Confessions of a Reality Show Loser

Erik, when you were on the Biggest loser I was a big fan (mainly because I am also from Long Island) but you worked your butt off and looked fantastic.
I am still a huge fan of yours! It took a lot to admit to the world that you have gained back alot of the weight. Your family really put themselves out there on the "Confessions" show. It broke my heart watching. I have felt like you many times and have done the lose/gain yo yo so many times. Thankfully I found a program (5 yrs ago) that worked for me that I was able to lose about 100 lbs and have kept it off. As you know from past messages to you that this was not easy for me-not that it is for anyone but I have a bigger challenge than most, being disabled and confined to a wheelchair. I hope that you continue on your journey for you and your lovely family. No TV show or anything else should matter. Best of luck my friend.

Is this going to be a series? I've looked everywhere trying to find out but can't find an answer of whenit comes on and on what day.

Thanks for your question Randy. We have been asked this question over and
over and I believe this is a good opportunity to address it. The program
you watched was filmed as a documentry, however, we have been told that it
has been considered as a pilot. We have not been asked to do anything else
with Discovery Studios, except for this documentry. Please note the email
address where you can show your support is: viewerrelations@discovery.com.
Please feel free to send them a quick note. Thanks so much!

very cool Erik! Are you going to have to yell at your kids like the Teutels? lol, You need an angle. You should choose a fitness challenge once a week. Train for five days and then go for the challenge on the sixth or seventh day. Kind of a "Dirty Jobs" meets "Monster Garage" for fitness.
Good luck on the series thing.

Erik,
I watched your "confessions" program last night and I have to tell you, you look like you're way more fun now than after TBL.
I'm a 47 yr. old guy who's been up and down the scale my whole life. I don't know why we make ourselves feel so guilty when we're overweight but we do. It would be great to come home from work, have a cold beer with some dinner and not feel guilty about it.
The bottom line is it's a life-long struggle that needs to be taken with some perspective. Slow and steady progress while enjoying your life.
Thanks for having the guts to bare it all and sharing with others. You clearly showed your honesty and character to America. You are more than a number on a scale my friend, you are an inspiration for all of us that deal with our weight everyday.
Good luck to you and your lovely family!

APPROVED

Thank you for the honest and candid interviews for the Confessions of a Reality Show Loser. I think it is incredibly brave of you to step forward. I am inspired to continue on my weight loss roller coaster! I love watching the Biggest Loser while I exercise but I can see where the show would be spliced and sliced together to reflect the producers ideas.
Please continue on your journey. You are an inspiration to more people than you will ever know!

Thank you. That is the most important words I can write to you and Michelle. My husband and I are avid Biggest Loser fans and have spent every season on the couch watching and then snacking while the show was on. It wasn't until we saw your "Confessions..." on Discovery Health that we said enough was enough. You are an AMAZING inspiration. You're real...and so brave to have shared your successes and not-so successes. I would never call your gaining failure because it is the true reality of what we all face when trying to get healthy. As soon as there is progress, too many of us fall back to old ways. Thank you for getting us off the couch. After the show ended we immediately put an old aerobics DVD in and both worked out to it for the first time in two years. We wish you the BEST of luck in LIFE...because that is what TRULY matters. Not shows and prize money but the forever of health for all of our families. As the parents of three small children (as you well know) the road is never easy because "finding the time" is near impossible. But with our daughters newly diagnosed Diabetes at 13 months old, we have a fork in the road and a choice. We choose wellness for all of our sakes. All the best in "beating the scale" and in the difficult road we all choose to tread to health.

My dears I just watched the show on the discovery channel and I wished I could reach out and give yall some encouragement.
Well thanks to the magic of the internet I can. I googled and there yall are!
So please dont get discouraged. Your doing great, back on track, just like most of america. It's January- time for fresh starts. I myself have a goal to lose the 10-15 lbs I've gained in the last few months since my wedding. As you know those last pounds are the hardest. You can do it and so can I!

Wow! I just watched the confession show and my heart just breaks into pieces. Erik, you are not alone and there are unfortunuately millions of "us". Why is it that "we" keep doing this to ourselves...over and over. I watched the "Biggest L" last week, the new one, and I felt inspired again but it only lasted until the next day. And every day I promised myself I would go to the gym after work, but when the time came I drove right past it! My g_d, the insanity of it all!

