Ruby Wishes You a Healthy "Christmas"

Sun., Jul. 19, 2009 9:00 PM PDT by Ruby Gettinger
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Yes! I call the gynecologist the Christmas Doctor.

And thank God for my friends Leslie and Georgia for making me go.

It is not comfortable to go for any woman, especially my size. But I have to say, I never knew how important regular checkups are! It could save your life if you go. If there's something wrong with you, early detection could prevent you from dying. YAY! Please go get checked.

Walking my first 5k for cancer was a miracle—meeting these survivors gave me a true mind transformation.

Through all of this I have found out we all are fighting our own beast. We all should stand together as one human race, not divide each other by income, education, color, nationality, religion, weight, the way we love, etc. And realize in one sec we could be in someone else's shoes—our life can change that fast. We win when we love one another by words and action. We fight every day and never give up.  When you see your neighbor giving up, you carry them back to the boxing ring! Fight and never give up and help one another, and you will see the giant you have become. You'll cross your finish line!

Be the friend you want someone to be to you!

Categories: ruby , ruby gettinger
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158 Comments

  • Katie Young Mon, Jul 20, 2009, 7:04 AM

    1. Wow! Ruby you really made me think about myself. You are right we never know when we might be in someone else's shoes. I really needed to read this.

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  • Kay Evans Mon, Jul 20, 2009, 8:30 AM

    2. I am so very proud of u finishing the walk...You r such an inspiration to me.I want to hug u sooooo bad and take this journey with u...Hopefully i will meet u oneday.. Lots of LOVE to u Ruby...Kay Evans Belton Mo

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  • Heidy Mon, Jul 20, 2009, 9:16 AM

    3. Ruby, I've never been overweight a day in my life but I was so inspired by your show I just wanted to write and tell you so. I am so happy for you! I cried when you finished your cancer walk and when you got your first job. Your story is wonderful and uplifting, its the journey. Thank you for taking us all along **

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  • Victoria Mon, Jul 20, 2009, 9:20 AM

    4. Ruby everyone in the world needs to read what you have written. You are gold!

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  • Angela Mon, Jul 20, 2009, 9:45 AM

    5. Dear Ruby,My daughter (16) and I have recently started watching your show. I want to thank you for taking us to the Dr. with you. I will say it was unusual to see but it did help my daughter to ask me questions that I never would have thought about on my own. My daughter has thus far not needed to go to a GYN and I hope we make it until she is out of college. However, I think that when the day comes it will help that she has already been there with you.I would also like to say that you have helped us get more adventurous in our own weight loss journey. I have about 100lbs. to lose and my daughter has about 30. I do try to be supportive of her because I do know how that small 30lbs. can turn into 100lbs. in no time. Oh more thing, and it is none of my business, but your ex-boyfriend? Just please remember that you are now a very public roll model for certain young ladies. Please stay strong, if not for yourself then for them. That man ain't no good. Not for you or your show. XXOO

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  • Ginger Mon, Jul 20, 2009, 10:23 AM

    6. Hey Ruby! I am the Manager at Medical Weight Loss Clinics here in Savannah, and I watch your episodes every week. We are so proud of you and would love for you to come and work with us. A lot of the time, our job requires sitting down and talking to people who are on the same journey as you. If you are interested, please contact me, Ginger, at 912-921-0666. Can't wait to hear from you soon!!P.S. We are not an exercise program, but have both medical (medication) or non-medical (no medication). * Ginger

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  • shellie Banks Mon, Jul 20, 2009, 10:34 AM

    7. I'm so glad you went to see the "CHRISTMAS" doctor...girl none of us like it but, it is a necessary evil. You are a "ROCK STAR", and I love your show. Ruby, thanks for the cancer support "I AM A BREAST CANCER SURVIVOR" ******

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  • Jay Mon, Jul 20, 2009, 10:48 AM

    8. You are one special lady, god gave us a gem in you. <3

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  • Paul Dennis Downing Jr Mon, Jul 20, 2009, 10:57 AM

