The weight came off and the harder part started, which is not what any of the material I read had prepared me for.
The bit I cannot resolve on my own is how people separated a drug effect from the ordinary consequences of a large deficit and disrupted sleep, because I cannot.
Numbers rather than impressions, if you have them.
rachel_ABQ said:The weight came off and the harder part started, which is not what any of the material I read had prepared me for.
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: 96 lbs. Total life gained: immeasurable. This isn't just about weight — it's about reclaiming your identity.
PharmD_Rodriguez said:Before/after narrative for mental health — one year in: Before (296 lbs): Winded climbing stairs, chronic back pain, pre-diabetic, on 3 medications,…
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)
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Shop Reference Standardsrachel_ABQ said:The weight came off and the harder part started, which is not what any of the material I read had prepared me for.
Same experience, arrived at from the opposite direction.
From the other side of the consultation, briefly.
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.