I too, am a "backslider". It seems I can never reach my goal and if I get close, then I start gaining the weight again. My last inspiration started on 1/8/2007, something just clicked in my mind the night before, I got on the scale weighing in at 260 lbs, wearing a size 24 and 5'2" tall. I was determined that this was it. I was never going back to my old lifestyle. Well, 7 months later I was 85 lbs lighter and feeling like I was actually going to make it this time. I was wearing a size 14 which I had not seen in 20 years. And yes, I know by all standards that,that is still overweight, and most people would not want to admit that they wear that size, but it was huge for me.

Well, then I noticed I just started getting complacent. I was tired of having to constantly think about how much water I was drinking, or eating the proper diet. You know, for some people these things must come naturally. But for me, it is a constant mind set I had or have to be in to accomplish any weight lost. And it just gets tiring. I kept the weight off for about 1 year, but have slowly gained back 65 lbs. I have lost hundreds of pounds over the past 20 some years! I think I can safely speak for most overweight people, we know how to lose weight. The problem is keeping it off!!

Hopefully, you will be entirely successful again and I will be watching your "Biggest L" weigh-in. As for myself, hopefully I will make it back to the gym. My body is killing me. My husband really wants me to succeed at this but for my own peace of mind, and longevity, I really want to make it as well!
God bless you and your family through this journey.

I just want to say thank you for your courage and will to face the world with your struggles. I have also struggled with my weight since I was about 20. I am 34 now. I've been as low as 135 and as much as 211 pounds. Right now I am 206.

I watched the biggest loser marathon on New Year's Eve. That was the season you won. I have never been a Biggest Loser watcher until that day. I could not pull myself away from the television. I think I recall you saying at one point in the show that you were worried about gaining it all back because you had lost it and gained it back before. I identified with that so much. When I'm big, I obsess about losing and when I am small, I obsess about gaining it all back.

Debating on whether or not to get up and work out today, I was flipping through the channels and saw you on Confessions of a Biggest Loser. I know what you're going through completely. My mom is skinny too and is always eager to give advice about losing weight, but she has never been overweight in her life. So, what does she know? My husband seems to be my only support. We work out together sometimes but we also love good food.

Just so you know, I think you're an inspiration for so many people, even if you never lose the weight again. Don't think you can only be a hero if you're skinny. Showing the true side of weight loss and dealing with daily life while trying to balance everything is a true testimony of strength and perseverance. Thank you for putting yourself out there for everyone to see. And I wish you the best of luck.

Kristen, Texas

Keep with it! You are even more inspirational to me now than when you were on the Biggest Loser! I hope that you can get to a point where you feel great, no matter what that number is. Just remember how the person inside felt when you won, and know that person is still there. I have yo-yo'd 75 pounds for the last 8 years. Some years are "skinny", some are not, but I am still the same person. Your wife seems like a fiercely supportive woman. Take that and run with it! I know you will find your happy place! Thank You for sharing your story!

When I watched you on the update show, you stopped me dead in my tracks. I still have the program saved and replayed your portion several times. Every word you spoke struck me right in the gut.
I was operating on a slightly smaller scale. I am 27 years old, and two years ago, lost fifty pounds by eliminating carbs from my diet and exercising like I'm supposed to. My goal was to FINALLY look ok in a bathing suit for an upcoming beach vacation. Like you preparing for your finale, I really gave it my all preparing for my big day, my trip, my "final weigh in". And of course, on vacation, I finally let loose and ate and drank and was merry. When I came home, I had a Goodbye Mexico, Goodbye Carbs dinner with margaritas and tacos and desert to celebrate going back to my healthy lifestyle. Except it didn't end there. That was last September. It is now January and I sit here twenty five pounds heavier. I have been on a total Un-Diet. I've been eating Everything. And lots of cake and cupcakes. Literally just binging. For a while, I still looked skinny. My clothes still fit. I was fooling everyone and myself. And then, slowly, it all crept right back. Now, I can't button pants, and have next to nothing at all that still fits. I can feel the fat on the side of my body. I am embarrased to have my fiance hug me, hold me, see me naked. I recognize my old self. And I miss the new one.
So many days have been the "last." The last of me eating wrong, of not going to the gym. I tell myself that since I'm eating so terribly, no sense in going to the gym. How crazy is that? Obviously, I then need to go even more.
It's like when I'm on, I'm spot on and doing great. And when I'm off, I'm so very very bad. There is no happy medium. There is no health, no balance, no normalacy to my eating.
I feel like an addict. I think about the food, savour it in my mind, plan what I'll have next. There is a sick pleasure of desiring it, obtaining it, and then shoving it in my mouth nearly as fast as I can, probably reacting from the shame. I sneak it. I don't want anyone to see what I'm doing, but they can obviously tell just by looking at me. I eat SO much, thinking this is it, this is the end, this is the very last day.
And Bob is right. We need a way to find an everyday, workable, reasonable way to achieve and maintain health. I just don't know how to do that.
LIterally, like an addict. I can't put it down.
I just wanted you to know that you should NOT be embarrased. In no way are you alone. You are just a public example of what so many face alone, in shame. But I learned from watching you, from listening to what Bob said to you. We can't give into our old selves. We deserve more. We deserve pride. Health. Strength. And maybe if we can all draw that strength from one another, we will have an easier journey down a very difficult path. New Year, New You, right?
So, one trip to the gym at a time, one walk, one run, one sit up. And no matter what we eat, we just have to keep going.
We are Not Normal. We don't think about food like "normal" people. We don't eat like them, we don't make decisions like they do. We just have to recognize that, and take the control back. Our families deserve it and we deserve it.
I had to find you, because I had to tell you this. Your struggle is mine. I wish there were a way we could help one another. But really, you've already helped me. You've been my mirror, my voice, and I am proud to call you a friend. stranger :)
Wish you nothing but the best. And if you need some random support, let me know.