    9. Dear Ruby, My name is Dennis Downing. I grew up in Savannah Ga and I have lived there most of my life. I am now currently living in Richmond Hill Ga. My family is well known in the savannah community and as been know for a lot of years. I am a drug addict and also a gambling addict. I have been free from both of my addictions now for 1 year. The reason why I remain free from my addictions is because of God and aslo because of people like you. I watch your show everytime it is on t.v. and everytime I watch it it always makes me cry. Everytime I want to give up, I always think of you and your smile and it helps me a lot to get over what I am going through. I am also gay and it is very hard lving this way because people are so judgemental. I just wish that there were more people in this world like you. I want you to know that everyday and everynight I always pray for you and I ask God to help you. I would give anything in this world to meet you and sit and talk with you. May God Bless U

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  • Luann Barbagallo Mon, Jul 20, 2009, 11:21 AM

    10. Ruby,You are so inspirational to everyone, wheter overweight or not. I watch you show when not working or attending classes. I need to lose about 70 pounds and cannot for the life of me get it started. I need someone like you in my life, kicking my butt into gear. Wish I lived in Savannah, I visited once 2 summers ago and loved it, the area is so beautiful and so are you. Keep up the wonderful job you are doing in loving and caring for yourself.

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  • Linda Ditch Mon, Jul 20, 2009, 12:21 PM

    11. Ruby you are an inspiration. I admire your strength to go public with your story. I am trying to lose about 100 lbs myself and I find it very hard to stay motivated. I will continue to watch your show and try to follow your example.You are a wonderful person and a real joy to learn from. good luck in your journey and life. you go girl!!!!!! I Luuuvvvvv your accent!!

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  • Jeane Mon, Jul 20, 2009, 1:09 PM

    12. I too got teary-eyed when you finished your walk. I know how it feels to want to be consistent with exercise, but somehow along the way, I've also gotten bored with my current program. It's been said many times before, but Ruby you are truly an inspiration. You are a brave women to tell and reveal your story to millions of people. I also admire the friendship between you, Georgia and your roommates. I know that you will reach your goal. May God continue to bless you!

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  • Theresa W. Mon, Jul 20, 2009, 1:39 PM

    13. I love, love, love your show. You have inspired me in ways that you will never, ever know. I started my weight loss journey in March. So far I have lost 25 lbs. I feel so good about it. I still have more to go, but I will keep pushing forward. I need to come to your Fat Girl Night! I would love that so much. Thanks for putting the Christmas Doctor episode out! I just gone done with that doctor, and am axiously awaiting the arrival of my "all clear" card. My friend Julie and I go to the Christmas Doctor every year together. She makes the appts. and I go. What a friend! Just like your Georgia! Keep up the great work, love your show!

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  • Anita Barnes Mon, Jul 20, 2009, 2:00 PM

    14. Hi Ruby! I have been watching your show from the very first show in the first season. I have been very sick and homebound, due to multiple health problems and disabilities, so I figured I could never ever lose all of this weight I had on me. I at one time had actually tried to lose some of it on Weight Watchers in the past, only to gain it back, due to some of the health problems. But when I watched your first show of this season, I knew I COULD DO IT, if you could do it! I started at 309.8 lbs. and was once at 320 lbs., but am now down to 291.8, and am continuuing to lose weight. I am struggling with the Lupus, Diabetes, Arthritis, Fibromyalgia, Gastroparesis, Chronic Pain, and the list of health problems goes on and on. But your inspiration of walking in the Walk For The Cure that I watched today on my TIVO on our satellite was the encouragement to start for the very first time today to begin exercise. I have been almost completely bedridden! Thank you for everything, Ruby! Anita.

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  • Christine Mon, Jul 20, 2009, 2:01 PM

    15. Ruby I wish I had your strength. I don't. I have tried it all.. you name it. I currently weigh 236 pounds and am 5'4. I wish I could figure it out but I can't. I want you to know that your honesty and sincerity is amazing and I look forward to every episode. Keep up the good work. You have a wonderful support system in your friends both the ones with you and those of us you allow to watch you journey. I am routing and praying for you to stay so strong and so positive. You deserve this and your hard work in an ispiration to all of us who contiue to struggle with weight.

