I’m still down titrating the tirz, continuing with reta at the same dose.

HW 195 SW 183 GW 120-125 CW 115 5’3” F 68 pounds down.

Started clothes shopping, fancier gym searching and being a lot more active these days.

First off, the body dysmorphic disorder has been real. I have since discovered what I’m experiencing is “phantom fat syndrome.” A type of body dysmorphic disorder. I’ve learned this syndrome can occur after losing a significant amount of weight. One can still feel or perceive themselves as their previous, larger size, struggling to adjust mentally to their slimmer body.

I know it’s ridiculous but, I still feel “chubby” at 115 pounds despite losing over 37% of my body weight. 

I donated every single bit of stretched out “Big Girl” clothes and I went clothes shopping finally and I picked a medium thinking that’s the one now. Nope, then a small, nope then an extra small. It is official, I am a size 0 now. It blew my mind!!!! Seriously. I just stood there dumbfounded, in disbelief just staring at the rack with the little yellow “xs” hanger identifiers.

My husband accompanied me shopping that day and said, “See,” I told you. You’re skinny!” It is a process, accepting this incredible blessing of being a "healthier" size.

Recently, visitors flew in for an extended week-end that have not seen me since before my journey began mid-January this year. They both have now started on my EXACT protocol. We took pictures out and about and it’s still hard to believe that woman is me in the images. I kept far from cameras for the most part before. But, now I look fit, happy and healthy. 

I’ve also learned some things on my journey that may be helpful if you’re just getting started.

Take "before" photos—you'll want them later.  

Use the MeThreeSixty app to track the shape of your physique. I was lazy and did not commit to measuring myself with a tape measure.

Keep reminding yourself, changes may not be immediate.  It may take a while to start seeing progress, everyone is different.

Choose an injection schedule judicially, preferably after commitments, choose before weekends or time off until you are familiar with how you will react and what you need to be most comfortable.

Stay at each dose as long as it’s effective and at least for a minimum of a month. No need to rush to the maximum dosage. Just ever so gradually increase doses.  

Always include protein in each meal/snack time if at all possible.  

Choose simple, whole foods, take in fiber daily especially fibrous fruits and veggies.

Keep a supply of protein shakes and/or protein powder you can add to drinks.

Plan meals ahead and track calories using apps like MyNetDiary.  

Drink more water—dehydration can increase side effects, especially constipation.  

Keep Miralax available and know the difference between laxatives and how each work. Link to informative article. 

Monitor bowel movements, I marked mine in my calendar on my phone. Be honest you take your phone the bathroom too. LOL—don’t go multiple days without a proper bowel movement. Make sure you’re regular and don’t become too backed up or worse, impacted.

Avoid fatty or fried foods to lessen the chance of nausea.  

Ginger tea and seasickness patches can help with nausea.  

Stop eating by 7 PM to improve digestion and sleep quality.

Sleep at least 7-9 hours days if possible.

Moisturize!!!!! Add some GHK-cu to your favorite moisturizer and be liberal and do it daily. Helps with the loose, crepey, wrinkly skin from lots of weight loss.

If you can, get red light therapy too.

Walk daily and track steps—gradually walk more and more try to be more active in general.

Build a support system and only share with people you feel will be encouraging.

Chat me up anytime, I love chatting

These are my fave places on Reddit:

r/Retatrutide the place to be for up-to-date Reta news

r/45PlusSkincare excellent for skincare guidance

r/PeptideSyndicate has good articles/content

r/Budget-Researcher328 posts some informative research

GL and a blessed journey to you!!!