

Sponsored by Just Better @justbetterfiber

Grab a fiber sample and some coffee in the Marketplace to refuel!

Mabel Joseph @beyondthesleeveacademy

Thoughts fuel emotion. Emotion fuels action. In this workshop, we’ll show you that you have the power to make changes in your habits and actions, by controlling the way you think about the process. We’ll learn how your feelings direct your actions, and what we can do to change our mindset to push forward towards the life we want.

Location: Sunset Ballroom

Dr. Joe Cribbins III, MD @one_operation_changes_life  

Natalie Tierney @breakingbari_ers

Charity Damron @wanderlust.wls  

Now’s your chance! Join this open Q&A with Dr. Joe Cribbins to ask a bariatric surgeon all the questions you’re too afraid or unable to bring to your own doctor. Aches and pains, gallbladder concerns, straws vs. not, drugs, alcohol, and sex. Nothing is off-limits in this free-for-all question and answer section. We’ll be collecting questions prior to the Retreat, and allowing in-person questions onsite. 

Location: Bayview Room

Come snag a light lunch on the beautiful Sunset Terrace.

Our Sleeved Life Podcast (Kellie Wilson & Mel Gottfried) @oursleevedlifepodcast  

Jennifer R. Shapiro, Ph.D.

In this session, Our Sleeved Life Podcast hosts Kellie and Mel are joined by Clinical Psychologist and Certified Eating Disorders Specialist, Dr. Jennifer Shapiro to discuss their experiences around emotional eating, and what they’ve now identified as food addiction. Together, we’ll learn how food addiction works, how weight loss surgery may affect it, and how to ultimately treat it. 

Location: Sunset Ballroom

Suzanne Razaq @1gastricgirl

Join this workshop to learn how to end the habits and behaviors of self-sabotage and emotional eating, and how to create a long-lasting future that rocks. Suzanne shows you the tools and strategies she used to lose 130 pounds after VSG – and keep the weight off. This workshop includes Suzanne’s step-by-step Vision Guide and her 2022 Weight Loss Planner (with 30-day eating and exercise plans). 

Location: Bayview Room

Megan Moore, RDN @mybariatricdietitian

Do you ever feel lost or overwhelmed when it comes to knowing what to eat after bariatric surgery? Do you feel like you have to be super strict or regimented, otherwise you aren’t successful? Join Megan, Bariatric Dietitian, as she breaks down bariatric nutrition in a simple and transferrable manner. Learn how to build healthful snacks and meals that not only taste great but also help you stay energized, satisfied, and support your weight and wellness goals. If you’re at home or on the go, these guidelines can support you, no matter where you are.

Location: Sunset Ballroom

Nerissa Stewart @rissarecharged

Pregnancy after weight loss surgery can be a scary prospect for many women. Can I eat enough to support the baby? Will I gain all my weight back if I get pregnant? Are there dangers I should be aware of? In this session, post-VSG-mama Nerissa Davis, will answer all these questions, and more!

Location: Bayview Room

Sponsored by Devotion Nutrition @devotionnutrition

Grab a protein coffee and a Devotion protein snack in the Marketplace while you mingle with our sponsors!

Sponsored by East2West WLS @east2west_wls

Join us for a fancy red carpet, get your photo snapped, eat a delicious meal, and finish off with a dance party!