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  • Lisa Mon, Jul 20, 2009, 5:16 PM

    16. Ruby,I thought I would fall on the floor laughing when I heard you call your private "christmas". Growning up in the south and being raised by a southern mother. We called that our "cookie". It's to funny the names we call things. I want you to know that my friend and I are chunky chickens. We both talk about your show and think that you are a beautiful person not only on the inside, but on the outside. Keep up the great work.Lisa

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  • Edie Venesevich Mon, Jul 20, 2009, 7:15 PM

    17. I just finished watching your show. I cried when you finished the walk for Breast Cancer also when you when to the Christmas Doctor and for a mamogram. I am a two breast cancer survior they found my cancer early because I went for my mamogran and I walked last October for the first time.. Thank you. Ruby you are beautiful.

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  • Kristina Shreeve Mon, Jul 20, 2009, 7:44 PM

    18. Ruby I have to tell ya I just started watching your show and I love it. You are an amazing, beautiful person and it takes amazing strengh to do what you are doing. The Sunday episode was too cute I was cracking up laughing when you and the girls got together for ya'll little meeting and was talking about the "Christmas Doctor". I too battle with my weight, I am over 100 pounds overweight. I wakeup thinking about it everyday and it makes me feel horrible. I hope that your show will keep giving me strengh and inspiration to make some right choices and be a little more active in my life. I can't wait till next Sunday already!!! Keep up the GREAT WORK!!!

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  • T.M. Mon, Jul 20, 2009, 8:18 PM

    19. Thank you so much for letting us all share in the intimate details of your struggle. I laugh and cry watching almost every episode beacuse I can relate to what you are dealing with. I haven't been to the "Christmas" doctor in 11 years even though I have cancer on both sides of my family. I was abused as a child and these vistits always freak me out. It made me feel better to know that a lot of women have this same fear.

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  • Mrs Smith Mon, Jul 20, 2009, 10:07 PM

    20. RUBY WE JUST LOVE YOU!!! I love the show, and watch reruns on the weekend.. No one (then again, everyone has their our own thing) likes to go see the DOWN THERE DOCTOR. For some reason my GYNO like for me to come in on my birthday. Glad to know you are all good. We just love watching the show. You were just beautiful for the Breast Cancer walk and so were your friends. You did it and we are so proud of you and all your doing. You can get there, when and how it's right for YOU. No one else just for you. Sending support your way everyday. Mrs Smith

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  • Sharri Nulton Tue, Jul 21, 2009, 4:00 AM

    21. Miss Ruby,Thank you for taking care of yourself by going to the "Christmas" doctor. This world would be much more dreary without your brightness!You are an incredible woman and are a lovely role model for today's youth. Your weight struggle, I believe, has only made you more dear to so many of us. We all struggle with something in our lives, and to see the brave way that you face your's makes it possible at those "worst" times for some of us to keep going!I would love to be able to meet you in person, but as of right now, your walk isn't coming near my town.If you are ever in Evansville, Indiana, look me up....We would have a ball, Girl!!!!!God Bless, and good luckSharri Nulton

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  • Tara Tue, Jul 21, 2009, 4:31 AM

    22. Ruby!! I love you. I want to thank you some much for sharing you life, heartache, struggles, and happiness with the world. You are truly an inspiration!

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  • Briana Tue, Jul 21, 2009, 5:45 AM

    23. Dear Ruby * You need to get into the motions to go to the "Christmas" Doctor *** But I hope you had a great time at the Breast Cancer Resarch Walk by Susan G ** Also always Ruby take your breast exam and I'am so.... glad that your "Christmas" doctor made you a apppointment because we all love you and belive and you *** God Bless * Briana

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  • Judy Pones Tue, Jul 21, 2009, 12:26 PM

    24. Dear Ruby,Your heart is ten times bigger than all the weight you ever had. But, I think that you are giving your ex-boyfriend too much freedom to invade your life. Leopards don't change their spots, and neither do old boyfriends. You are giving him a mixed message! You keep telling him you are over him, yet continue to not discourage his being around. Why are you punishing yourself by keeping him around? We watch you because we love you, and feel like we are a part of cheering you on by viewing. Your friends and family are giving you love on a constant basis...this guy loves you when it is convenient for him. Don't be bamboozeld * get back on making YOUR needs and forget Mr. Empty...he has nothing in him that will add to your success! Come on Ruby.,....use the intelligence you excell with! Keep up the good work with your weight. Your beauty s outstanding...so feel beauty inside too...fill yourself with positive love and get rid of Mr. Full-of-himself!!!!!

