No recognition at Curves.....re-post from Lap-Band board

I went to back to Curves for the first time  in months today.  The  woman who works there was extremely nice..as always .....I mostly did upper work out stuff and skipped some of the ab..till I get back into my groove. I had told her when I went in that I was under a doctors care for some abdominal stuff, and left it at that. As I was doing the circuit, we were talking and she asked me what I was under a doctors care for..........which I told her...Lap-Band. (if asked..I don't lie). Every month after you weigh and measure, the top five losers are put on the board. I was just curious and asked her if I could still participate in the different challenges.......she said I'm pretty much disquailfied as a top 5 loser, that it's not fair to the other people who diet and excersie alone. I am fine with that......and I undestand that point of view....I was just wondering how my fellow band buddies feel about it. It's honeslty not a big deal for me I'm just curious.....How many "Bands" are there...but never tell?? =0)

Sara, I am having the RNY, not the Lap-Band but I just wanted to put my two cents worth in here! I do not think it's fair that they are treating you this way.  In my opinion, it shouldn't matter how you are losing the weight - only that you are losing!!  Sure you may lose more that those that haven't had WLS but they have the same option to have the surgery that you did and just because you chose it and they didn't, that shouldn't count against you.  You still have to work hard to lose the weight.  Anyway, not that my opinion is worth anything but that's just the way I see it.   Good luck to you! Donna

I have a banded friend that goes to the one in Matthews and she is allowed to participate. I don't see how that is right. At frist I can see it because you do have a quick weight loss but after a year or so out you should be able to participate w/ everyone. Well that is my 2 cents....my little work out place lets me keep up w/ the best of them. haha well when I can.

I think that sucks.  If they did put you up there, you would be a great advertisment for Curves!  Think of the people you would inspire!  We will not really lose that much faster than somebody doing a hard-core diet! Shoot, you've been jipped. My two cents....

That woman is not telling you the truth, not only was I a member,  I worked part time at Curves and I know the home office would be very upset that the worker told you that.  I was the " Biggest Loser" on my Curves for over a year, every month my picture was on the board all the other members knew of my RNY gastric by pass and was so supportive of me and my choice .

 How dare that evil woman tell you it is not fair to . Just because you were truthful. Curves International loves gastric by pass patients to come to them and really they are the perfect workout for a very large woman, the first time I went I was 320 pounds and was unable to do some of the exercises, as time went by and I lost the weight I got to where I could everything and well, the staff at my Curves were so pleased it really made a huge difference in my workout and my success.  Don't let one bad mis informed apple ruin this for you , talk with the owner and set that lady stright and if they still do not allow you to participate let us all know, I myself will stop being a Curves supporter.  grwwwww, we Losers must stick together . Allison

At work they started the "Biggest Loser" contest on April 30 to June 30.  Everyone had free access to New Millenium Gym during that period and participated in classes by a nutritionist.  The winner will receive $500 for losing the highest % of body fat (as opposed to lbs),  I had my surgery March 28th.  I was told I was welcomed to compete, but I opted not to because it isn't fair.  We have an advantage.  I remember all too well how painfully difficult weight loss was before surgery.  Everyone knew about my surgery and lots were asking me if I would compete.  I always answered no because I felt I had an unfair advantage over my coworkers and I didn't want them giving up on my account.  It was only fair. Diane

If I was in your situtation I would also have felt uncomfortable to compete for the prize ($500 is a lot!). I think in the case of Curves since the "prize" is your name on the board... whats the big deal? Or if she ended up being the top person.. they could have made two top spots!!

You definately should be allowed to compete... they could have come up with something better... like if you ended up being the top person, making two top people since *technically* you had an advantage. No matter how you lose the weight you should be recognized for it...  If that woman was just a worker and not an owner/manager I would call the owner and say something... what she did is just plain ole bad business... do they not want your hard earned money over the next person? I think not!

I have a hard time with the way that woman treated you.  There was a definite value judgment on her part going on there.  As though you had done something "immoral" by seeking out a surgical solution to supplement your weight loss efforts.  It really hit a nerve for me because I used to be one of those judgmental folks who thought that people who turned to WLS were weak-willed and were taking the "easy" way out.  You were not treated well.  What she said to you was tantamount to saying that individuals over 7 ft tall have an unfair advantage on the basketball court and should be banned from playing. JMHO, Suzanne