Hi Erik!
I saw your show and just wanted to let you know I'm behind you 100%! You're quite a guy and I give you so much credit for coming out and laying it all out there for all the world to see! You have a beautiful family and the love I see in their eyes for you is priceless. So many of us are on this road with you. You will be in my prayers!

Hello,
I am a fan of The Biggest Loser and actually that show help me through my 165 lb weight loss. I know how you are feeling on so many levels. I understand where your wife is coming from when she states that The Biggest Loser just forgot all about you when the season ended. But honestly, who is going to follow us around all our lives and push us to workout ungodly amount of hours and eat right? Probably nobody-it's just not realistic. Nobody told me about the "after" of losing weight. I had my eye on the prize-a new body. I never once thought about HOW do I maintain my hard work? 1 year has gone by since I stopped "dieting". I have gained 40 lbs this year. You are such a relief to me because I realize I'm not the only one who struggles. I don't feel alone-thank you. We will find the right balance one day and it seems like you have an awesome family to help you. Good Luck and take care.

Michele,

I can't possibly know what it's like to be in yours or Eriks shoes. I have, however, had weight struggles my entire life. I was a little disappointed in some of the things I was hearing you say last night. I know that a great deal is edited, but what the viewers saw was not a very positive reflection on you. I'm sorry, and I'm not trying to be mean spirited, I just want to be honest. You were constantly slamming The Biggest Loser, always saying that Erik was dropped like a hot potatoe. Did you expect them to move in with you? Where does accountability and being responsible for ones self come in to place? The show did not reach out to Erik, but did anyone try reaching out to them? At any point, did you or Erik contact Bob and say "Please help. Things are getting bad"? Bob appears to be a kind hearted soul who's compassion for contestants doesn't end after the show is over. He probably would have rather you reach out to him than have Erik's health in jeopordy. I hope that you are not enabling him, by making excuses for him. From an outsiders stand point, it seems as though The Biggest Loser has given so much more than it has taken. Erik was EXTREMELY educated in fitness and nutrition. He then put that knowledge into play in between leaving the ranch and the finale. THEN, because of the knowledge that he was given, along with alot of hard work, he won$250,000. I guess I'm still missing the part where they took something away from him. If he would have continued using the tools that he was given, he could have maintained a healthy lifestyle. Realistically, gaining a portion of the weight back, but still being healthy. Not by having fat and calorie packed meals because "it's Sunday" like his mother had stated. He needs a nice, strong support system. Not people around him, afraid to say anything because he may get angry. Wouldn't you rather him be angry now and healthy for life?

Easier said than done? Absolutely. As I've said, I've dealt with constant weight struggles my entire life. Ashamed to show myself in public when I had gained my weight (plus some) back. I was embarassed and ashamed. I've worked very hard and I know it's possible to maintain a busy lifestyle as well as a healthy one. My husband and I are running two family businesses and raising a family. My mother-in-law does not cook healthy at all. It finally came to the point that I packed my own meals when we went to visit. My friends and family have come to understand that about me. They respect my choices and are EXTREMELY supportive.