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  • Darlene Newkirk Tue, Jul 21, 2009, 12:29 PM

    25. You are a true doll. I love your attitude and your outlook on life, keep up the good job.

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  • Tammie Cooney Tue, Jul 21, 2009, 12:36 PM

    26. Ruby bless your heart, you are just a wonderful, beautiful person and may God richly bless you. I like how positive you are even when you don't feel it. I love the light shinning out of you it shows through your smile. I am praying always for you God Bless.

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  • Melinda Tue, Jul 21, 2009, 1:36 PM

    27. Ruby you are such an inspiration to me! I love the show and I am so proud of your friends supporting you. That is really hard to find. Keep it up! You are looking so good!!!

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  • LINDA FOWLER Tue, Jul 21, 2009, 3:19 PM

    28. Ruby, you are a beautiful person and I love watching every week. you inspire people to live and I admireyou for that. I hope you reach your goal in your personal life of weight and confidence with yourself.I hope you have a hacky day * LMF---HIGH POINT, NORTH CAROLINA

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  • Jody Tue, Jul 21, 2009, 5:50 PM

    29. Ruby * Love you and the show. You are so lucky to have such wonderful friends. PLEASE give the weights another try. Lifting weights has made me feel so good and strong and I am more than twice your age and does not bulk up girls- we just don't have the hormones for that. Get back to that trainer- he was on the money. Best of luck to you and keep up that positive attitude. Nothing tastes as good as being HEALTHY feels! We'll be watching!

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  • Sylvie Tue, Jul 21, 2009, 7:09 PM

    30. Hi Ruby!Not any other reason to drop you a note to say, "YOU ROCK". I'm 360lbs and trying to overcome my own challenges, and watching you overcome your obstacles inspires me to work harder. Not to mention that you are hilarious- I love that your beauty shines through and that you are quick to laugh, and share so much of yourself. Thank you and keep it up, sista! Oh, and Merry Christmas!

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  • Tracey Tue, Jul 21, 2009, 8:09 PM

    31. i cannot believe this girl, she rocks!!! I wish i had a friend like this girl, i can c us together having laughs and working out!!! not so happy about my weightshe has such a great outlook on life (me -2-)i love 2- laughshe made me cryso insperational Traceyi will not miss a show to see what she says nexti never laughed so hard in my life when she did her Savannah tour!u go girlxoxooxox

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  • Lindsay Tue, Jul 21, 2009, 8:13 PM

    32. Hey Ruby!I just watched the episode where you walked for cancer. Such an inspiration. I cried when you crossed the finish line. I know you will win your personal battle. You have drive, spirit and courage. Good luck with all you do and may God continue to bless you and those you love.

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  • Laurie Catanzaro Tue, Jul 21, 2009, 8:28 PM

    33. Hi Miss Ruby! I love, love, love your show. I need some serious inspiration. I am soooo happy you went to the christmas doctor and everything turned out okay. Looking forward to this season. Take care.

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  • Netta Helmly Wed, Jul 22, 2009, 3:52 AM

    34. Hi Ruby!What a wonderful woman you are! I love your show. You have the BEST accent. I just wanted to let you know that I am proud of you for going to the doctor. And proud of Georgia too for being the friend people need to have. I recently had my annual visit to the "Christmas Doctor" and got bad results back. Now I am faced with having to have a biopsy done in a couple of weeks. It is very stressful waiting through that time. Hopefully things will be okay and if not, I'll face it when the time comes. Every female needs to have this exam. It has NOTHING to do with if you are in a relationship or sexually active. It is a necessary step to possibly saving you life. Stay strong and keep on truckin!

