★FitStars: Ruby Gettinger & a Giveaway!
August 12, 2009 by Jenn
Meet Ruby Gettinger. If you don’t already know her or recognize her from The Style Network’s reality series Ruby, you should know that she’s an honest, dedicated, brave and inspiring woman. She’s also hilarious with tons of little catchphrases (I call them Ruby-isms, as you’ll see later in the Q&A) that I guarantee you’ll start using.
FBG: How did your reality TV show come about, and what made you want to share your weight-loss journey with the world? Why was it imperative for you to lose weight?
RG: I was making a documentary at first. We are a nation that is in severe trouble with obesity, and I decided awhile back that I wanted to find out why there are so many of us suffering from obesity. I wanted to be the guinea pig and see if it was possible to be 700 pounds and lose all your weight and look normal. I want to find out why we are overweight and what actually works.
I met some television people in Los Angeles who understood my passion and wanted to help me tell my truth … and that was the beginning of Ruby on Style. Perhaps by sharing my story on national television and taking this journey in the public eye, I can help others confront the truth and lies behind obesity. And if I can do it, then I know anyone can conquer “the beast.” Just before starting production on Ruby, my doctor told me that if I didn’t lose weight, I could die. I knew that something had to be done!
FBG: On the show, you’re very open about your struggles and successes when it comes to losing weight and eating right. Your honesty and vulnerability is really touching and refreshing (especially when most of reality TV isn’t very real). Do you find it hard to open up to the camera? Is it cathartic?
RG: No, it isn’t as hard as you would think because my DP (camera man) and my crew have become like family to me. Yes, surprisingly to me, it has been cathartic because I am learning things about myself and facing head-on (and on camera) my problem with food. I am finding out so much of my journey is mental.
FBG: Do you watch your show on TV? Why or why not? And, if you do, what’s it like reliving your past triumphs and setbacks?
RG: Yes! The first time I saw it I was in shock how fat I really was. Anorexic people look in a mirror and see themselves fat. I looked in the mirror and saw myself a little big, but not as huge as I was. All I got to say is, “I scared the bears out of the forest!” LOL! But watching my triumphs and setbacks is a growing experience. You see what you’re doing right and wrong, and you realize you have to get control over the thing that has been controlling you!
FBG: You’ve inspired a lot of people to get healthy. What’s it like to be a role model for getting healthy? Do you feel any pressure because of it?
RG: I run into people who tell me their success stories and how they are losing weight or exercising because of me or kids who tell me they are getting help for the first time with their addiction—which isn’t always obesity—because they see me getting help. To me, it proves that we are all on the same journey, no matter what we are fighting. They say I am an inspiration, but every time I hear their stories, they inspire me to keep going on. YAY for us all! We can do this!
FBG: On the show you also talk about how there’s a prejudice against overweight people—whether it’s people staring, rude comments, small chairs in public spaces or no fashionable options for large sizes. We have no doubt that anyone who watches your show will quickly fall in love with you because of your personality, but do you think that you’re causing others to be more accepting of overweight people?
RG: Yes, and this is what makes me hacky-wacky (happy)! I get emails and people have stopped me on the streets telling me that they used to look at people like me as lazy, gluttons, etc. But since watching me on the show, they understand and realize we have an addiction and we are human beings. They have apologized to me for being one of those people that judged me so harshly.
FBG: Earlier this year, you were on Oprah. OPRAH! We desperately want to meet Oprah. What was it like to be on the show, and what is she like in person?
RG: I was honored to be on her show, especially since one of her shows inspired me. She is an amazing woman! She made me feel like I was in her home. During the breaks she talks to everyone in the audience and truly cares. To me, it truly is like you are a guest in her home. The people that work for her and with her are amazing and so loving!
FBG: We have a lot of readers who are in all stages of their fitness journey—some could be fashion models while others are hundreds of pounds away from their goal weight. What’s the best piece of advice you can give someone, no matter where they are on their weight-loss journey?
RG: Fight, fight, fight, and never ever give up. Remember: Do not give up, and if you mess up it’s okay, but don’t wait to get back on track tomorrow. Do it today! Because your tomorrow will turn into years. Live your life no matter what size you are! Go off with your family and friends; stay in the land of the living! Do not let yourself give up or become a shut-in.
