My relationship with food has completely changed and I am grieving it — need advice

Dr.DermMIA said:

Recovering from an eating disorder and using mental health: this is a complex situation and I want to be transparent about it.

When to call your doctor about mental health side effects — a reference I wish I'd had:

Call immediately:

• Severe abdominal pain (could be pancreatitis)
• Vision changes (thyroid concern)
• Lump in neck (thyroid nodule)
• Severe vomiting/can't keep fluids down for 24h+

Schedule an appointment:

• Persistent nausea beyond 4 weeks
• Significant hair loss
• Mood changes or depression
• Gallbladder symptoms (RUQ pain after eating)

sean_dublin said:

Therapy insights from my mental health journey: my therapist introduced me to the concept of "identity updating" — the psychological work of becoming…

This answered a question I did not know how to ask.

Dr.DermMIA said:

Recovering from an eating disorder and using mental health: this is a complex situation and I want to be transparent about it.

Body image adjustment with mental health: I've lost 84 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.

Dr.ReproEndo said:

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

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.

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