Journeys With Jani

So here we go. Let’s file this one under “Real Talk I Didn’t Plan on Sharing but Here We Are.”

In just a couple of weeks—June 25th, to be exact—I’ll be walking into my doctor’s office and starting a weight loss journey. Not a juice cleanse. Not a wrap-yourself-in-plastic-and-sweat-it-out fad …I actually did post about that sausage wrap years ago. A real, medically-supported, hormone-battling, lifestyle-altering journey.

Why? Because I’ve reached an unhealthy weight for me.

And before anyone pulls out their judgment stick, let me say this: I’ve tried the things that used to work. You name it—I’ve walked, I’ve watched carbs, I’ve tracked water, I’ve done that mental game of “just try harder.”

But then…

Menopause came along.

MS came along.

Stress came along.

CHEESECAKE came along.

And suddenly, my body wasn’t playing fair anymore.

Let me be clear—I’m not doing this because I hate myself. I’m doing it because I love myself enough to finally get real about what my body needs now… not what it used to need 10, 15, 20 years ago. And, there are studies showing semaglutide can actually help with my MS.

So what’s the plan?

With heavy monitoring from my doctor, I’m starting semaglutide injections (Ozempic, Wegovy—whichever brand is right for my case). Yes, that one. And yes, I’ve already heard the whispers about how it’s “cheating.” Save it.

Because for someone like me, who practically writes love letters to cheese and has considered starting a dessert blog called “Cake Happens”, this is not a shortcut. It’s a lifeline.

You know what really feels like cheating?

A heart attack sneaking up on you because you ignored the signs. Type 2 diabetes becoming your new best frenemy. Avoiding mirrors because your self-confidence has ghosted you. Sitting down to tie your shoes and wondering if this is how it ends.

(Okay, that last one is dramatic, but I’ve definitely had moments where I needed a recovery nap after bending over.)

Here’s what to expect (besides a whole lot of TMI):

I’m going to post before and after pictures (Lord help me), my starting weight, progress updates, and the ups and downs along the way. I’ll share how I feel physically, emotionally, and maybe even spiritually—because this stuff runs deeper than just numbers on a scale.

I’ve heard semaglutide can cause nausea (and me & nausea are NOT friends).

I’ve heard it can thin your hair (please, Jesus, leave my hair alone).

I’ve heard about the dreaded “Ozempic face” (honestly, I’ll take it over the six-feet-under face, thanks).

Will it be easy? No.

Will it be worth it? That’s the plan.

But here’s the thing: I’m not doing this in secret. I’m doing it loud, raw, and maybe even a little funny—because I know I’m not the only one who’s been feeling stuck, scared, or silently slipping away from who they used to be.

If that’s you? You’re not alone.

And if it’s not you? Then maybe you’ll understand someone better because of this.

Let’s see what happens. June 25th—I’m ready.

And yes, I will mourn cheesecake a little. But I’m betting there’s something even sweeter on the other side of this.

#WeightLossJourney #ThisIs56 #SemaglutideStory #VulnerableButDetermined #NotAshamed #OneStepAtATime

XOXO, Jani