FBG: You are quite the Southern belle with an accent and some fun sayings. What are some of your favorite Ruby-isms?
RG: Hacky-wacky for happy, humidified for humiliated, helicopter for hell, and astronaut for a**. Some other Ruby sayings are: “You have scared the bears out of the forest,” “for scared for that,” “like it a lot-lot,” and “you have embarrassed the family!”
FBG: Losing weight isn’t easy (the understatement of the year). How do you stay motivated day after day?
RG: I remember where I came from. I remember how I felt and how I could not move around. I was so limited and didn’t even know. For the first time, I am trying to think about the repercussions of eating bad before I eat. It’s hard for us to remember the bad or repercussions of things, so I am really trying to focus on how great I feel and how much better it will get after the next 100 pounds. I know now that this is a life change, and feeling healthy is a lot better than chocolate! Even though, at times, the chocolate monster tries to get me, I have to remember, once again, that a few moments of pleasure is not worth a long future of displeasure.
FBG: What’s your typical day look like now in terms of food and workouts? What are you able to do now versus before the show when you were 100 pounds heavier?
RG: I try to eat every 3 hours now, when before, I was a night eater. I eat variations of healthy foods, which thanks to my meal plan, Our Life Fresh, I learned portions and all kinds of yummy healthy foods! I take my daily supplement called Vemma, and before I was getting no vitamins at all! Before, I only ate snack food (candy, potato chips, fast-foods, etc.). I bike, box, walk and work out several times a week. At first, I could only walk 5 minutes, and now I can walk a 5K. YAY!!! I am so excited about losing the next 100 pounds and what my life will feel like.
FBG: What’s coming up for you next? Will there be more and more shows?
RG: This season, you will see someone from my past, whom people do not favor, come back several times. I lose someone very dear to me. I make a lot of changes that are great for me and search more for my lost childhood memories and find out some disturbing stuff that makes me want to find out everything. It’s very scary to me, but I have to face it. I will be going more into the mental, trying to figure out why I use food. What emotion is it pleasing, and why has it become a security blanket for me? I ride a bike, go kayaking, and one of my dreams comes true…and so much more!
FBG: Anything else you’d like to add or tell our readers?
RG: Please get healthy! I have lost two people close to my heart because of obesity in the past 6 months. It will kill you! Obesity will lock you up in a cage! But, we hold the key, and that’s why we must find out the root of this problem. Much of this battle is mental. Find out what food is giving you. Start today, start NOW and not tomorrow, and do whatever you have to do to get healthy. You are no longer alone. We are all on this journey together, and we can, and will, beat this or any addiction, one day at a time. I believe in you, and know we will all meet at the finish line! I thank you all for your support and belief in me.
In the email to us, Ruby signed her name with “XOXO.” How sweet is that? Just a perfect example of her kind and loving nature.
If you’d like to own a DVD of the best episodes of Ruby’s first season, send us an email at contact@fitbottomedgirls.com or comment below by next Wednesday with why you’d like to own it, and we’ll pick a random winner. U.S. residents only, please! Good luck to all!
And a BIG THANKS to Ruby! You make us hacky-wacky! —Jenn
I adore Ruby, and I've even found myself saying "Oh, what the helicopter!" at work. She's inspirational AND really funny. Since she can't be my best friend in real life (and you know she'd be a way fun best friend) – I'll settle for Ruby-isms on DVD!
This looks like a great show! I'd love to have a DVD of the first season.
I love watching her! As a "big loser" myself (150 lbs) I am in absolte awe of her commitment and her devotion to herself, and her health.
I think she will inspire thousands of people who struggle with their weight to get fit, and get healthy. If she can do it – they can to!
I HEART Ruby! She is simply fabulous and an incredible inspiration!
Ruby is a wonderful inspiration and has the best attitude. I am also on weight loss journey (down 200 lbs so far from 400+) and know that if she can conquer her weight demons, then so can I.
