I do not recognize myself in photos and it is messing with my head — my results so far

Adding the clinical framing, because it changes how the question reads.

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.

josh_phd_bmore 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…

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

Before (298 lbs): Winded climbing stairs, chronic back pain, pre-diabetic, on 3 medications, dreaded mirrors, avoided photos, social anxiety about my weight.

After (188 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: 98 lbs. Total life gained: immeasurable. This isn't just about weight — it's about reclaiming your identity.

The figures, for anyone assembling their own picture. Practical: whatever you change, write down the date and the reason. In three months the reason is what you will have forgotten, and the reason is what makes the record worth having.

One thing that is still open after josh_phd_bmore’s answer:

Was that from a primary source or from a summary of one?

Moderator note: good thread. Keeping it here rather than moving it, because the question is general enough to be useful. Thread quality here is what the rules are for. Keep it up.