Diet Contest?

Hi All, At work they are doing a "biggest loser" kind of contest.  Everybody weighs-in, pays the 10 bucks..winner takes all.  I was thinking about joining in.  Do you guys think I should?  I have been sooo heavy for sooo much of my life, just wanting to be in the background and not putting myself "out there"  it's kinda scarey for me.  I need some kind of motivation to get me off of this plateau and just to try harder to get to the weight I need to be.  Also, nobody at work knows I had wls..does that give me an unfair advantage? Just wondering... Huggs, Ginger

I'd do it - it'll help with motivation and since no one knows it won't be an issue.  Besides you are struggling with the same food issues as anyone else at this point, so its not that much of an advantage.  If you win and you feel guilty you could always use your winnings to buy some kind of office present - then you'd seem extra cool to everyone else.  And if you work with men, they have an advantage in a lot of ways with more lean muscle mass and a higher metabolism.  If he tries my husband can lose weight easier than me probably still, and I had surgery. 

I know that myself, being 2 years and 2 months out of surgery, old habits and food issues have started to creep back in..so easy to graze when it doesn't make you feel sick anymore.  Sometimes I think I need an electronic shock collar to get me back on track.  Great idea about doing an office present with the winnings..but if I win..(I've never won anything)I won't feel guilty..I'd be out shopping for new clothes as soon as that cash hits my hand!! Huggs, Ginger

MOST people who know we've had the WLS cop an attitude and even though you will have to work hard at losing...they might not see it that way.  You know your co-workers better than we do. How in the world did you keep that from them?  Anyway...I would give it a shot..what the hell...if you are reducing intake and exercising like the rest of them....your WLS is none of their business...right?  Good luck hon...whatever motivation works...go for it!   HUGS  Jeanine

For me, being accountable to a group doesn't mean anything. I've learned the hard way that I' really only accountable to myself, always. The stress of a competition in an area of my life in which I have control issues would not be healthy for me. But that's me. If you feel comfortable doing it, I see no reason to tell them about your WLS. I fully agree with what Jenn said above. But I think I would also buy myself a treat and not feel guilty. I'm wondering about another option for you. What if you did the competition, but without the group? Challenge yourself to get serious for the same time period, and plan a reward if you meet your goal. -Julie

My job did the same thing. My WLS is not a secret at my job. I paid my $20. It was for 30 days and I came in 2nd place and walked away with $260, a really nice coffee mug for my car, 1/2 day off with pay, a mouse pad, and a really nice pen.  Do it what do you have to lose. The worse could happen is that you lose a few pounds.