From the other side of the consultation, briefly.

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

Before (276 lbs): Winded climbing stairs, chronic back pain, pre-diabetic, on 3 medications, dreaded mirrors, avoided photos, social anxiety about my weight.

After (176 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: 91 lbs. Total life gained: immeasurable. This isn't just about weight — it's about reclaiming your identity.

TinaHashiRN said:

Before/after narrative for mental health — one year in: Before (276 lbs): Winded climbing stairs, chronic back pain, pre-diabetic, on 3 medications,…

Same experience, arrived at from the opposite direction.

TinaHashiRN said:

Before/after narrative for mental health — one year in: Before (276 lbs): Winded climbing stairs, chronic back pain, pre-diabetic, on 3 medications,…

Body image adjustment with mental health: I've lost 77 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.

One concrete data point for the thread. Say what you would expect to see if you were wrong, before you look. It is a small discipline and it changes what you notice.

Happy to go further on any of that.

Moderator note: the sourcing question belongs in the vendor section and has been split out. Carry on.