The Biggest Loser Reality TV Show Experience
-
It’s hard to express in a blog the amount of hard work and determination it takes to want to lose such an insurmountable amount of weight as I did. I lost 214 lbs. more weight than most people weigh. But then again, I was 407 lbs. I didnt get there over night. I didnt lose it over night, but in just 8 short but pain staking months I did it. Keeping it off was just as hard, and I did keep a majority of it off until 2008. I started working as a salesperson and traveling in my car for 10 hrs a day, its hard to find a restroom in the territory I was in, let alone a sensible meal. Fast food was cheap and accessible and it also made me feel better for the moment at least. I saw it happening but we will get to that at another time.
Being on TV, bearing it all, might leave some squeamish, but I was so desperate to finally do something about my weight, the thought of letting it all hang out sort of speak didn’d discourage me. I was scheduled for Lap Band surgery, postponned it twice, waiting for the Biggest Loser call.
I met friends and had the support I never could have imagined. I began to belive in myself that anything was possible, even though I was the heaviest contestant to date.
The time away was sometimes unbearable, but I was reassured by my wife that the children and family business would still be there when I got back. It’s hard to imagine at the time that I would ever finish my time at the Ranch.
Please leave your thoughts and questions in a comment below.





May 25, 2009 at 11:20 am
I’ve heard it is a incredible amount of working out daily, but in the very beginning was there any adjustment period at all, and with the hours of daily workouts how much of it was cardio vs. resistance, and supervised vs on your own? Thanks, you are truly an inspiration to millions.
June 3, 2009 at 10:19 am
Thanks Steve for your support. Incredible amount of working out for pretty much the duration of the weight loss (which took me 8 months). Mostly cardio until about half way, then more resistance training, but then again I lost more than most people had to lose on the show so I needed to get the bulk of the weight off in the beginning with cardio. Supervised by my trainer, yes, but we had assigned “homework” to do on our own when the cameras werent rolling…mostly straight cardio. It’s not the norm to work out so many hours a day…when I think back to after the show thinking a 5 mile run wasnt good enough, and that it took me only an hour I needed to do more, I wish I stopped right there and told myself it was enough to keep the weight off, but my all or nothing mentality got the best of me and thats why I am where I am today with weight to lose again…Regards, Erik
November 20, 2009 at 11:06 pm
Hello Erik,
Even though you lost the weight and have gained some back, doesnt mean you cant do it again.
we all slip up in our adventures. I for one am not disapointed in you, after all your human. Good luck and God Bless.