Sam Birrell: 'My health was in danger'

Biggest Loser contestant Sam Birrell talks to Woman’s Day about why she had to leave the show.

**Starting weight: 128kg

Departure weight: 121kg**

What made you leave the Whitehouse?

I had a lump on the back of my leg. After a few days of being in the house I noticed the lump and went to the paramedic and they said, ‘Don’t worry about it.’ My leg started throbbing, getting red, and I went back. They informed me I’ve got clots in my surface veins. Unfortunately it just kept getting worse so they booked me in to have an ultrasound. I couldn’t bend my knees too well and after an ultrasound they informed me I had deep vein thrombosis. On the way back to the house they called to say I needed to go to hospital and I wouldn’t be able to exercise for a week. Due to the health concerns I wasn’t going back to the house.

How do you feel about your Biggest Loser experience?

I lost 7kg in two weeks. It was good, I would have liked more, but I was happy. I started to believe in myself, yes I can do this.

What is your opinion of the trainers?

Bob was the one I wanted so I was very happy in that respect. He’s very nurturing, very reassuring, he believes in you and that’s the method I think that works for me. Jillian spoke to us a lot as a person, not as a trainer. I don’t like her approach, it wouldn’t have worked for me. I would have got defensive and probably punched her out or something! She swears and pushes you and grabs you and to me I find that very offensive. To us she was very approachable and relaxed. I saw a different side to her. She would have a joke. I wouldn’t cope with her though I think the red team believed more in Michelle. She was a bit more nurturing and she was there more.

Who do you want to win?

One of the girls, but at the end of the day it comes down to a game. Damien might because he’s the biggest and he’ll do extremely well.

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