The Bear's thougths on the Biggest Loser - ThinnerTimes

bigbearjeff · 04-16-2008, 07:07 AM

I was reading the thread on here about the finale of the biggest loser, and did not want to hijack that thread with my thoughts. So, I started a new one. Remember, the bear loves you.

Relative to the show "The Biggest Loser", I have to be honest, I am so happy for the people's temporary successes. I want so badly for thieir successes to be permanent, but why is it I know differently? Unless these people can really stick with the same routine or hire personal trainers, I just don't see it happening. I have read that statistically only 3-4% of the people that lose 30+lbs or more from conventional diets can actually keep off the weight. Thus, you can anticipate most of those people will gain that weight back. I am REALLY not trying to urinate on someone's wheaties here.. I am just stating the honest truth.

My friends say to me, "Oh look at that show.. see how well they did. You did not have to have that surgery.. you could have just done that." To which I respond, "Let's see them all three years later". Why? because I researched these things and know better.

I am not a fool, and I want to see them keep it off, but as I said...I just know better. I have done what they have done only to eventually gain it all back. That is why I chose this route, and honestly it has been a great success for me, but I will NOT let my guard down.

When you have a procedure like this you obviously have thought it out. I consider "Jared" from subway.. Why is it I do NOT believe that story? Remember that I said it, but I would absolutely NOT be surprised one day if we found out he had some kind of procedure. Why? Because I just have a hard time believing it. Is it possible? yes, but think about it.. if Subway was the answer wouldn't we be seeing thousands of Jareds? But we don't. So, I am quite skeptical of that whole story. If he really did it the way it is insinuated, then bless his heart. He is a better man than me, but I just don't believe it.

Who would have thought the big bear was such a skeptic? Usually I am not, but I have seen so much "false hope" as of recent with shows like the biggest loser etc. I like the show. I celebrate with the people, but will we celebrate with them in 3-5 years? And will people say things like, "Oh look at so and so from that show. They gained all that weight back" Because they were a glutton? lazy? did not care? No, it IS A DISEASE! And these shows are selling a lie in some regards, and I hate for people to think any different.

Keep in mind, people who have WLS surgery also can gain the weight back, but according to my doctor's office statistically speaking 75% of the people that have R&Y GB surgery keep off 60% of their target goal weight after a 10 year period. I like those odds.

Well there you have it. Be encouraged, follow the course, and fly like an eagle!

*hugs*

Jeff

Toony · 04-16-2008, 09:26 AM

I've been thinking about Dr. Phil's Weight Loss group too... on his recent "celebratory" 1000th episode, he only brought back ONE from the group... so what happened to the others?

I'm a skeptic too Jeff...

When I was in WW, there was a man named Jim. When he started coming, you could hear him before he walked into the room - huffing and puffing. He lost enormous amounts of weight each week... Ended up being 200 pounds in a year. Eventually he had to have the extra skin removed ... The WW leader was so proud of him and wanted him to be featured in their magazine... Corporate said "no." His results were definately "not typical." I'm quite sure he had RNY... and used WW to help keep him on track.

JumboJulie · 04-16-2008, 11:09 AM

I agree. "Jared" has a big secret that Subway is gaurding dearly. And you just may be right that it could be gastric bypass surgery. I mean come on people ... how can you lose a couple hundred pounds eating a loaf of bread every day?! And you're right Jeff, why aren't there other "Jared's" out there??! They have a commercial out now congradulating him on keeping the weight off for the last 10 years. Well, if it's not GBS, then it's got to be Bulimia. Maybe he stuffs down his foot-long roast beef special then runs to the bathroom?!

I dunno. But I do believe we all are skeptic's to some degree since we've opted for the surgical route. We've all tried and failed at the diet thing ... some for the last 2 years, some for the last 20 years. I know for me, when I hear about the newest latest and greatest diet books to hit the shelves, I just roll my eyes ... here we go AGAIN! Atkins, South Beach, Nutra-System, Dr. Phil ... the list just goes on and on. Give me a break people!

porshh951 · 04-16-2008, 11:12 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Toony

I've been thinking about Dr. Phil's Weight Loss group too... on his recent "celebratory" 1000th episode, he only brought back ONE from the group... so what happened to the others?

I'm a skeptic too Jeff...

When I was in WW, there was a man named Jim. When he started coming, you could hear him before he walked into the room - huffing and puffing. He lost enormous amounts of weight each week... Ended up being 200 pounds in a year. Eventually he had to have the extra skin removed ... The WW leader was so proud of him and wanted him to be featured in their magazine... Corporate said "no." His results were definately "not typical." I'm quite sure he had RNY... and used WW to help keep him on track.

how sad but, so true. I was asked to in a round about way stop going to my local group(only went a couple of times over the course of 10 months) because my results were considered way abnormal. I feel for that man. It would have been nice if he had been made to feel great about his awesome accomplishment. I'm sure he will tell you he doesn't need it but, at the end of the day weather or not we need it isn't really the point is it?

Hey bear here's the facts bro. People don't change. That show isn't a diet. They are learning serious life changing habits that if they adhear too will keep them thin and fit for life. Once they reach goal they won't have to workout at that level or even eat that cleanly to maintain(ask me how I know!?!)

