Therapy + GLP-1 = the combination nobody talks about enough

LindaRN_retired said:

Body image adjustment with mental health: I've lost 88 lbs but when I look in the mirror, I still see my old self sometimes.

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:

Mood changes on mental health: I want to be transparent — I went through a rough patch emotionally around month 4.

That reframing is the part I needed. Adding it to my notes with a link back to this thread.

LindaRN_retired said:

Body image adjustment with mental health: I've lost 88 lbs but when I look in the mirror, I still see my old self sometimes.

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)

SaraMom3 said:

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

Anxiety increase on mental health: counterintuitive, but losing weight rapidly triggered anxiety for me. Change — even positive change — is stressful. I was anxious about loose skin.

This is more common than people admit. A therapist who specializes in weight management has been invaluable. Don't neglect the mental health side of this journey.

Moderator note: leaving this open. It is being argued well and the disagreement is the useful part.