A little of this, a little of that...

You asked for opinions. 100% of the replies say: Yes, it's cheating. You're a cheater if you participate for prizes. 

Now, are you going to listen to these opinions you solicited, or are you going to ignore them and do what you want anyway? If you only wanted opinions that agreed with you, you should have said so in the beginning. 

Good luck in the challenge. 

I never said I only wanted opinions that agree with me. I see that it is considered an unfair advantage to most of you. That's fine. I checked with the company, and they said absolutely I can participate. Only some of the prizes are weight loss based. Most are based on participation and the biggest is based on an essay portion. I decided to check based on answers I got here, so I appreciate the feedback. Thanks for your concern, though.

I can definitely see where the word "cheating" can hit a nerve - I don't think the word "cheating" is the right one for this - but "an advantage" is better.  I definitely think participating is great - but let someone else win!

I'm kinda touchy on people thinking I'm "cheating" and not "losing weight the normal & healthy way" - of course they aren't in my shoes struggling to lose each pound and working so very hard on the diet and exercise just like everybody else.  But the sleeve does give me an advantage in winning this battle that I've never had in the past!

Good luck to you!!  And it's great your company covers the surgery and is helping people lose weight!  This is from a couple who self-paid - and we are saving the insurance company so much money already on prescription drugs!) 

That's precisely why it bothered me. A couple people have pointed that out, and I realized especially because of the person saying it, I felt like the work I put in - especially since she watches how hard it is everyday - was being depreciated. 

So, you HONESTLY don't think you have an unfair advantage because of of surgery?  1) Your own words said differently, and 2) if your surgery doesn't give you an advantage in losing weight, why the HELL did you have it?!? 

How would you feel if someone who had the DS and has all sorts of caloric malabsorption joined and beat the SOCKS off of you and your sleeve?.  I bet you would be crying "foul" even if the company insurance paid for their DS surgery (and, IMO, you would be right to complain).

Good luck with dealing with your coworkers if you "win" because you had the advantage of not having the same kind of hunger everyone else does.  I can guarantee that, even though you don't want to listen to almost everyone HERE who says it is an unfair advantage, your co-workers are going to agree with us... and you have to deal with them daily!

Lora

I agree with your friend that it's cheating. 

I also also suggest lots of stretching!  If your insurance will cover it, physical therapy might be in order as well to help get your leg muscles up to par. 

Thank you!

Personally if I were in your shoes it just wouldn't be worth the drama it would start in the office. I think you'd make some enemies and bring a whole lot of unwanted and negative attention your way. Competition can bring out the worst in people.

People who have had or have researched WLS know the work that goes into it. The average person does not. You'd always be the cheater in their eyes regardless if you're allowed to participate. Your weight and weight loss moving forward would be right under the microscope. Its difficult as it is, you don't need that extra negativity at the office.

I wish you luck in whatever you choose.

Thanks for your input. I appreciate it.