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  • Susan Wed, Jul 22, 2009, 7:16 AM

    35. Hey Ruby,What a great episode! No one likes the going to the Christmas doctor. I can totally relate to your anxiety. If you have a doctor you can feel comfortable with, it makes all the difference. My doctor is absolutely wonderful. She makes the experience very tolerable.I think it is so wonderful that you are sharing your journey?.most people don?t know how it feels to be limited by your weight. I am about your size at this time and this is my heaviest weight. I am very very lucky to have a wonderful husband who loves me for me. I hope you find this in your future. Your wonderful personality is displayed so nicely on your show, and I can see why you have such great friends. Congratulations on your new job!! How exciting!! Blessing to you as you continue on your journey.Susan

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  • blue_eyed_gal Wed, Jul 22, 2009, 7:38 AM

    36. Hi Ruby..first and for most I have to say I'm so proud of you!!!!!!!!! I love your show I watch if faithfully. Now my sister watches it as well...The comment you said about love everyone your so right..we all find it easy to judge others but find if very hard to compliment or even say hey you know what I like you even when others dont.. Life can go by so fast and nobody never wants to have to say I wish I was a better person to him/her. I'm from Ontario Canada and you have inspired me in many ways..I to am over weight but since I have been watching you go through your journey, it made me feel I can do it to..and I am.. thanks to you Ruby I love you to death..xoxoxo Im so glad that I have you in my life..

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  • teresa Wed, Jul 22, 2009, 9:39 AM

    37. dear ruby, your as such a beautiful woman with a warm and loving smile. I can't watch your show because of my hours at work but what i see is truly heartfelt. i wish i had the willpower to do something about my weight. I m make excuse why i can't. i'm glad you don't. but seeing you do it makes me feel like a failure at one moment ,and gives me hope the next. we will see. but i wish you all the love and happines you deserve.

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  • gracie Wed, Jul 22, 2009, 9:45 AM

    38. Hi Ruby...first I just want 2 say that I LOVE your show

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  • Auntie M Wed, Jul 22, 2009, 10:15 AM

    39. Ruby * I can't tell you how much being able to watch you while you take this journey * helps me gain courage to stay on mine. I'm not talking about a weight issue, for me, but an overwhelming issue of gaining a feeling that I do actually fit, somewhere, in this world. Your attitude, your willingness, your perspective * and it must be said * your accent, all send good vibes my way and I thank you. I thank you, sincerely, from the bottom of my troubled heart. Keep up the fabulous effort * we all luv ya!

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  • Mary Lynne Wed, Jul 22, 2009, 12:26 PM

    40. Hi Ruby, I just want to tell you I think you are wonderful and beautiful. I love your fantastic and uplifting spirit. Plus your charming accent and the way you relate to people is a boon to my spirit. Your love for people and the little animals in your life shows through. I wish you luck and love in the journey you are on. I know that you will succeed in your endeavors. We love you, girl.

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  • Sara B. L. Wed, Jul 22, 2009, 2:50 PM

    41. I have not laughed so hard in my entire life! I love your show! I watched this last episode each time it came onand each time I laughed even harder. If you ever do Savannah tours again,I want a ride on that bus!!! I am laughing now just thinking about it! You are one of the brightest souls that I have ever seen, and your humor ....girl,you are just plain old funny! The people who are blessed to be called your friends and family truly are very lucky! Keep up the good work, you look fantastic!

