Could a year ever be as life-changing as 2009 has been for young Brisbane-based Samantha (Sammy) Fisher? In just a few months, she has emerged from funny fat chick (her own words!) to a sassy top four finalist at The Biggest Loser 2009 Finale.
During one of the most memorable moments in the show this year, trainer Michelle asked Sammy what she liked about herself. At her unexpected question, Sammy broke down. Reflecting on the moment a few months later, Sammy says, “I didn’t like anything about myself at the time. I couldn’t think of anything I could say. In the end I said my eyes, but it was clear to everyone that I wanted to change absolutely everything else about myself."
Click to enlarge photos
Sammy before
Sammy after
Stylish Sammy
The old Sammy
Sammy says she was always big, but it wasn’t until she was at high school around Year 8 or 9 that she really started to feel more conscious and uncomfortable about it. Friends were getting more into fashion, boys were on the scene, there were more parties and slim girls seemed to be everywhere.
“My mum and sister tried everything to get me into shape. They used to give me smaller clothes to make me lose weight and they used to give me bigger clothes to make me feel comfortable. Mum would take me to trainers and dieticians, but I was caught in a circle of self-sabotage. Mum did all she could to help, but I was lying about what I was eating and instead of salads, it was more likely to be fried chicken or nachos.
“I got so big that I wore the same thing to work for two-and-a-half years. I washed my one and only uniform every night for over two years, because I couldn’t find another to fit me.
“I felt like I had given up. I thought it was my fate to be huge. Think of a diet and I have tried it — from the Atkins Diet to the Lemon Detox. Many were severe and I remember I passed out in the shower when I was on one of these fad diets. I reached the decision that I was meant to be fat. All my friends knew that my weight was a ‘no go’ zone as far as conversation was concerned, so they all stayed away from it. I tried to hide how unhappy I was from everyone.
“I have a great boyfriend, Matt. We both just ‘clicked’ the moment we saw each other. However, I remained uncomfortable about my weight and I would make excuses not to go out. When Matt suggested we get engaged, I said I didn’t want to until I had lost weight. Matt assured me that he wasn’t going to love me any more or any less if I lost weight, but he admitted that my constant crying was upsetting him, too. Time had run out — I had to change."
Taking up the challenge
With Sammy feeling more miserable than ever, she knew it was time to do something about her weight, so she applied to The Biggest Loser show. “At the audition I couldn’t even talk about my weight. No one actually knew how much I weighed and it was a shock for me, too. My dad Cameron would be my partner but he didn’t think that we would get a place. When I told him we were in he said, ‘Oh no, you’re kidding’! He has always been the boss and the fact that someone else had the control freaked him out. There is some talk that Dad came onto the show to save his relationship with mum, but they are great together.
"When I applied for The Biggest Loser I didn’t realise that Dad and I would miss my sister Margeaux’s wedding, but she said ‘I have watched you cry and stop living for years and there is no way I will let you miss this opportunity'. She told Dad, ‘I would rather you miss one day than miss your grandchildren’s whole lives’. She is a great sister and she is currently 'PhotoShopping' me and Dad into the photos!
"Getting to grips with the physical challenges wasn’t going to be my major issue; it was the emotional battles that were going to be the difficult part. I hadn’t worn a singlet in six years so wearing a crop top was a big thing. At the first weigh-in, everyone was a bit upset at their weight. I was horrified. How had I let myself get that big? It made me sick."
Using The Club
Just like the other Biggest Loser contestants, not to mention tens of thousands of Australians, Sammy is an avid user of The Biggest Loser Club. “I learnt loads about food and about how your body responds to exercise by using The Biggest Loser Club website. We were shown how to use it to its fullest and I loved using the online diary. It taught me about the right portion sizes for my body and how much exercise I needed to do to burn off foods. I didn’t like the way I looked but I still uploaded photos of myself week by week and it was a fantastic way to see how my body was shrinking and my confidence was growing.
“Before The Biggest Loser I used to miss breakfast and then have a massive lunch and a late dinner. I only had one or two meals a day, but The Club has shown me that I must eat regularly and now I eat six small meals every day. I also enjoy vegetables and I have tried lots of new things."
A bright new future
Sammy's time on the show hasn't just changed her body shape, but now her new life is opening up wonderful and exciting possibilities. “When I came home from training before Finale, Matt and I drove to Fingal Heads. We had a picnic and sat on the grass overlooking the rocks and ocean. Matt then read a poem he had written for me and asked me to be his wife as he pulled out an engagement ring. It was all perfect. I was jumping around the place and of course I said yes!
“I am finally the confident person I always pretended to be. Gradually, I learnt to love myself and I know that while not everything is perfect, it is pretty good! So, if you have a problem, stop and admit you need help. You deserve better.”