by Gina Scarpa

 

On this week's episode of The Biggest Loser, the red team decided to send Roy, aka Santa, home from the competition. Their argument was that he separated himself from the group, but he had finally gotten the opportunity to work out with his wife Chris, on the black team, and wasn't going to skip out on that. His team also may have been resentful because he defended Adrian and even voted to keep him on the ranch when no one else did. Roy stuck to his convictions, to what was best for his health and personal well being, and today we talked to him about those things and more in an exclusive interview!

 

Q. Gina, RealityWanted: What was the wakeup call that made you realize that you needed The Biggest Loser?
A. Roy: On March 24th of 2011, I broke my leg in two places and was told to spend two months in bed recovering. At 62 years of age and already in declining health, this was not good medical advice! I accepted the advice, but it really added to my problems of being overweight, inactive, and unhealthy. I had uncontrollably high blood pressure, water retention, hypertension, depression, and high cholesterol. I was trying to work during the following months, but struggled with being out of breath, unable to bend over, and absolutely no stamina. I tried to walk, but even that was difficult, and painful. It was easier to relax on the sofa and watch TV.

 

Q. Gina, RealityWanted: How difficult was it for you initially to be separated from Chris and be on different teams?
A. Roy: Very difficult, we worked out with our own teams, never together. When I was walking the ranch at night alone, I could hear Chris laughing and having a good time with her team. When we were fixing our meals in the kitchen, Chris's diet instructions were different from mine, so we could not even prepare and eat meals together. On weigh in days, there was never an escape from the stress. We both had to pack all our belongings and say good-bye before the weigh in, because if my team lost the weigh in I was subject to being sent home, and vice versa. You could never relax from before the weigh in till after elimination.

 

Q. Gina, RealityWanted: When she wanted to leave the show a few weeks, how did you help her through that difficult time?
A. Roy: I tried to just listen, and support her, but it was obvious I could not provide her what she needed. She was suffering from being an outsider to the inner circle of people on her team, and I didn't have the tools to help her through that. Bob helped her through that. During the 5th and 6th weeks, we were able to work out together, and talk a lot, but although that helped both of us, the others on our teams only saw the fact that we were not working out with them, and perceived us as losing focus. I think that became a factor in my being voted off the ranch.

 

Q. Gina, RealityWanted: When Adrian came back onto the ranch, you were one of the only people that embraced him. Why did you have a different opinion of him than the rest of your team?
A. Roy: I could see myself in his shoes, and could see how difficult it would be for anyone to come onto the ranch after the teams had become close knit teams. I saw both sides of the arguments that occurred as not being one sided, but were emotionally charged. I did not have the personal skills to bring clarity and resolution to the conflicts, so rather than picking sides, I tried to stay clear of the conflicts. I still love all the others from the ranch and continue to remain friends with everyone.

 

Q. Gina, RealityWanted: Do you think it was fair that your team voted you out this week, considering that you put up a good number on the scale?
A. Roy: No, it wasn't fair, but it was understandable. Both my wife and I had difficult weeks leading up to the elimination. We remedied these difficulties by spending time working out together, and away from our teams. We had some of the best time with each other of any on the ranch, and we grew closer with that time together. But the result was time away from our team members, and out of their sight. We came to our workouts emotionally rested but physically tired. They perceived us as being distracted and uncommitted, but honestly I felt more energized and more focused. I had great workouts and having one of the highest weight losses on the team illustrated the results were indicative. The problem was a lack of communication during this time, and I have to take responsibility for my part in that.

 

Q. Gina, RealityWanted: What was the biggest thing that you took away from the ranch when you left to go home?
A. Roy: Exercise and eating strategies rank pretty highly, but my friendships have to be the best thing. Other cast members, our medic Sandy, and Bob and Dolvett are friendships that will be with me for a lifetime.

 

Q. Gina, RealityWanted: Do you have a weight loss goal for finale night and what are you doing to prepare for that big event?
A. Roy: Yes, but unlike most, it is not a number goal. I want to be the most ripped, muscled and healthiest contestant in the history of Biggest Loser. This is a goal I don't take lightly. I started out at 306 pounds at the ranch. I had a teammate who weighed 404 pounds. If each of us got down to 200 pounds, he would win by the largest percentage of weight loss. So I feel a need to compete on an appearance basis. I will not give up on that goal, and I may win the at home prize, but I am already a winner, and I don't need to compete with anyone but myself.

 

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

 

(Image courtesy of NBC)

 

Follow Gina @ginascarpa and "Like" her on Facebook!