Ruby

Ruby is such a good show because at it's heart is a whole person, rather than a gimmick, and the show follows her attempt to overcome a life-threatening obstacle by taking responsibility for herself and dealing with her feelings; to keep pushing forward, despite setbacks and self-doubt; and to learn to trust and rely on others for support and guidance.

Each episode shows people overcoming fears and taking risks by telling the truth. In fact, we watch Ruby and all the others, even her doctors, struggle against their own limitations with an openness and depth unusual to television.

This is the real stuff of what it is to be human, and one of the surest survival plans available to any of us. Luckily, the editors preserve the honesty, insight and charm of this group so events seem natural rather than set up.

An earlier comment's inaccuracies may be based on a hasty impression or misperception:

--The life-threatening dangers that motivate her struggle are noted in each episode, and her fear and her doctors' warnings are not glossed over or minimized. The weight issue is never "a ticking time bomb that is cheerfully ignored." --The episode where an old boyfriend visits is shown in perspective for exactly what it is and contrasts sharply to the love and support of the real people in Ruby's life like Jeff Parsons. We watch Ruby forcing herself to see this for what it is and triumph by overcoming this distraction and staying on course. --There is a great deal of medical information, in fact much of the series follows Ruby's work with each individual in her medical support team including a physician, a psychiatrist, dietician, and two fitness experts. It is hard to comprehend the comment that "no medical facts or helpful advice is proffered".

This show deserves a full viewing.

Contrary to another poster, Ruby is an inspiration for everyone; not only those with weight problems, but also those dealing with dysfunctional families, damaged personal relationships, and fear! Ruby's been working exhaustively to confront her demons which include food, her mother, her father, her lost memory, her on-again/off-again boyfriend, and she never, ever gives up. She's lost hundreds of pounds and continues to push herself beyond most limitations and accomplished feats I would be terrified to attempt (and I'm a fairly normal sized, healthy woman). Ruby is definitely aware of the health risks which accompany her weight problems, and that is why she's aggressively working to change her lifestyle. But what is most enchanting, most encouraging, and most enjoyable is witnessing her adorable spirit and upbeat personality! I love Ruby, and I wish I lived near her!

A delightful reality show with heart felt commentary. Ruby has a personality that pulls you in and you are on her journey. The show focuses on a woman's perspective of being obese. Ruby, in her Southern Savannah style, smiles, jokes and cries her way into self discovery.

Ruby Gettinger enjoys life. She is not ashamed of her weight,which is refreshing. Most reality TV shows stars seem to be victims. Their drama stems from the victim's plight to remain a victim. Ruby is not a victim. Ruby just smiles. Yes, she has issues, but she seems to meet them head on. A refreshing change in television.

The photography on the show is wonderful. The shots of Savannah are captivating. Makes me want to live there!

I love the Ruby show. It's the only show on television that tells the truth about weight and addiction. My mother is very overweight and I am the opposite. I starve myself not to be like her until I started watching Ruby. Ruby has helped me and my mom come together and fight our addictions. I want to say that no one knows how hard it is to be someone like Ruby, myself or my mom unless you experience it first hand. Ruby allows us to watch her fail, battle and win. Fighting an addiction isn't always successful like other shows and commercials try to portray. She is very real. I had a life-changing moment watching her show last season! I love Ruby I love her show, she is fighting very hard and so am I. My mom and I went on vacation for a week and my mother ate just like I did and gained over 20 pounds. I felt so bad for my mother. It isn't fair for people like my mom and Ruby. I know people that had the surgery and than lost it and gained it all back, there is so much of addiction then any of us realize. Watching Ruby will change your life. Ruby is hilarious, real, intriguing and beautiful! The most important thing about Ruby is she spills out her soul. Watch Ruby I promise it will change you!

"Ruby" is a reality show. Reality for Ruby means not only losing the weight, but also trying to find out the truth of obesity and what it means in her life. There is so much to teach about this disease. The Biggest Looser is instant gratification TV. Several of those contestants gain the weight back once they no longer have the 24 hour support from trainers and nutritionists. If you had compassion, you would see that the contestants are put through hell and mentally beat down to lose weight. Obesity is a symptom of abuse. Those contestants have beat themselves up mentally their entire lives and suffer more abuse from trainers just to make a TV show for your viewing pleasure.

Ruby is undergoing intense psychotherapy while learning how to exercise and cook for herself. She is not at camp 24 hours a day sheltered from society. Ruby does not get her meals, trainers, or counselors for free. She is living her life in the real world, teaching herself and others to not be afraid of change and to face their biggest fears. She has more courage and strength than anyone I know. Ruby is inspiring people to face their addictions. What could be more inspiring than that? I hope I have inspired you to learn something about addiction and obesity. You may even learn a little empathy and compassion along the way.