by Gina Scarpa

 

It was a tough two weeks on The Biggest Loser ranch for the Lee family. First, the red team blindsided Lauren after losing their weigh-in and then, the following week, the black team sent her mother Gail packing right behind her. Bob had a hard time believing that Gail was giving everything she had during her time with him but she insists that her heart was in it. Today, we talked to her about that and more in our exclusive interview about her time on The Biggest Loser.

 

Q. Gina, RealityWanted: Whose idea was it to try out for The Biggest Loser, yours or Lauren's? 

A. Gail: Lauren's - she had previously sent in a tape and this season, her sister told her about the casting call in DC.

 

Q. Gina, RealityWanted: Do you feel that you both made the right decisions in choosing the trainers that you would work with?
A. Gail: Certainly... you only see a small fraction of everything on TV. Bob Harper is amazing and Lauren loved Dolvett!

 

Q. Gina, RealityWanted: How do you feel that you fared without Lauren on your team?
A. Gail: I missed Lauren but shared the same room with her and we tried to catch up every evening during a long walk. It was a shock that we were not going to be on the same team. However, I believe that God had us just exactly where He wanted us to be!

 

Q. Gina, RealityWanted: Who did you become close with or rely on for support?
A. Gail: I am closer to Jeremy, Joe, and Chism on my team but loved everyone, especially my Black Team!

 

Q. Gina, RealityWanted: When Lauren was eliminated, it came as a surprise to her. How did you react when you found out she was sent home?
A. Gail: We both were blindsided, totally unexpected. It was very difficult, but I knew she would want me on the ranch for as long as possible.

 

Q. Gina, RealityWanted: Bob said during the season that he didn't feel he was getting 100% from you. Did you feel like you were giving everything you had?
A. Gail: Yes, I gave 100%. However, we did not understand the impact of my post polio in my workouts. Bob pushed me believing that he could get more out of me, not understanding how my polio affected my ability physically. It was an emotional journey for me to learn through this process; I now understand how my polio impacted me since I was a small child. I was 18 months old when I was paralyzed from the waist down and do not remember it at all. I do remember my corrective shoes and braces. Now, I understand what polio is and how it impacted me my whole life.

 

Q. Gina, RealityWanted: It seems like you are doing very well at home!
A. Gail: I am - even injured, I remain steadfast! I believe that even if you are injured, disabled or no matter your age, you can move your body and eat well. Everyone deserves to be their best selves.

 

Q. Gina, RealityWanted: What did The Biggest Loser teach you that you were able to bring you into your everyday life?
A. Gail: It is a total life style change, a mindset to put myself first and make the time to exercise and eat right. It is a total package that we learned on the ranch! I feel like I won the lottery! I deserve to be the best person God intended me to be!

 

Q. Gina, RealityWanted: Are you still having issues with tendonitis and what adjustments are you making to ensure that you keep losing weight?
A. Gail: I have bursitis in both my hips from pushing too hard and not understanding my post polio. I have had to just change my approach. I swim and do exercises in the pool to work my hips where there is no impact; I walk (no more running), spin, and do mostly upper body cardio. In the spring, I will add bicycling. I just need to pace myself and break up the time I work out.

Q. Gina, RealityWanted: What advice do you have for people who are thinking of trying out for The Biggest Loser?
A. Gail: Be honest with yourself and make the commitment no matter the outcome. Don't allow a show to keep you from moving forward to a better life! Just do it!

 

The Biggest Loser airs Tuesdays at 8/7c on NBC.

 

(Image courtesy of NBC)

 

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