VETS... this is so confusing.

Here's the one and only reason you need to justify getting one: Silent Alarms!

Not only do I have silent alarms set to wake me up, I have multiple silent alarms to go off 1/2 hour before my planned meals.  That let's me know it's time to stop drinking without having to watch the clock to make sure.  This ensure I don't accidently run over and have to delay a meal because I got wrapped up in something and forgot to note the time.  I've even considered adding a 2nd alarm 1/2 hour later to tell me I'm cleared to eat just so I don't have to watch the clock there either.

Now aside from that, you can certainly survive without one.  However, I just happen to be one of those information overload tech junkies, so I like having the data.  Does it change any of my behavior?  Probably not, but it does put a measurement value on what is going on each day.  It's partly a fun little game I can play each day and partly an accountability tool.  I can assure you that pushing to some of the achievement badges early on is what go me up and moving more than anything else.  It's one thing to walk each day, it's something else to push for 10k, 15k, 20k and 25k steps.  Each of those levels became a challenge I just had to obtain.

I use Fitbit because I also have the Aria scale so everything from both devices gets uploaded to a nifty little dashboard.  I recommend the Fitbit Force specifically because it gives you a numerical readout and counts stairs as well as steps.  It also has easier functionality than the Fitbit Flex.  There's a lot of tapping involved with the Flex; however, the Force just uses a push button.  MUCH easier.

 

I love my polar + heart rate monitor for tracking heartrate and calories burned but I am a geek that way.

Definitely not a vet here, but...I am a research geek and would love to have one of those gadgets. Unfortunately I am allergic to nickel and have very sensitive skin, so I am pretty sure I couldn't handle wearing anything like that all the time.

So is it necessary? Absolutely not. I have lost 95 lbs without one. Follow your plan and put in the work and you will lose weight. If you want to get one of those things for fun or extra input or whatever, do it. But don't feel like you need to.

For me, the Fitbit did change my behavior.  I set goals and try to get steps in during the day. Like others have said, it is good for data junkies.  

Just wanted to share this article.

http://news.yahoo.com/gift-guide-what-i-bought-this-year-pog ue-192306271.html

I LOVE my fitbit... but then again, I'm the type of person who is very motivated by numbers.  I have found that I walk more, work out more, and eat properly, when I track with a tool like this.

I had a fitbit one, but my dog ate it :(  With it being a clip on thing, I left it laying around too often, and almost washed it many times.  Now, I have a fitbit flex, and I really like it!  It doesn't keep track of stairclimbing, but I am ok with that.  Note, it is a little weird having the bracelet thing on, AND it's not very stylish.  After a few days I got used to wearing it.