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  • Gary Flora Wed, Jul 22, 2009, 3:01 PM

    42. Ruby, you have a really good friend in Jeff. I viewed your web site today and was so happy to see my pass co-worker Jeff by your side. He always spoke of you with the greatest (sp) of love. Please let Jeff know we all miss him here at the City of Santa Monica Housing. Good luck and may God bless you and Jeff.Gary Flora

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  • Dawn Partin Wed, Jul 22, 2009, 5:42 PM

    43. I hope you read this. I am a personal trainer and just watched your shows. I was not as heavy as you but I did go from 40 percent body fat to 8.6 a few years ago... I am not in that shape now * working * 5 kids, Im a busy full time EMT, but im not as heavy as I was and I learned alot. As a recovering bolemic I understand eating disorders and it takes an emotional overhaul to kick them, its a life long adventure, in which you wont always be perfect * but * you will inspire and are doing just that. Aaron shouldve never talked to you like that, you have a right to be comfortable and definitely not bored. The doc and your male personal trainer were both right and there is a middle ground, a trainer is there to educate you and teach you everything they know, so one day you wont need one, education is the key to success, find one that will teach and, work out with you, take you to places, come to your home...I have worked with many people that were too big to stand * wish i could just speak

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  • Cheryl Wed, Jul 22, 2009, 5:48 PM

    44. Ruby, I think you were the best darned tour guide I've ever seen! I would want YOU leading me on a tour of your hometown!! Thanks for keeping a smile on my face!

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  • sewing mama Wed, Jul 22, 2009, 6:33 PM

    45. Ruby, I am a 60 yr old obese woman that just had to have weight loss surgery because my health got so bad. You never give up, and by all means call your suzie whatever you want to call it. Fat women have so little self esteem that we hesitate to get naked when we are alone and to have a mammogram and pap smear on national TV took a lot of courage. You go girl. Never let the world stop you. You are headed in the right direction, and if you are ever in Dallas area, I would love to meet you. God Bless You

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  • jennifer Wed, Jul 22, 2009, 6:49 PM

    46. Ruby, watching your show tonight was very inspiring. You touched on all the experiences I have had dealing with my weight. Unlike you, I just refuse to go to the OB/GYN. I don't feel that they understand how obese women feel when it comes to having to bare ourselves to them. I'm so tired of hearing that "it because of your weight, you've got to loose weight". As if I hadn't noticed the wheezing, sweating, insulin injections etc... Thank you so much for stepping out there and showing the world that big girls are capable of doing things and that all they need to do is give us a chance.

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  • Charlee Wed, Jul 22, 2009, 7:35 PM

    47. Ruby, I love your show. What an inspiration you are to women of size. I taped your show and replayed your part on the trolley and laughed each time I watched it. You were awesome! So honest, sweet, funny! WOW, I would have loved to been on that trolley. The part of "don't go in that park at night or you will be murdered". I loved it! I have been heavy all my life and have had to deal with the bad knees, aching joints, etc. Your adventure through this weight loss has been so uplifting and amazing. Keep up the great work you are doing and the phenomenal inspiration you are giving to people everywhere. Ipray for you to have much happiness and joy and for someone very special to come into your life and give you the love that you so much deserve. Keep the faith and may God Bless you richly in your life.

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  • Lindsay Wed, Jul 22, 2009, 9:08 PM

    48. Hey Ruby, I want you to know what an inspiration you are to me and I am a petite!!! I have some things in my life that I am just not going to put up with anymore and YOU are the reason for my confronting them now. Since you are on a mission and won't give up, I am on a mission and I won't give up until the job is done. I love you and your show and I love your shows music that I hum throughout the day. You make me tap into my courage and I thank you for that. I cannot wait to see you in those jeans and experience "slinky sexy". I may be a stranger to you, but you are a beloved friend of mine. XXXXOOOO

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  • Brenda Thu, Jul 23, 2009, 4:04 AM

    49. ohmygosh Ruby * This episode was so great. I'm sorry I don't have time to read the other comments so I apologize if I'm repeating others' comments. My favorite 10 seconds of the show ever. "Do not walk in the park after dark, or you will be killed." Followed by the bus driver having a heart attack. SO funny. You look AMAZING. I'm wondering how many proposals of marriage you and Jeff have received. (Oh, those southern boys!) Thank you for sharing your journey with us. It is very brave of you, and it is so inspiring. God bless. You make me hacky.

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  • Granite Yankee Thu, Jul 23, 2009, 6:04 AM

    50. Ruby,First saw you on Oprah. I am now size you were when you started. Have been most of my life. I hope I have grit to do what you are doing, esp in my 60s. Re show on your trainers

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