Question:
I'm interested in hearing how post-op's are treated by their Curves
— Stacey G. (posted on March 28, 2003)
March 28, 2003
Did you tell them that you had a gastric bypass? If yes, was it a necessary
part of your membership? I am a Curves member and have not told anyone so
it is a non-issue. Please let me know. This is concerning.
— April S.
March 28, 2003
I'd tell Curves to shove it right up their a$$. How dare they judge how
you've chosen to get healthy? And why'd you tell them anyway? You haven't
"cheated", you're eating less and exercising, same as anyone else
could do.
— Angie M.
March 28, 2003
wel, this is absurd. Although I do not necessarily discagree with them not
including you in the contest, I do definately disagree with them saying
that they would, then changing the rules and not even having the balls to
tell you what they did!! That is low. I looked into joinin the local
curves, but heard many negative comments about them on the grad list. I
toured the local one, and did not get a warm welcome, so decided against
it. I would bump this up to corporate. Also, I would ask for a partial
refund/ discount since you can not be a "full participant" in the
membership benefits. That would only be fair.
— Vicki L.
March 28, 2003
I do not belong to Curves, I take advantage of the YMCA in my town. I had
this thought...are you going to Curves for the health benefits or for silly
contests? You're going for the health benefits of course! So to hell with
their contests, just go be yourself and work your hiney off and look and
feel GREAT! Now, I am a member of Tops Club (Take Off Pounds Sensibly) and
what I've been advised is that usually post op WLS most members just don't
participate in their local Chapters' contests (because we have a wonderful
tool to use that no one else has) but are still eligible to be members and
become KOPS when we reach our doctor prescribed goal weight.
— Linda B.
March 28, 2003
I think the thing that really ticks me off about your story, is that they
say you can't be in the contests because you have a gastric bypass
advantage, yet they don't seem to mind using your weightloss to their
advantage. I don't think you should be eligable for the contests
necessarily, but I would let them know that if they are going to use YOU to
make money for THEM, they need to put YOU on payroll.
— thekatinthehat
March 28, 2003
unless curves is the only gym you can attend, take your money to another
gym that will treat you the way you want to be treated.
— Kasey
March 28, 2003
I think if I was in your position, when they used me as an example, I'd be
sure to tell the new prospects that I had had bypass surgery.
— Barbara S.
March 28, 2003
before i had my surgery i asked if i would be eligible for the elite member
and i was told no. however, when i went back after my surgery leave i got
the elite member either 2 or 3 months in a row. i was very surprised, but
they gave me no hassle at all even knowing i had the surgery...sorry you
had such a bad experience. i agree though that i would take my money and go
to another curves. they are all privately owned. at least around here they
are. we have several curves, but most are individual shops...good luck.
— candymom64
March 28, 2003
I think that I would be fairly ticked off. Not sure of what kind of contest
this is but if it was for the person who took off the most weight in a
month or something then everyone who does this should also have to post a
diet program to go along with there ecersize(sp) regimen. Like it would be
okay for someone who is anerexic to win but not someone who had surgery
which is safer than being anarexic.Hope you understand what I am trying to
say there. I think I would tell them if I am not allowed to participate
fully in all the programs that you offer I will find somewhere else to go
and I would tell them to stop using me as an example to get new
clients(espescially if they aren't telling them you have had surgery).
— S C.
March 28, 2003
I am a member of Curves also and I have chosen not to join in on the
contest because I felt it was not fair to the others. But the workers that
are there have told me that it was ok if I joined cause I was losing the
same way as others. I also have told new members, cause they do hold me up
to be a high loser, that I have had the operation and that I have lost so
many pounds and inches but it was not all from going to Curves. The
workers raise their eyebrows but they have never told me to stop telling
the truth. Stick to your guns and if you want to join their contests go
for it and maybe they could give out two prizes?
— Janie H.
March 28, 2003
Hi Stacey- Congratulations on your wonderful success so far. I have heard
no-so-great things about Curves, one rumor being that they're "all
about the Benjamins". I personally feel that YOU and others at Curves
(or any other gym) who have had outstanding success did the hard work, NOT
"Curves", and they shouldn't be tooting their own horn so
much,,,,"Look what Stacey did for herself" as opposed to
"Look what we did for Stacey". As so many people say about WLS,
Curves is a "tool", but you have to work it. Best of luck to
you. Mea
— Mea A.