She is still very naive about food and exercise, and it bothers me to no end when she complains that lifting weight will get her bulky!!! You're already bulky, lady, the muscles are not the problem here!
i've never watched the show but i dig her! i especially dig her ruby-isms…she's clever. i might have to pick up the family one…
good one ladies!
you rock ruby!
i would love to win the dvd. i dont get the sytle network, but i have heard about the show and really want to see it!
She is such an inspiration! I would love to have the DVDs to get caught up on her show and find out all the details behind her amazing life!
Thank you for sharing… I have not seen Ruby, but can see why everyone, and yet, I mean everyone loves her! I have been inspired… AGAIN!
Thank you!
Angie
I LOVE her show!!! I'm so mad that they only have the first episode on demand!!! I really hope I win this one!
*I've even gotten my boyfriend who is a big Puerto Rican football player to watch this!!!
I love ruby! She is such an inspiration and she is so honest!
I would love her DVD!
i never miss an episode. i love that it's real life, real struggles, and complications. nothing worth the outcome is ever easy, and she does what she needs to do. we use her Ruby-isms in our house, and talk with her southern draw that is so addicting and adoreable.
I would love to have the DVD too! I have never seen the show, we don't get that channel. I would love to start watching!
Monica
so proud of her!
Yeah for Ruby…her show is truly inspiring as she has such a positive outlook. Plus, her struggles and triumphs are very real (not like the falseness of most 'reality' tv shows). Her happy spirit is contagious!
RUBY IS THE BEST! She has inspired me to try her meal plan. I ordered it at http://www.ourlifefresh.com and it has so far surpassed my expectations. The food is absolutely delicious. Finally, a diet plan I can stick with!
omg this article almost made me cry!! i'm seriously tearing up here from reading it… i've lost 70 pounds (was at 85 and backpedaled a bit) so i know a bit about what ruby is saying here. she is SO completely right in all of her advice she gives here. thank you so so much for sharing this with us. i would LOVE to win her dvds, this is the first time i have heard of her so i haven't been watching the show. i think she is amazingly motivating and watching her show would help push me through the hard times.
Gosh I always see the previews for this show and unfortunately I do not get Style Network on my cable lineup…what a shame she seems lovely
That is a great interview and she is such an inspiration. Thanks for sharing her candid and personal self with all of us!
I am so glad to hear about Ruby. I don't watch much t.v., and I don't socialize much. I relate to much that she talked about in the interview. I am eager to watch her because I believe that she and I have simular issues… maybe watching her will help me gain insight into my own life, and help me to dare to do more. (I need all the help I can get!)
Wow, what an inspiration! I've heard a bit about Ruby before, but haven't ever seen her show since I don't get the Style channel. So sad
I'll have to try to rent it now that I see how awesome Ruby is!
id love to win because I don't have the Style channel
sadface! it seems very inspiring of a tv show!
xoxo
Lo
h
Great job for Ruby. She look's awesome now. And i love this show also. Cheers, Erin
I want to win for my mom. She has worked her hardest to make sure I never got to the same place with my weight that she did, and she is the reason that I eat healthy and exercise now. Unfortunately, her weight and her low self-esteem are still around – typical loving mom to ignore her own needs for the sake of her child. She doesn't really believe in her heart that she can make a change, and I want so bad for her to believe in herself – I sure do! Maybe seeing someone even more overweight that she is conquering that demon with a great attitude will help her – and she doesn't have the Style network at home, so she can't watch unless we get the DVD.
I actually saw a board in the mall with her show on it and have been meaning to check it out.
Now I am dying to watch the DVD because she sounds like such motivated and grounded individual.
Can't help but admire!
We don't get the Style Network, so unfortunately, I haven't been able to see Ruby's show. I did catch her appearance on "Oprah", and if they gave Ruby a talk show, I believe she'd be very successful at it!
I cope with a lot of the same things she does. Just seeing her smiling face at Facebook would make anyone's day.
I am so thankful that Ruby had the courage to put a face on obesity — in other words, she's helping people she's never even met. Plus, it's hard not to fall in love with her sweet and funny personality!
