Ron's Ambulance Ride -- After lightheadedness and chest pains, Ron visited Dr. Huizenga at Cedar-Sinai. Pays to know the doc, he immediately arranged a procedure to find out why Ron had a low blood count. Turns out it was a bleeding ulcer, the ticker is fine. Morbidly obese most of his life, Ron is nursing a ruined knee, severe diabetes and complications from a past weight-loss surgery (e.g., this ulcer). But he's still at the ranch thanks to leadership qualities, good timing of weight loss and key alliances. After three days in a hospital bed, he's ranch-ready and still the lightest he's been in years.

Which Skinny Mini Guest Host Wins? -- With show host Ali Sweeney welcoming a newborn baby, past champs Ali V. and Michelle returned as guest hosts. Isn't Ali's dress cute (pictured above)? Wardrobes fall in love with bodies in a normal BMI range. Who do you think did a better job guest hosting? While Ali V. is my favorite contestant ever, this vote goes easily to Michelle -- she was natural, poised and warm. Michelle's got game, renegotiate your contract pronto, Ali Sweeney.


That's Fit Readers Split on Dane Marathon Dilemma -- We reported earlier that Dane is running a second marathon later this month to try and redeem his cheating self. Is it enough? Nearly 42 percent of you said "Yes," 58 percent said "No." A lot of bitter folks out there. I voted Yes, but there's no redemption for those scheming, unethical producers.

Sione Finally Won One -- The 40 Rope Challenge for a one-pound advantage had Sione in the winner's circle. About time The Giant Tara fell, although she's manic-nervous enough with Nicole around. Talk about redemption for Sione.


Don't-Miss-Trainer-Gems

• Jillian told us breakfast is critical for weight loss. I just wish she would have whipped up a dozen healthy breakfast samples, instead of pulling out a sponsor cereal to make the point. Multigrain Cheerios are fantastic, but I want to see more practical diet and fitness tips in the kitchen, please.
• To avoid reaching for a caloric-packed hunger breaker, pre-package your snacks, says Bob. Use small containers to have a nutritious snack on-the-ready. I feel like the best mom ever each morning as I pack my first grader's lunch with small containers of healthy fruits and veggies. He reports he loves them (he's too young to trade 'em away, yet), and the best part is I'm aligning his taste buds with healthy habits at an impressionable age.
• Drum roll please ... The Best Trainer Tip Ever -- Jillian says weight management is all about balance, and it should never be a guessing game. Keep track of calories consumed/burned for accurate evidence of your daily habits. This is how former champ Ali V. keeps the weight from returning, and it's how I lost weight after kids. When the scale creeps up, I pull out pencil and paper. Jonny recently explained how it's the most effective weight loss technique ever.

Sione didn't need that extra pound -- after a three-pound gain, Ron fell below the yellow line. All those intravenous hospital fluids couldn't have helped. Shockingly, Nicole gained five pounds at the ranch (182 to 187). Stress and a sudden change in lifestyle played a role here. Without any time to ranch-alibrate, she should have retained one-week immunity, no matter her return-week gain or loss. Once again, The Cat Ron landed on his feet to skirt elimination with Kristin's saving vote. Yet Nicole has it all in perspective and is at home trying on size 12 wedding dresses instead of size 24. She's dropped nearly 20 more, down to 164 pounds and in the running for finale moola. I get the feeling she could care less, she's one grounded gal, proud and in love with her new, healthy self. That's what this show is ideally all about -- breaking away from morbid obesity forever. Kicking morbid obesity isn't a longshot, it's truly attainable. Tune in next Tuesday night as one player will get the solo vote at elimination. Probably Ron. See you next week.