I lost over 200 pounds at age 19 (460lbs-240lbs, 6'5'') and went through body dysmorphia to the max. Am quite alright now though, four years later.

Never went to see a doctor, therapist, nutritionist, dermatologist, or anyone. Did it all by myself. I read day and night on all the facets of diet and nutrition for two years straight. And when not reading about diet and my body, I was running and cooking sensible meals. Ketoing and xkc'ing and HIIT'ing.

Then I took what I learned and got my parents to reach similar goals. Even defeating diabetes, and the other keeping their pre-diabetic diagnosis at bay.

For me I am way more proud to have been able to pass the knowledge on to others, especially my parents. I'm glad I am healthy, but I'm 'gladder' that I'll be able to have my kids know their grandparents and interact with them like I never was able. Knowledge is power. It is even able to defeat years of genetic predispositions. Without the use of CRISPr

The journey, when done all alone, is so difficult. It's depressing. You have to overcome every part of you that is mal-formed or mal-adjusted... You have to break through wall after wall after wall. You have to learn, and then implement what you learn and then be consitent in your implementation.

It's not a game, for me it was a matter of life and death. And I am proud to say I beat it down. I rarely talk about this part of my life with anyone, save a romantic partner or two and my family. My closest friends barely understand the struggle it took to get where I am today. And I am still not close to where I want to be. But with that experience I earned, I know that I have the tools to tackle whatever is coming.