Support group thread — anyone have experience?

TrialTracker_MD 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…

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

Before (282 lbs): Winded climbing stairs, chronic back pain, pre-diabetic, on 3 medications, dreaded mirrors, avoided photos, social anxiety about my weight.

After (182 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: 97 lbs. Total life gained: immeasurable. This isn't just about weight — it's about reclaiming your identity.

DataDave said:

Before/after narrative for mental health — one year in: Before (282 lbs): Winded climbing stairs, chronic back pain, pre-diabetic, on 3 medications,…

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.

TrialTracker_MD 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…

This matches mine closely enough to be worth saying so out loud.

Clinical perspective, offered as context rather than as advice.

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)