roxy_nash 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 loose skin.

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.

labquiet_amy said:

Anxiety increase on mental health: counterintuitive, but losing weight rapidly triggered anxiety for me.

Therapy insights from my mental health journey: my therapist introduced me to the concept of "identity updating" — the psychological work of becoming a new version of yourself.

Key realizations: I used food to manage emotions, I had internalized fatphobia that I'm still unpacking, my social identity was partly built around being "the big guy/girl," and learning to accept compliments is surprisingly hard when you've been invisible for years.

Physical transformation without emotional processing is unstable. Do both.

roxy_nash said:

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

Mine went the same way, slower.

Clinical perspective, offered as context rather than as advice.

Before/after narrative for mental health — one year in:

Before (296 lbs): Winded climbing stairs, chronic back pain, pre-diabetic, on 3 medications, dreaded mirrors, avoided photos, social anxiety about my weight.

After (191 lbs): Run 3 miles regularly, pain-free, A1C normal, down to 1 medication, bought a swimsuit for the first time in a decade, actually enjoy being photographed.

Total weight lost: 81 lbs. Total life gained: immeasurable. This isn't just about weight — it's about reclaiming your identity.