March 28, 2003
I belong to curves and I have not been treated that way at all. Here they
are very encouraging to me. The owner told me I should enter the
Seathearts Contest in Feb, but I didn't do it. They are always excited for
me as I make progress. They did not disclose to anyone about my surgery,
but I tell it. I have not hid the fact of the surgery from anyone (I did
at first). You should probably just talk to the ownere one on one and tell
them how you feel. On one hand they want to take all the credit for your
weight loss, but then exclude you from the contests. They can't have it
both ways.
— jan M.
March 28, 2003
I belong to Curves and am currently on the top 10 losers board. They know
I had WLS and it has never been an issue. In fact, the #1 loser also had
WLS. So it's defintely just your franchise that is acting this way - I
don't think it's a national policy or anything.
I don't imagine the management of your Curves restrict the people who
haven't had WLS to only work out at Curves or only follow the Curves diet
to be eligible - so who's to say that their weight loss is only because of
their membership in Curves either? I think anyone who sees WLS as
"the easy way" needs to follow us around for a few months and see
how "easy" it really is. It's no magic pill - it's hard work and
you deserve the recognition. Give 'em hell! ;->
— barbdeane
March 29, 2003
I was a member of Curves pre-WLS, and I quickly got the feeling it was all
about money. It's just a quick franchise for people who want to own their
own business. Most of the owners know nothing about fitness, or their
members' health. They get the machines, buy a boom box with the special
tapes and they are in business. I quit after two months of this nonsense,
and with no real results.
Stand up for your rights. They are making money off of you.
— Jamie R.
March 29, 2003
I joined Curves 3 weeks ago. I have not gotten my RNY surgery date as of
yet but I did tell the Curves owner about my surgery. I joined Curves to
get my heart healthier and blood to flowing so I can have fewer chances of
bloodclots and surgery complications. I could care less about any contests
or tee shirts, all I want is a good workout and I will make sure they let
fellow Curves ladies know that I had the surgery if and when they start the
measuring and announcing any weight losses. I am positive this surgery is
not "an easy way out" as some people will say, but it is none of
their business. I consider it more of a desperate way out. A last resort.
I enjoy my work outs at Curves, it makes me feel good to be doing
something for myself so if I am left out of any contests.. I could care
less. I also think you have the right to keep your weight and inches kept
confidential, and this is what I plan to do. I had to sign a contract with
Curves, so it is my understanding I am comitted to them for a year, the
same as when you sign up for any "plans" and I will have to pay
whether I stay with them or not. I love Curves and I would recommend it to
anyone. The Curves I joined just opened one month ago, so it is new to me,
maybe after I have the surgery, I will be "discriminated"
against. I will have to wait and see. I have been going for three weeks
and I already feel like my joints are getting stronger. I love it!
— Cathy B.
March 30, 2003
I managed a Curves for a year and a half. Yes you signed a contract...but
did you read that contract completely?? It says, (not in exact words) when
you want to quit working out and want to quit having your account drafted,
please send them a letter stating the reason why you want to quit and for
them to stop drafting your account. This letter needs to reach Curves 30
days before drafting date. They can not draft your account if you mail
them a letter. Be sure to keep a copy of the letter. If you have further
problems with Curves, contact Curves For Women Coporate office in Waco,
Texas. They will help you...very friendly staff!
— Kimberley E.
April 2, 2003
It's funny for me to see this question, because I was the winner of the 30
day challenge in February. I had WLS in September 2002, and have lost 90
pounds so far. I joined the contest, and at the end of the month began to
feel guilty. I asked family members what they thought. My husband thought I
should speak up, and let them know where I was coming from, my daughter and
brother said I was flat out cheating.I was feeling like I should take
myself out of the running. No-one at my Curves in Newtown, Connecticut knew
about my surgery, but one patron did. When the results of the contest were
announced, and my name was on the top of the list, this person made a
stink. "How are we supposed to compete against people like you? No one
else has a chance!" She was bull$hit. So I walked up to the manager
and told her that I had the surgery, and I felt guilty for winning. She
asked me if the reason I joined the contest was for motivation, and I said
yes. She thanked me for being honest and handed me the winning prizes. She
thinks that I'm doing everything I can for myself to help myself and that
shouldn't disqualify me from anything. I was amazed at the open armed
reception. The week after the owner came up to me and asked me if some
other WLS people could contact me. It was nice. I enjoyed my manacure and
pedicure and I love my travel coffee mug along with the sweatshirt, tee
shirt and travel bag! Thanks to Roberta and Roxy for believing in me!
— wiggie34
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