Please don't make excuses for him. Every bite we put in our mouth, we know the consequences. He's not making excuses for himself. From watching the show last night, it appears as though he owns his choices and takes full responsibility for them. I'm just so happy that he is working his way back to healthy. Anyone with common sense doesn't judge him negatively for putting a portion of the weight back on. It happens. If anything, we sympathize with him.

I really give you all a ton of credit for putting yourselves out there. I will be pulling for you every step of the way. You guys are doing great. You have an absolutely beautiful family and I wish you nothing but the best. Keep up the good work!!!!

It is brave of you to come forward, but at the same time I was struck by how you and your wife could really benefit with continued therapy. I have never been a fan of the Biggest Loser because it makes a "sport" out of losing weight. It is disgusting and it takes the most desperate people they can find to get ratings. It is a disgraceful show on so many levels. But, as the say, "When you dance with the Devil, getting burned is part of the dance." I noticed your wife made the "sign of the cross" at one point last night and I really, really think with a combination of therapy and clinging to your faith, you will be able to attack your weight in a way that is not artificial, but genuine. Anything that you want to accomplish has to have God at the center. Yes, I said it and said it proudly. No matter what your faith. You have to have a spiritual center. The Biggest Loser, You and Your wife seemed so "sucked up" into IMAGE not substance and that was your first mistake. You both have so much wealth in each other and your beautiful family and your mom is a hoot! But, in all reality when you do reach your goal this time around, really, really look at weightloss from a spiritual and health place and count your blessings and love where you are each day getting wiser and more grateful. All the material things will come, but you have to do what you can NOW with what you have and there is no shame or sin in starting over..be it weightloss or a job... Be blessed!

Erik,

I just wanted to let you know that I have been following your story since I watched you win Season 3 of the Biggest Loser, and I think you are extrodinary, and certianly no failure in my book. I have been dealing with my weight since my earliest child hood memories; battling first aneroxia as a teen, and then switching to emotional eating to fill the many voids in my life, as an adult. I have gained and lost the same 50 pounds more time then I care to admit. Losing weight to some is more then shedding the pounds, it is a journey through psychological issues, that I don't think the Biggest Loser show does enough to address. I had been a fan of the show for a long time, but feel that it does not do enough to address some of the more critical reasons why people become so obese. As we can see, people do not have the tools to deal with the issues once they leave the program. In my mind I feel it is a little irresponsible for the show and the trainers to think that things will be all puppies and sunshine after you leave because you lost the weight. The weight may be gone, but all the reasons and feeling it was gained in the first place do not leave with the weight. I think it is couragious of you to get up and speak about your highs and low, because ti can only help you and others who struggle with this same issues.

I am hoping that for me, 2010 will be the year that I gain control over my issue so I can shed the pounds for the last time. I think following you in your journey can only help me!!! So, thank you!

Sandy

Erik-
We watched the show last night. Nothing but respect and admiration for the path you are on now. It's tough, we know. Been there, and doing it. Hope that achieving your goals will bring you peace and balance. You seem to have a good support team at home. That's important. We're pulling for you man. Don't let the opinions of others influence how you live your life. It's all about you and your loved ones. Nobody else matters. Your wife hit it on the head when she said the show was totally into you as long as they could market you and make money on you. But when that was over...nothing. Peace.

Dear Erik,
I watched your show last night because the topic is of interest to me but I had not ever watched "The Biggest Loser" show. My heart truly goes out to you and your family. I am a Registered Dietitian with a Masters degree in Nutrition and my speciality is weight loss AND weight management. Unfortunately, you were not given the right tools to successfully keep the weight off. As Michele, your wife, stated: "The show taught him that you can lose the weight and gain it back quickly." That is not your fault. In order to be successful at keeping the weight off you have to be taught the right tools to use. Successful weight management is very difficult and can not be done without proper guidance. You and Michele have to be properly educated on what, when and how to eat. It needs to be a whole family approach. In addition to the educational part, there are many behavioral issues involved. Behavior modification and pyschological counseling are needed as well. You have lost the weight once already, so you have the ability to do it again. What you had accomplished took dedication and hard, hard work. This time around as you are losing the weight it needs to be done in a way that you are learning how to do it forever. There are so many things that you were not taught or told during your weight loss. The REALITY is that we all do not have personal trainers and the media to keep us on track. We need to be taught how to do it on our own in our own personal life. It is different for everyone and your plan needs to be individualized according to you. I wish you the best of luck. If you have any questions I would love to be given the opportunity to respond.

