Ruby Talks Oprah, Addiction and Staying Motivated
Fri., Mar. 6, 2009 6:29 PM PST by Ruby Gettinger
I am so honored and happy to have gotten the chance to be on Oprah. She is a strong, amazing woman! She made me feel like I was a guest in her home. From the moment I walked in the door of Harpo Studios, her entire staff made me feel so loved. Starting with the security team, then the producers, makeup artist, hairstylist and her entire staff...they all made me feel like family and treated me so special. To me, that says a lot about Oprah!
It was an Oprah show that was the starting point of my inspiration to get my truth out there and share my weight-loss journey on television, so I had a dream come true when I actually got to talk to her about the ups and downs of my own struggles. (What was also so special to me was meeting Kathy, one of the people I have inspired. It was so exciting!)
I have to say that Oprah is beautiful, stunning, healthy and happy, and I do not think she needs to lose weight at all! (I do sympathize and relate to her blue corn chip addiction. LOL!)
I am so happy she is raising awareness of the problem of obesity and giving a voice to the millions of Americans who are battling the obesity "beast"! I agree with her that weight gain can be a sign that our lives are out of balance and that we need to figure out what we are really feeding.
I do believe with all my heart that this is an addiction like alcoholism or drug abuse. But let me bring a little awareness to this—and maybe this will make some of you understand: When dealing with alcohol or drugs, you have to completely go cold turkey to beat it. With food, we cannot go cold turkey. We have to eat to live! We have to beat our addiction and still taste our addiction. Do you think, if you were to tell an alcoholic, "You still have to drink this every day"—could they beat it?
This is why I believe obesity is such a deadly epidemic in America.
But I believe with all my heart that if we fight, fight, fight and never give up or give in, we can and will beat this. We have to take it one day at a time and sometimes one minute at a time to make a lifetime change. Remember, we have to fix the mental, physical, emotional and spiritual if we want to win!
Facing our beast means facing our truth. And the truth will set us free! YAY!
Click here to visit the Ruby section for videos, tips, message boards and the complete show schedule.
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Show the next 51 - 100 of 237 comments
Now loading...Betty Chukes Seward Fri, Mar 6, 2009, 7:29 PM
1. Ruby I am happy for you,going on oprah show< I will be wacthing you, Just be the beautyful person that you are, God is going to take you all over the world to tell your story, I know a book will be coming soon.don't evere forget about your freinds. don't take your eyes off of the Lord. You are a bless young lady.Betty Chukes Seward
Kellie Nelson Fri, Mar 6, 2009, 7:49 PM
2. You are amazing! I saw the previews for your Oprah show today and you looked amazing! I can't wait to watch. When is 2nd season coming out?
Tammi Fri, Mar 6, 2009, 8:15 PM
3. Ruby why did they take you off? I am craving you please come back at least i will see you on Oprah.
Niki B. Fri, Mar 6, 2009, 8:17 PM
4. Yay Ruby! I am so proud of you and this journey you're on to help raise awareness. You are an inspiration to us all! Love you much! xo
Joni B. Fri, Mar 6, 2009, 11:50 PM
5. Ruby, I have so much enjoying "knowing" you on the Style Network and as a friend on Facebook. You are such an inspiration to me! I had gastric bypass surgery and I still can't lose weight. I did lose 155 lbs. at first, mainly because I threw everything up! But now I have gained some of it back and it's feeling pretty hopeless, but I'm okay with myself. I am becoming the person I want to be and if that person is obese, well so be it. Thank you for raising awareness of this disease. We love you too Ruby! XOXO
Robyn Sat, Mar 7, 2009, 3:48 AM
6. YAY!!!! What a great honor to meet Oprah. You truly are making an amazing life change and I enjoy being able to take the journey with you. I can't wait for season 2. You have a strong support system who love you very much. You go girl!
Kristin Roberts Sat, Mar 7, 2009, 5:38 AM
7. Ruby! I can't wait to watch. It was a pleasure to FINALLY meet you (and Georgia) at your first "Ruby Walk" with His Radio in Charleston last week. Can't wait to do more of them!! YAY!You're an incredible woman!! Love ya! Kristin----His Radio
Chelllie Sat, Mar 7, 2009, 5:51 AM
8. Ruby, I am so proud of you and all you have done so far, You are the coolest!! I am excited to be with you the rest of the way on this journey to fight the beast.Love! xoxo
Rose Cutrara Sat, Mar 7, 2009, 6:42 AM
9. Hi Ruby,Yes weight is a problem not just for you but for everyone; but your personality shines through enormously and we see the true person in you. My family and I became huge fans of yours just by your personality alone. You are a great inspiration to others and you have a huge heart. You deserve to be as happy and healthy as you can be!!!Good Luck in your journey....Your friend from Toronto, Canada.