The ugly truth is people rarely make a life change of great magnitidue. Weight is no different. As speaking from someone who was once 450lbs. Let me say its really about changing and growing who you are. If you do that the weight will never come back. Sure alot of those contestants gain some weight back but, I bet a good portion keep most of their weight off.

GBS surgery isn't any different. Our numbers aren't anywhere near perfect and since we are surgically altering our digestive systems and stomachs you would think our numbers would be damn near close. Truth is there is no magic pill, no magic surgery, no magic diet.

And thats why people tend to fail. Because real life change is hard and can only truly come from something bigger than yourself.

Take it easy bro, keep your chin up and hit the gym.

bigbearjeff · 04-16-2008, 11:37 AM

Hmm I was reading your response. I think somewhere along the way you thought my chin was down. It isn't and has not been. I was just sharing my thoughts about the facts. And that show is "fantasy" land. THose people do not have jobs during that time. They have personal trainers and diet people working with them. Average people can not afford that type of assistance. So their results are not normal relative to today's standards.

I don't think anyone would argue about it is not a diet show, but instead it is a regimented workout/diet program. When I refer to WLS I refer to all of it. The dietary changes. THe workout changes, and the mental changes.

I get very concerned when I see "Hollywood" presenting something that is not realistic. Just like those commercials you see on TV where Sally lost 150lbs just by using the Ab flex by Ronco. or whatever.. Always in fine print on the bottom are statements like, "These are extra-ordinary results and can not be guaranteed for everyone etc..."

My point is that TV is making people have unrealistic expectations. The truth is everyone wants a quick fix, but it is all about a lifestyle change. Life style changes are hard. No one said they would be easy. The purpose of my post was to alert people to the truth and give them a reality check.

Oh and I work out 3 times a week =)

But my legs are getting skinny and someone said I lost my ass?? *gasp*

See you all soon,

Jeff

porshh951 · 04-16-2008, 11:47 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bigbearjeff

Hmm I was reading your response. I think somewhere along the way you thought my chin was down. It isn't and has not been. I was just sharing my thoughts about the facts. And that show is "fantasy" land. THose people do not have jobs during that time. They have personal trainers and diet people working with them. Average people can not afford that type of assistance. So their results are not normal relative to today's standards.

I don't think anyone would argue about it is not a diet show, but instead it is a regimented workout/diet program. When I refer to WLS I refer to all of it. The dietary changes. THe workout changes, and the mental changes.

I get very concerned when I see "Hollywood" presenting something that is not realistic. Just like those commercials you see on TV where Sally lost 150lbs just by using the Ab flex by Ronco. or whatever.. Always in fine print on the bottom are statements like, "These are extra-ordinary results and can not be guaranteed for everyone etc..."

My point is that TV is making people have unrealistic expectations. The truth is everyone wants a quick fix, but it is all about a lifestyle change. Life style changes are hard. No one said they would be easy. The purpose of my post was to alert people to the truth and give them a reality check.

Oh and I work out 3 times a week =)

But my legs are getting skinny and someone said I lost my ass?? *gasp*

See you all soon,

Jeff

You will see the results not typical stuff alot on tv but, then again thats why its on tv. Glad to hear your head is up but, I don't think you needed to post those results on a tv show aren't typical. lol I think we get that.

Whats the truth is if you working for several hours a day and eat very very cleanly you can drop a stupid amount of weight very very quickly. I identify with that show alot cause ask me what I did???

I worked out for several hours a day and ate religously at the same time everyday for 10 straight months.

I dropped 240lbs in 10 months. My results aren't typical either when compared to maybe the average GBS patient but, it don't mean its not possible.

What is typical is if you work your ass off constantly every single day pushing yourself to the absolute limit you can accomplish ALOT in a very short time frame. My weight loss is like theirs because of the work, not because of the sugery and you wanna know what?? anyone else who's results are of that stage, it isn't the surgery doing it for them either. Its all in how hard you work.

btw, I don't have a wife, and I don't have children. My situation mirrored theirs in the fact that I could workout for 3hrs a day and not have to worry about taking care of children or my wife.

Crazy conditions, crazy work ethic, crazy results. Glad to hear you working out 3 times a week but, mostly glad to hear you aren't thinking anything negitive. We all do the best we can. Thats all we can do in the end.

CiCi · 04-16-2008, 12:48 PM

I still say I think The Biggest Loser is one of the coolest shows!

It's so uplifting and great to see people dedicate themselves to eating right, working out and getting into the right mindset. It might not be totally realistic, but it's a positive influence in a world of totally bad influences.

Better than The Bachelor, anyway.

(I used to enjoy watching it but now it's like a total circus full of immature brats fighting for the attention of a dorky guy.)

I will say, for me, I had to have the surgery in order to permanently change my body to lose the weight. Before, I would "diet" and lose over and over, but then gain it all back plus more AS SOON as I put a piece of bread in my mouth. Like you all say, it's a complete change in your way of life... it has to be in order to maintain the weight loss. For me, thankfully, my body forces me to stay on track now. My mind was unable to handle it on it's own.

Not disputing anything that's being said in this tread, just throwing my two pennies in!