Erik,

I commend you for being both on the Biggest Loser and on The Discovery Health Show. It takes courage to be on both. I don't think I could have done it. I am a mother of 3 kids and have had my weight struggles and still do. Don't give up hope. Keep you chin up.

To your wife Michele... I think you are Great for being behind him on both show too. You should get a GOLD MEDAL. Thank you for telling all of us "normal" people how it really is. Please keep us updated on your progress.

Again You can do it!!!!!!

Rhonda

Erik is one of my all time favorite contestants from the show and I was so glad to see him do this documentary. I struggle with my weight too and like to keep my favorite Biggest Loser moments on the DVR for inspiration. I saved the finale from his season for over a year. My favorite part in the finale is when Kai said she hoped he was eating pastrami sandwiches instead of working out. Then the show flashed to Erik running and sweating like a pro on the treadmill. I was so happy for him I stood up and cheered...that moment just rocked! I also loved the episode where Bob screamed, "Erik is running!" as he was pulling Bob up a hill. Running is a huge milestone for anyone who is overweight and that moment was truly inspirational.

I am so excited to see Erik on television sharing his personal story. We didn't get to see this much of his background on the show and it's the most important part of weight loss. Don't let the negative comments and toxic personalities bring you down...this is your moment to shine! I give Erik kudos for being brave enough to share his ongoing battle with the rest of us. I know you will be successful together and I look forward to seeing the great results for both of you!

Saw the show.... You have a beautiful family..... Weight issues with me are tough also.... I hate this person that I am... I look in the mirror and see a fat person , but thats not who I am on the inside....... Stay tough! You can do it.... Just pray and love your family....

I did watch the reunion show on Thanksgiving Eve and just finished watching Confessions of a Game Show Loser. I think it took a lot of courage for Erik to speak up and show himself. I suppose you get caught up in the press and all the attention so when it's over, a person would wonder what was it all about. He is very brave, and losing the weight sensibly instead of fast. It's been known for too many years that if you lose weight the fast way, it's more difficult to keep off. Thank you Erik for inspiring me yet one more time!

I have a confession. I have not watched 'biggest loser'. I didn't 'google' your name until I saw a preview of your program 'Confessions of a Reality Show Loser' on Discovery Health, and it interested me.

I've read the comments on this thread, and I'm saddened by the harsh words. Weight loss is a daily 'up and down' battle--even after the weight has been lost, the battle to keep it off remains. We use food to celebrate, to comfort, to sustain life. We can't get away from it--its a struggle we face daily.

I am not a 'big eater'. I'm a healthy eater. I like baked chicken, steamed fish, fruit and veggies. I eat a 'recommended' portion. I make sure I get my fiber, fruit and veggies, watching what I eat to try to keep my type 2 diabetes in check. Yet I need to loose over 100 lbs to be considered 'healthy'. I have had knee problems since I was born, and the surgery I had to 'fix' the problem, caused more problems then anyone anticipated, so its my inabilty for exercise that keeps me from losing weight.

I am looking forward to reading your blog...and watching your success. Every step forward is a success and should be celebrated greatly--and I'm looking forward to being one of your supporters!

Good luck!!!!

Erik, I just watched the show and think it was great how open and honest you were. You have to know that your story is the norm, not the exception. So many people lose weight only to gain it back and have to do it again. I can understand how losing so quickly and in the spotlight did not prepare you for reality. I have lost about 195 lbs (Weight Watchers & exercise) and it has taken me about 7 1/2 years so far (about 30 more to go). I wouldn't trade the time it's taken me for a quick way to goal for anything. I have learned not only what it takes to lose the weight but what it's going to take to keep it off. I think that's where you are right now...realizing that it isn't a race with a finish line, it's a lifelong journey. Your habits the day after you reach your goal will need to be the same as they were the day before so take the time to make them fit your life. I am proud of you, not only for having won the Biggest Loser but for facing the challenges you are now and sharing your story so others can learn from it. You CAN do this and it WILL stick this time :-)