Renay Sat, Mar 7, 2009, 7:23 AM
10. Ruby you are doing a great Job. I empithize with you,I too am in your situation. I wish I could keep the upbeat positive attitude through this journey that you have.
Nan Birnie Sat, Mar 7, 2009, 8:32 AM
11. I will be TVoing Oprah on Monday. Darn work gets in the way of important stuff. Can't wait to see Ruby again. Keep up the fight girl
Christine Sat, Mar 7, 2009, 9:18 AM
12. That is why we all still love Oprah ** even with all her wealth and opportunity, she is still human and struggles like the rest of us. I am getting honest with myself and re-joining Weight Watchers this week. I can't do it alone and I am not going to let my addiction shorten my life or quality of life. I need to be around to annoy my children! lolLove you Ruby!! You are doing great!
Holly Sat, Mar 7, 2009, 9:32 AM
13. I can't wait to watch you on Oprah! I love watching your show and the fact that you seem to be the real you is amazing...
Garry Sat, Mar 7, 2009, 10:10 AM
14. It's cool to know that Oprah and her team treated you like royalty! It'll be great to see you on the show and I'm looking forward to continuing on the journey with you on Season 2 of "Ruby". See you soon!
speaksoftly Sat, Mar 7, 2009, 10:34 AM
15. RubyDon't you have to just pinch yourself sometimes.....look at your life.....sooo...blessed.I am so happy for you. I just found your site.....just completely love your show.....you give t.v. a good name girlfriend.You remind me of my sister....your strength of will...and adventure.... at wanting to smell and see all the food you can't have.... even your face is shaped like hers. Keep up your love for reaching others....you have reached my heart.....I will never be the same. Thank YouMay God continue to Bless you always
Sue S. Sat, Mar 7, 2009, 12:25 PM
16. Hello Ruby! I've written to you before and I'm still a fan of yours. I'm so excited to hear that you'll be on Oprah on Monday. Yesterday I already set my DVR to record it, as I can't wait!!! Keep up the great work and know that you are loved by many, many fans out here! Hope you have a season two....I'm going to check that out next on this website. :)Love,Sue from NH
Ted Sat, Mar 7, 2009, 1:10 PM
17. you are the most amazing girl! You give me hope to beat my secret addiction. I love the way you love people. thank you for letting me see there are still good people in this world.
Stacey Sat, Mar 7, 2009, 1:30 PM
18. You go Ruby, I will be there to watch you. God be with you.
Heather Sat, Mar 7, 2009, 1:57 PM
19. Ruby * you are MY inspiration! Back in 1995 I weighed over 400 pounds, but I didn't have a scale that could tell me how much. In 1999-2000 I dropped about 50-60 pounds by changing what I ate for lunch and going for a walk during my lunch break. I have tried everything as far as diets, but I have found a new one that works for me * just like HOURGLASS works for you. I have also increased my physical activity * just as you have. But I needed a new commitment * so now I am training to walk a marathon in June while raising money for a very worthy cause. But in addition to all of that I surround myself with inspirations....I blog online, I watch the Ruby shows over and over and over again, I watch Biggest Loser, I watch weight-loss shows on cable as much as possible * for information, for insipiration, for encouragement. Currently I'm somewhere in between Kristin on Biggest Loser and Ruby is catching up to me. But the 3 of us are changing our lives in healthy ways and not by surgery!
nickie Sat, Mar 7, 2009, 2:00 PM
20. hi ruby i cant wait to watch you and oprah two of my favorite people ever iam in your same situation and you give me hope i can do this weightloss journy also. you have great personality i cant wait till season 2
susie lanier Sat, Mar 7, 2009, 2:42 PM
21. I saw the previews for Oprah and looked you up but can't fine your shows on Style. Dying to watch you.
Suzanne Sat, Mar 7, 2009, 2:46 PM
22. Ruby, you are such an inspiration to us all. I just wish my sister could see what you have done as she needs your inspiration and commitment to lose the 200lbs she needs to before her health is forever comprimised. It does have to come from within though, but she is not ready to listen to either our father or me yet as past discussions turned confrontations have proved. Can't wait for the new season to begin so we can see how far you have come. Keep fighting girl, you are doing great! Love you.