Ruby has been an inspiration since day one for me. To do it without surgery. Being overweight myself i wish i had the will power she has. I hope to one day meet her.
xoxo Liz
i love ruby
i can relate to every single struggle she has
i mean everyone of them
i congratulate her on what she is doing ,,what she has done and what she will do
i only wish that we all can be as determined
Love Ruby! Her story is really incredible and her show inspires me each week. I really enjoyed reading this post and interview with her.
I caught quite a bit of the 1st season and all of the 2nd so far. I don't have the amount to lose that Ruby does, but I do have a good 100 lbs. to lose.
Ruby's a great inspiration. She does seem to be a friendly, loving person. I can't wait for each week to come to see what happens next. I watch the repeats as I can too.
Ruby is an inspiration to me, I have watched her since the very first episode. I live in GA too, but not close to her, and one day, I hope to meet her. She has truly impacted my life, as I know if she can do it, I can too. I would LOVE to win her DVD, to watch it over and over when I am having days when I struggle.
Hello all Fit Bottomed Girls!:
I would LOVE to win the DVD set you are offering to some lucky person. Does Ruby understand how inspirational she truly is for her audience? It's not only about just the weight loss, but her positive attitude and kindness to others. I do believe Ruby is one of the sweetest people I've observed in quite a long time. Jeff, her nephew, Georgia and Ruby's other friends are part of the inspiration package; I too wish I had their support! You go, Ruby!
Thank you for sharing this. I am a HUGE fan of Ruby and I think she (and her show) are sending such a fantastic positive message (combating prejudice against the obese, getting healthy, etc).
Ruby is truly an inspriation to all. She has a heart as big as the great outdoors and she is as sweet as the day is long! I aspire to be more like her in my everyday living. She is my hero!
I absolutely love Ruby! I do not miss a single episode! She is literally my weekly motivator. I have lost 10 lbs with the help of her show and I continue to work my bottom off. She is my idol and if I could meet her someday I would love to. I think owning a copy of the first season would be a motivator that I could pop in anytime I am feeling unmotivated and it would help me tremendously. I love you RUBY!
I LOVE Ruby – she is such a sweet person and you can't help but want her to win! One day hubby and I plan to live in Savannah, so maybe I'll run into her! (until then, I'd settle for a DVD ; ) )
I just started watching the show and it is such an inspiration to me. I would love to know how she came up with "hacky" for happy… I love it! Her beautiful personality and glowing face are just so motivational… Keep it coming!
I look forward to watching you each week. I really love the show and love you. You are really an inspiration to all of us that are fighting with weight. I admire you for losing all the weight without the help of surgery. I wish you all the best.
I have never heard of this show, but now I want to check it out! Sounds very inspiring!
I just love you Ruby! I have watched every show and have just been so encouraged by Your CAN DO ATTITUDE!
I really need to lose about 90 pounds myself . Thank you for showing the world that all things are possible
Toni
Ruby truly is a hero to me and my big-hearted and big-bottomed girlfriends. She makes us laugh and cry – because to one extent or another we are all in the same boat (or kayak). We love you, Ruby!
I already think Ruby is already beautiful, she is just a Jessica Rabbit waiting to happen! I watch the show because she is an inspiration for me to loose the weight. I too struggle with it ever since I had my last child. Keep going Ruby!!!!!:)
Terri
I already think Ruby is already beautiful, she is just a Jessica Rabbit waiting to happen! I watch her because she gives me inspiration and she has a wonderful personality. I too struggle with my weight. I see her for the person she really is. Keep going Ruby!!!!:)
Terri
I LOVE Ruby! She is so inspiring! Such a warm heart and full of spunk! She's just the greatest! If she can do it, anyone can!
I just started watching Ruby, season 2, and I relate so much to her that I'd love to have the opportunity to win season 1.
Please pick me!
Thank you!
Kris Davison
Mscorona65@gmail.com
I love Ruby!!! I weigh 480lbs and she has become my inspiration! I have tried over and over but am committed to losing this weight and living again! Ruby makes me feel like I can do it!! I'd love to have season 1!!!!
I'd love to win the DVDs of RUBY. She is very much an inspiration and motivation for me as I, too, continue on my weight loss journey.
Thank you for the contest!