Eric you said something about not knowing what you are doing here. I want to clear that up for you. You see those three kids, and your wife, every person who loves you?
Do you see the people in the street who you walk by and decide to smile or not? That is what you are here for. Everything you go through may not be talked about in detail but it's see in your eyes, on your face comes through your spirit out your body. You are a hero to your children, they love you as you wife does with no reservation. I struggled with bullemia, anorexia, suicide, and I can see another self destructive person just like one abused child knows another. Please read and listen to me carefully. You have "no" idea what is waiting for you if you go through your journey and don't worry about what others think. This life is your journey, and as we are all living our life don't think we aren't sharing in yours or you sharing in others. What affects you, affects me if I give a crap about others. Your purpose is the be the best Eric you can be inside and out, to not respond to fear of the unknown and embrace every day like it's your last. You don't know when your last day will be. Do what you need to do, understand there are people you will never meet, that give a shit about you. I do, and i care about your wife, and children. I grew up without my Dad, he died when I was two years old in a car accident. It changed my life forever. You are with your kids, be a family, love your life. Stop and go outside and see "LIFE" live it and know some chick in Cali gives a crap, a lil sister, that I am rooting for you, and have a shoulder when it doesn't go well, but never quit. Always have tamashii, Japanese word for a spirit that never gives up. God Bless you Eric, open your ears, open your eyes, look in the mirror and love yourself in the now, and want more for you, because you deserve it.

Eleven Rules for Being Human
1) You will learn lessons.
2) You are enrolled in a full time informal school called life. Each day in this school you will have the opportunity to learn lessons. You may like the lessons or think those irrelevant and stupid.
3) There are no mistakes, only lessons. Growth is a process of trial and error: experimentation. The "failed" experiments are as much a part of the process as the experiment that ultimately "works".
4) The lesson is repeated until learned. A less will be presented to you in various forms until you have learned it. When you have learned it, you can then go on to the next lesson.
5) Learning lessons does not end. There is no part of life that does not contain its lessons. If you are alive, there are lessons to be learned.
6) There is no better "here". When your "there" has become a "here", you will simply obtain another "there" that will again look better than "here".
7) Others are merely mirrors of you. You cannot love or hate something about another person unless it reflects something you love or hate about yourself.
8) What you make of your life is up to you. You have all the tools and resources you need. What you do with them is up to you. The choice is yours.
9) Your answers lie inside you. The answers to life's questions lie inside you. All you need to do is look, listen and trust.
10) You will forget all this.
11) You can remember it whenever you want.

Erik,

I have been a Biggest Loser fan for a long time. I started watching in Season 2. At that time - I had a lot of weight to lose myself. I was 6' 2" tall and was 562.3. At the time I was 44 years old and had been morbidly obese most of my adult life. I too used diet and exercise to lose my weight and I am working on 4 years at goal. I do wish you the best and if I can ever help or you just want to chat with someone who has walked in your shoes - give me a shout. I write a blog so I put a link up that has a bit about my journey and some before and after pictures.

http://askcharles.mymethodistblog.com/about/

I don't sell anything or promote any weight loss plan other than good nutritional choices and staying active. :) I am a software developer by trade. I just had a lot of people help and support me in my journey so I like to try and pay it forward.

I know you will achieve your goal.

I wish you all the best!

