Dr.SurgeonPGH said:

Before/after narrative for mental health — one year in: Before (268 lbs): Winded climbing stairs, chronic back pain, pre-diabetic, on 3 medications,…

Body image adjustment with mental health: I've lost 64 lbs but when I look in the mirror, I still see my old self sometimes. "Phantom fat" is a real phenomenon.

My therapist specializes in body image issues with weight loss patients. She says it can take 12-18 months for your brain's body map to update. In the meantime: take progress photos (your eyes lie but cameras don't), try on old clothes, and be patient with yourself.

quinn_sf said:

When to call your doctor about mental health side effects — a reference I wish I'd had: Call immediately: Severe abdominal pain (could be…

Thank you for spelling out the reasoning rather than just the conclusion.

Dr.SurgeonPGH said:

Before/after narrative for mental health — one year in: Before (268 lbs): Winded climbing stairs, chronic back pain, pre-diabetic, on 3 medications,…

One year anniversary on mental health — reflections:

What I wish I'd known: the side effects are temporary, the benefits compound over time, protein is more important than I thought, and the mental health aspect needs as much attention as the physical.

What surprised me: how much my relationship with food changed, the cascade of health improvements beyond weight, and how supportive this community is.

What I'd do differently: start therapy earlier, prioritize resistance training from day 1, and stop comparing my progress to others. Everyone's journey is unique.

JenMemphis said:

The weight came off and the harder part started, which is not what any of the material I read had prepared me for.

Anxiety increase on mental health: counterintuitive, but losing weight rapidly triggered anxiety for me. Change — even positive change — is stressful. I was anxious about people treating me differently.

This is more common than people admit. A therapist who specializes in weight management has been invaluable. Don't neglect the mental health side of this journey.

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