Bonnie Sat, Mar 7, 2009, 3:38 PM
23. Ruby if you only knew how you have changed my life. I wish I could tell you how much you've done for me.
Bev Sat, Mar 7, 2009, 3:43 PM
24. I already have it ready for tivo! I can't wait to watch......Then we have to wait till July for next season! **
Katharine Hazlett Sat, Mar 7, 2009, 4:26 PM
25. Ruby: I am so very proud of you and your accomplishments thus far. You are a true inspiration to many and my sister who has MS is one of them. We are so hoping to meet you when we come to Savannah next week. We keep you in our prayers daily. Love,Katharine from PA
mary ellen Sat, Mar 7, 2009, 4:31 PM
26. you go girl,,,i wish i had your courage right now,,i pray for you every nite along with many others ..may the angels guide you ..and hope they sprinkle their angel dust around you ..god bless you ruby
Colleen Sat, Mar 7, 2009, 5:09 PM
27. Love you Ruby! Can't wait to see you on Oprah!
Mary Sat, Mar 7, 2009, 5:27 PM
28. Hi Ruby, I can't wait to watch the Oprah Show on Monday! Thank you for being such a fabulous ambassador for the obesity/weight loss issues in America.I enjoy your show a lot and am excited for July for Season 2!Mary
Tracey Sat, Mar 7, 2009, 6:01 PM
29. Ruby,I can't wait for the show! Two of my favorites together. It sounds like it was a lot of fun. Hopefully, she will have you back on when you reach your goal!!!!!
Sandra Sat, Mar 7, 2009, 6:52 PM
30. Hi Ruby, sure looking forward to seeing you on Oprah! I miss your show, and hope there will be new episodes soon. You are a very inspirational person, even to someone who does not have a weight issue. We all have some "issue" to deal with in life, and your strength and courage are admirable. Thanks for letting us come along on this part of your journey.
Beth Sat, Mar 7, 2009, 7:08 PM
31. Hi Ruby. Yes I am sure glad you are going on Oprah! Yes it is so true that food can be an addiction just like drugs and alcohol. The first step is admitting you have a problem and having the courage to go in front of America is awesome! I am so proud of you and be a part of your journey!Thank you and God Bless ***
Dave Sat, Mar 7, 2009, 9:58 PM
32. Ruby hurry and get back on TV
Mary Sat, Mar 7, 2009, 11:00 PM
33. Ruby! From one southern girl to another ** you go girl!! I'm so thrilled you got to meet Oprah! And your show is absolutely adorable, as are you! I so appreciate you bringing the issue of obesity to the public ** it's a huge addiction problem. Thanks for your hard work ** and God love ya, girl!!
Kathy Burns Sat, Mar 7, 2009, 11:06 PM
34. I can't wait to see you on Oprah. I can't wait for your new shows to come out. I love you Ruby
suzy keleher Sun, Mar 8, 2009, 1:41 AM
35. I have dropped 100, only have... a lot more to lose, or rather, let go of...I started Sept 1, 2008. Ruby, I am grateful for you and your show. I am praying for you. I gave up my favorite drink: Coca Cola. I was drinking gallons of it per week. I cannot even drink diet because it makes me crave a regular Coke. I agree with you about addiction. An alcoholic should not go into a bar; I should not go into a bakery...and I don't anymore. That is how that 100 came off. Now to the next hundred! My name is Suzy. I hope to go on Oprah one of these days. I am so happy you got to meet her. I also cannot wait for a new season of shows from you! Love, Suzy
aimee Sun, Mar 8, 2009, 6:58 AM
36. You are the inspiration for those of us who are slaying the beast! It is a daily battle and sometimes hourly. I cannot begin to tell you how much it means to see your show and hear what you have to say about clothing, people's attitudes and how hard this is to beat. You are a wonderful encourager and I hope some day to meet you and be able to tell you in person. Keep up the good work and putting light into an area that has been so misunderstood by those who don't have this particular struggle.
