WOW! What a Biggest Loser Season 8 Finale!

Posted by Michele Chopin on December 9, 2009 under Inspiration, Site News | Comments

I have to admit, I didn’t think that Erik’s 214lbs weight loss would be broken, 5 seasons later, and it was shattered. Both Rudy and Danny lost more than that in less time. It took Erik 8 months to lose 214 lbs and acoording to Danny on The Today Show this morning the entire process took 6 1/2 months. WOW. I know what it took for Erik to get that weight off, so I commend them for pushing even further than they thought they would ever be able to go.

The finale brought back a lot of memories for me. When you are going thru something so surreal its sometimes hard to take it all in. Perhaps since the big boys were in the finals it really brought me back to a place where we were not so long ago, and its still surreal. It also brings up another item. Erik has agreed to step on the big scale at the Season 9 finale in May 2010. It’s happening all over again in some ways. The amount of strength it takes to get to the finale this time will take more than an incentive of $250K. I worry that because of the “finish line” sort of speak that Erik will again get this weight off and not learn how to maintain it long term. For anyone that thinks Erik is the only one that gained it “all back” after the show they need to think about how many contestants were not shown on the Where Are They Now special. Erik was very brave to share his story and more inspiring to many this time around, having lost and regained, which any of us that have struggled with weight at any point in our lives understand first hand.

We are in the process of working on finalizing our diet and exercise plans to share with all of you. Our launch is going to be January 2010.

Erik is working on his blog about the Where Are They Now show he filmed in October and aired in November. If anyone has any questions, please feel free to post them and he will answer as honestly as he possibly can.

Tags: dieting, excuses, exercise, goals, planning, success

Nancy

Erik is the real deal. I'm so glad he had the courage to come out and admit that he gained a lot of the weight back - I can only imagine how difficult that is to do. I have followed Erik's journey from the beginning... from season 3, to Oprah, to the Where Are They Now special. I truly believe that Erik can do it again because of the support he has from his family (I can tell you are a really supportive wife, Michele!) and because of his great big heart. He was always the kindest contestant throughout season 3, which is why I know Bob saw such potential in him. I firmly believe that Erik can do it!!! I'm really looking forward to seeing what he looks like now at this year's finale! Let's continue to all support each other in our weight loss/health endeavors...... :) I am rooting for you, Erik!

kathy

Best of luck to Erik. I am trying to find out, wasn't he from Alabama? I am too. I have recently gotten to my goal after loosing 50 pounds. Hoping to maintain it (for the 4 th time in 40 years), and I blog on a diet site often, encouraging others there. Hoping to keep up with Erik's progress, we each have to get our "click", work our program, get our support from our family, and our "group" where-ever we find it. Simple.....didn't say it was easy.....never give up! sparkcatkathy

tracymangold

Hi there! I'm really looking forward to keeping up with the progress you will all be making. I say all because it is a joint effort. Erik's season on Biggest Loser was the first time I caught the show - in a marathon they ran of that season right after New Year's a few years ago. I was inspired then and am inspired now. My question has to do with the BodyBugg. I forgot if they had those during that season or not and if they did, does/did Erik continue to use it after he got home? What do you think of it as I am considering buying one. Good luck with everything. We are all rooting for you. You didn't let anyone down at all. We've all been there, we're all human and you are making the best of it and not backing down. Merry Christmas to your entire family!!!
-Tracy Mangold

Shannon

Erik is an inspiration. He represents each one of us who fight this battle, trying to get it right.
I think Erik sharing his story is enlightening. WIth shows like The Biggest Loser it is easy to just think you all have it made. When in reality you have to keep at it just like we all do.
I know he can do it he already has so without a doubt I know he will have a wonderful weigh-in. I also think he has learned a lesson and learned more to help maintain it this time. Life happens and we have to live it, learn from it, teach and share. That is what it is about.
I will be cheering him on and look forward to his success, both of your success because I know it is inside of you we have all seen it, we still do.

Shannon

One more thing... I would love to put a Support Erik/ Go Erik/ We support Erik button on our blog if you have one or can get one that links back here to you guys.

Michele Chopin

Thanks Shannon. I dont know how to make a button! Im new to this. I will get back to you. Your kind words and supprort has touched me. I get very emotional reading everyone's comments and yours just got to me big time. Michele

ElaineO

I can really identify with Erik, as I have lost 70 pounds three times in the last six years, and bounced back up to within 10 pounds of my highest weight all three times. I know that I get into the mentality of "I'm not on a diet right now... I'm going to start tomorrow (or next week... or the beginning of next month), so right now I'm going to eat all the stuff I can't eat when I'm on a diet." I need to work on changing my mindset to a lifestyle of healthy eating, with an occasional treat within moderation.

You can do this, Erik! Every day when you get up and look at your beautiful wife, your lovely daughters and your lively little boy, you've got to decide that for that day, you are going to make the healthy choices that will ensure that you're there to walk those girls down the aisle, that you're there to go to your son's high-school & college sports events.

I'm preaching to myself, too. I have three girls, 21, 19 & 11, and I want to look good in my mother-of-the-bride dress, I want to be able to take my grandchildren to the playground and have FUN with them instead of just sitting on a bench and watching, and I want to spend my senior years in good health, not hurting with ever y move I make.

lynne_topel

I feel honored to follow you on your weight-loss journey. I am a true believer about food being "a drug of choice". I fight that battle also. What my body wants and what my mind know to be right are 2 different things. Go for the gold Eric!

Kristin Heslop

I was totally moved by Mr. Chopin's honesty in the "Where Are They Now?" episode, and his willingness to be real about the challenges involved in maintaining a lighter body weight. I, myself, have lost around 45 pounds, and I know that the challenge is not always in the "losing," but in the "doing it every day for the rest of your life." Thank you both for your truth and honesty! You rock, and I can't wait for May, 2010!