Biggest Loser Finale Finally

I guess I could have worse obsessions than watching The Biggest Loser. I mean, being obsessed with a TV show can't be all that bad. Last night was a problem, though, since I'm also obsessed with watching the Phoenix Suns in the playoffs with the Lakers (Go Suns!). Yes, I have a DVR and, yes, it was set for both just in case I missed something. I did switch back and forth during commercials, time outs and half time--enough to see most of the contestants and to see Michael win.
Yeah! Michael won. I will watch the whole show today if I have time but I am happy that Michael was the winner. What a motivator for all the very obese people around the country. Not only did he win but he looked great. Yes, he's young and that makes a difference. But he did have muscle definition on his arms and nothing hanging around his face although I'm sure his legs and his lower torso have some extra skin. What a triumph. How amazing he must feel physically to be rid of all that weight. His smile--his grin--tells it all about how he feels emotionally.
So, what have we learned from all of this? That people can lose weight no matter how big they are. That with support and dedication people can lose weight without resorting to surgery. But can people keep the weight off. And can people do this on their own. That's the real issue. Can just any ordinary person who weighs 500 pounds do this without having Jillian and Cheryl Forberg, RD, and the docs? Can just any ordinary person who weighs 500 pounds do this while living at home surrounded by food, by family and with the stresses of job and life?
I guess it's "yes" because people do succeed at weight loss and maintenance. But I think it's sort of like abstinence from drugs and alcohol, the losing and maintenance has to become an obsession--has to become the "work" of your life. Right now I'm obsessed with a TV show. To transfer that obsession to losing and maintaining weight loss has never been doable for me in the past.
You know how people have a "bucket list" of stuff they want to accomplish before they die? Well, I'm getting old (66 next month!) so I don't have that much time left. If reaching a healthier weight is on my list (and it is), then I'd better figure out a way to accomplish that.....soon.