Grief over lost years — processing emotions about weight

VanRx_Mike said:

Dr.SurgeonPGH said: ...mental health should only be used alongside therapy...

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

Before (265 lbs): Winded climbing stairs, chronic back pain, pre-diabetic, on 3 medications, dreaded mirrors, avoided photos, social anxiety about my weight.

After (195 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: 80 lbs. Total life gained: immeasurable. This isn't just about weight — it's about reclaiming your identity.

mona_PHX 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…

That reframing is the part I needed. Printing the relevant bit and taking it with me.

VanRx_Mike said:

Dr.SurgeonPGH said: ...mental health should only be used alongside therapy...

Body image adjustment with mental health: I've lost 85 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.

SaraMom3 said:

My mood has been flatter since about month four and I genuinely cannot work out whether that is the drug, the deficit, or the fact that I no longer…

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.

Moderator note: reminder that nothing in this thread is medical advice, and that clinical claims need a source. No action needed from anybody.