My company's wellness program holds a contest every year called Weigh to Win. It's an incentive for employee's to take better care of their overall health, to promote healthier eating, encourage physical activity and create a supportive work environment.. It's loosely based on the Biggest Loser idea I think though having not watched that program I can't really say much about it.

I know in the past that there has been some major success stories with this contest, and our wellness department is top notch. They will send out motivational and helpful e-mails along the way, and our very own Dr. B will over see the entire event.

That said, these are the guidelines:

Guidelines: Weight loss should be the result of healthier eating and exercise habits. Employees are on the honor system and should participate in a healthy and fair manner.

My question is does being a banded person give an unfair advantage in a contest such as this?

What do you think?

Nope! We do the same thing here and it doesn't matter if you've had WLS since our average is 2-10lbs per month. That's obtainable by anyone disceplined enough to see the contest through.

BTW: There is an online contest like that. You pay $20 for the month, you weigh yourself and photograph the number with your feet showing in the picture. At the end of the month you do the same thing and if you've lost a certain percentage you share a piece of the pot for that month. If they think you're fibbing, you have to go to a CVS or Walgreens, weigh in, photograph and have it signed off on by an employee in the pharmacy. If you're interested, I can give you more information. The pot grows well into the thousands, but again you have to split it with everyone else who made their goal.

NO because we still have to exercise and ach what we put in our bodies , so we just have a tool that reminds of that , so t think it's unfair we still have to put in our work .

Agree with the others, the lap band, contrary to some people's beliefs, is NOT the easy way out. It take a lot of work on our part. I was at the doctor today for a fill and he said that he has some people at a year down just 10 lbs. It is what you put in. So sign up and go for it!

Would you think that others that might join the contest and might know about your WLS would think you had an unfair advantage over them?

It is a money pool and it's based on the percentages of weight lost, in teams and individuals so it's pretty fair all around. Unless of course you weigh in on the first day with weights in your pants

I think some people participating may think it is unfair, especially if you win and money is involved. They might be really angry. (they don't realize how much work is involved),

Per the rules - are people allowed to take weight loss drugs / appetite suppressants? I see it states that it should be focused on healthy eating / exercises.

If there are no exclusions for other 'tools', I say you should be allowed. If it states no tools then yeah you probably should not.

Can you talk to the organizer? Explain the band how you still have to control what goes in and it's just a tool for portion control/appetite suppressant.

We had a contest like that start at my work in January, but I didn't join because I don't like calling attention to my loss. I haven't told anyone except one friend (and family), and since I took prime time off of work, I wouldn't want to draw any more unwanted attention or questions. There are many pros to keeping it mum from everyone, but the con is you have to actively keep it on the DL.

I don't think so either. in fact we have gone the extra mile for our weight loss. do you feel as if you didn't fight for every ounce you have lost. did you not change your eating habits to a more healthy way. didn't your whole lifestyle become more health conscious. and you don't need to tell anyone either. you have followed the guidelines. good luck

Your band should not be an issue.

And I don't feel they could exclude you because that would be discriminating against you for having it.

And seriously, if they are that concerned about people getting healthier why would you attach a monetary value to it....yes, i understand that is the "incentive"....but that would be the other peoples "tool" in my opinion....the $$ outcome is the tool they are using to want to lose weight....

You should have the same right to join the program and participate as anyone else and if someone else doesnt like it they should not do it.

I have heard of other weight loss challenges excluding those who have had WLS. I don't think other people understand the hard work some banders put into their weight loss. But I do think it gives you an edge. I would discuss it with whoever is running the contest.

I have heard of other weight loss challenges excluding those who have had WLS. I don't think other people understand the hard work some banders put into their weight loss. But I do think it gives you an edge. I would discuss it with whoever is running the contest.

I agree.

OK so I'm gong to join with a couple of my co-workers they all go my back and I theirs! Now we need a team name....any ideas?

I think some people participating may think it is unfair, especially if you win and money is involved. They might be really angry. (they don't realize how much work is involved),

I agree with Jennybean all the way here. Don't you know WLS is the 'easy' way out? LOL

Well I'm gonna earn some easy money then!!

We named the team Smallsville, out of the three of us I am still the largest one with the most to lose but it's a motivator and it's been fun coming up with names and logo's and a theme...and even a super spreadsheet they can keep track of their calories in vs. out and steps taken per day to share and keep on track.

I bet that works for 1 whole day but it was fun putting it together

Lets see if I hear any grumbles from other contestants along the way...