Sheena Sun, Mar 8, 2009, 10:53 AM
37. Ruby,All of us watching and cheering you on up here in Canada will be watching the Oprah show tomorrow and waiting on pins
Kathy Sun, Mar 8, 2009, 2:28 PM
38. Hi Ruby, As I write this I am layed up with my back problem which is made worse buy my wt. I feel so defeated and ashmed of myself. I hate myself, my body and the way I live. I wonder how my husband can stand me when I can't stand myself. I agree with you obesity is a disease like drugs or alcohol and we who fight it have to eat to live and not quit like other addicted people.Some times I wish I would drop over dead and be done with it. I have tried diets, only to fail again and again. I marvel at folks who exercise and eat just enough to keep their bodies going.How do they do it? Is that example of self love and being mentally healthy? I think at times I don't have the right to be alive or thrive and that my being alive is a mistake. In my life I have accomplished things against odds but this one item has me defeated. I guess I am writing this hoping for some help or conversation to ease the lonliness.
butlerbill Sun, Mar 8, 2009, 3:38 PM
39. Horay for you Ruby. I will have the recorder on.
Vickie Sun, Mar 8, 2009, 4:15 PM
40. Exactly... we out not all out of need but to help comfort and sometimes cover up our own pains of life.. simply even being lonely can start one in a binge to find that they call comfort food. I admire you Ruby.. you are making a mark in this world eyes are watching * people are supporting you with prayer and friendship... keep fighting.. show others that this beast can be beat....Much love and Prayers Vickie
giacat Sun, Mar 8, 2009, 4:45 PM
41. Does anyone know when the new season starts for Ruby?? Seems like we been waiting forever and I need my Ruby fix!
Hope Sun, Mar 8, 2009, 4:51 PM
42. Ruby-you go girl-getting all famous on us lol. Can't wait to see you and oprah how neat is that you got to meet her. You are touching people everywhere. We should all get together when your life calms down (Courtney, Me and my other two). We Love you and think of you often. As always you are in my prayers!!! All of us are in serious change life style mode you would be shocked with Ms. Courtney and my youngest has lost about 25lbs and I have lost 11 so you have inspired all of us. When does the next season start? We are blessed in being in this journey one day at a time. xoxo~Hope
Cindy Sun, Mar 8, 2009, 5:10 PM
43. LOVE you Ruby. Can't wait to see Oprah because you are going to be on it. Am dying to see the next season.
Heather Sun, Mar 8, 2009, 7:35 PM
44. Ruby is my hero, and my daughter's too....thank you for sharing your life and being a couragous role model for all of us girls, big and small!I never seem to catch Oprah anymore, but will be sure to on Monday. I can't wait to hear how you're doing these days and hope its all turning up roses for Ruby.
patti Sun, Mar 8, 2009, 9:00 PM
45. Ruby you are my inspiration!
Jill Sun, Mar 8, 2009, 9:51 PM
46. When will your show be back on. You are the best thing on TV
eric Sun, Mar 8, 2009, 10:09 PM
47. ruby you saved my wife's life because of you she has lost 47 pounds and has a new attitude. thank you if there is anything I can do for you please let me know. I am forever grateful.
Melinda Mon, Mar 9, 2009, 12:34 AM
48. "I do believe with all my heart that this is an addiction like alcoholism or drug abuse. But let me bring a little awareness to thisâ??and maybe this will make some of you understand: When dealing with alcohol or drugs, you have to completely go cold turkey to beat it. With food, we cannot go cold turkey. We have to eat to live! We have to beat our addiction and still taste our addiction. Do you think, if you were to tell an alcoholic, "You still have to drink this every day"â??could they beat it?"Ruby no one has ever spoken truer words. I try to explain this fact to people all the time, so maybe they will understand that, with a food addiction, it isn't as simple as pushing the plate away. If it were that easy, we would all be healthy! Thank you for being your wonderful self, and for your attempt to enlighten the masses. ~Melinda
Cali Mon, Mar 9, 2009, 4:46 AM
49. Preach on Ruby! You are so right this is an addiction but the difference is we can not go cold turkey! Ruby keep speaking out for all of us. I am trying to beat my beast.
lisa rasnom Mon, Mar 9, 2009, 6:41 AM
50. Hi Ruby, I have been watching your transformation and you are amazing keep up the great work. I can't wait to see you on Oprah today!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!