Charles ~ Houston, TX

cfscott@gmail.com

I just started watching the Biggest Loser the past season & caught up on the earlier seasons, since I was really inspired by the show. I have nto been overweight all of my life, and I have always been athletic. So many things happened in my life, especially during the past decade, that I can hardly believe I survived. I am a 36 y.o. 5'6" female weighing 234, the other day I think I was at 244. I never used to diet, but I was always physically active, and when I gained lots of weight in college and afterwards, I just figured it was a temporary setback. When i actually attempted some eating programs (I have tried 3 so far), I gained the most weight. I lost 25 pounds on a popular expensive program, in about 6 weeks, but my menstruation became haevy and lasted more than a month & I lost my sense of smell. I quit the program, as it was medically monitored but they had no explanation for what was happening to me. So I went back to my normal eating. I actually don't eat lots of fast food like people believe all fat people do, but I deprive myself of sleep. In college at one time I tried sleeping 1 hour a night, then later I just had problems still to this day, not sleeping enough. i try to stay busy instead. IT IS NOT SLEEP APNEA as people assume. I just have a hard time making myself stop working on things.
I actually sort of wanted to gain weight since I thought it would protect me, make me stronger, I noticed I stopped getting daily headaches & I was feeling better, but people I knew before would tease me & put me down as if they were any experts. This coming from weighing 118 at this height in the past. I use to be a sprinter in high school, almost making the state champoionships (CA, missed it in 1 meet, I came in 5th instead of the top 2).
Anyway, I actually hoped I could eat my way to illness & hopefully die early, and I heard Erik say somethign like that in the interview.
I have run maybe 8 marathons & done a few triathlons, weighing a lot & would want to lose 90 pounds or so so that I can really compete at the level I believe I can comepete at.
Sorry for the long story, just giving some background. Anyway, what I think is that there is too much obsession to be a certain weight in the US & now I find myself thinking that way. All I ever wanted to do is get as close to my Olympic dreams as I could, although right now I realize I can probably never be in the Olympics as I always thought. I lost 3 siblings in 7 years & have always been afraid of my parents not doing well or losing any one else, so I fiured I could die slowly, since they always say being fat kills, but too bad I was still somewhat healthy. Now though I think my blood pressure is finallly starting to go up slowly.
I am watching the Confessions documentary & one thing I wonder is if Erik was goign to try things like triathlons, maybe even an Ironman. He looked like when he won the show that he could probably do those with more ease than I could. I wish I could just lose a lot of weight one time so that I can try what I have always done, but without carrying over 200 pounds.

Erin and Mondog - It is very easy to be critical electronically on a website where you don't have to face anyone and can pretend that you yourself have no flaws or weaknesses. Whatever Erik and Michele's experiences are, who are we to judge ? We were not there and have no idea what promises or expectations were placed with them. Your time is better served being a positive influence, an encouraging voice as we ALL have shorfalls and challenges and should concentrate on lifting each other up, not tearing each other down.

hello Erik! Good luck on your journey. I had gastric bypass in 2001 and have put back on 50lbs of the 100 I lost. I started weight watchers and am having some success, eating better, my 4 yr old eats better and I am hoping to be around a long time with him. Amazing that you are from West Islip. I was born there...I hope they show some of the town during your show...kinda made me homesick. Be well, and much success!

Erik & Michelle,

Good afternoon. I was saddened to see Erik had gained back the weight after working so hard to lose it. I certainly know what he's going thru. As a former athlete, I have seen my weight go to 448. Erik inspired me. I started in October and am down to 397. I haven't seen the 3's for some time. I wanted you and Erik know i think of Erik,(though i dont know him) and pray for strength that he can keep it going. My final straw was I was pulled off a Southwest plane and made to buy another seat. Talking about hurting like nothing ever before. I would love to work out with Erik somehow or spend a week with him and work together. i think with what he went thru and how he was taught to eat would be a big help for me. I no this would be hard to do, but it would be inspiring. Sometimes people just hit it off. I just want to be healthy for my wife and daughter and Erik has an inspiring story to tell and share. Hope to hear from you. Keep your focus and I'll keep you in my thoughts and prayers. TJ

When Erik won the Biggest Loser I too was successfully losing weight and he was such an inspiration. As of now I am one pound away from re-gaining the 40 pounds I had lost. I know how he feels. My heart breaks for him (and me). I won't diet any more, but I am trying to eat healthy while not denying myself. I want to break the diet/binge cycle for good. But I am back in the gym. It's not my favorite thing either but we have to do it. I'm cheering/praying for you Erik and you are still an inspiration!

Erik and Michele. Thank you, both of you, for sharing your continuing struggles and story. Erik, you are an inspiration to all of us who have also fought the fight, had set-backs, and struggle to resume the fight once again! My prayers are with you both!

Thanks Kate. I hope this post goes thru I just lost the last one! Hate it when that happens.

You are so right in saying it is a fear most have to regain the weight. Erik was so worried about that every minute after the show. He kept a lot of it off for a year and a half, then things changed, a new baby, a new job and things went off balance. Not many of us figure out how to keep it off once its gone. I lost 60 while he was on the show and once I got pregnant I gained 65 the total amount of what I gained in 2 pgs before this one. Anyway, extreme lifestyles never last, good or bad.
Thank you for your support. I look forward to hearing what you think of the show and following your blog as well. Best!

I (and many of my friends and readers) have decided to watch. Erik has come out on the one thing we all fear: regaining the weight. We all know that the odds are against us... and that it isn't a simple fix. Weight doesn't just stay off because we took it off, and some of the extreme lifestyles people have used to lose the weight just aren't sustainable long term.