How I Lost 131 Pounds and Reclaimed My Life at 40

Hey friends, it’s Tatiana here, part of the NamaSlay Crew, and today I’m opening up about something deeply personal: the journey that saved my life. In 2023, I weighed 300 pounds, struggled with PCOS, and felt completely drained. Physically, mentally, and spiritually, I was exhausted. With one decision, a dose of courage, and the support of my family and care team, everything began to shift.

This isn’t just a weight loss story. It’s about reclaiming my power, breaking generational patterns, and choosing to live fully: for my daughter, for my future, and for me.

The Moment Everything Changed

On January 20, 2023, I made a decision that changed everything. At 40 years old, standing 5’3″ and weighing 300 pounds, even sitting upright left me breathless. Chasing after a toddler in that state wasn’t just hard, it was heartbreaking. I wasn’t living. I was barely surviving.

It wasn’t just about my size. It was about the quality of my life, my mental health, and the legacy I wanted to leave behind. I was tired of being the “tired” mom, the one who felt dimmed by life. I had even started having tough conversations with my husband about what would happen if my health gave out.

That’s where I was, and I knew I had to make a change.

A Lifetime of Struggles with PCOS and Family History

I’ve lived with PCOS for most of my life, and heart disease runs deep in my family. It’s not a distant worry, it’s real and present. I’ve lost nearly every close relative before the age of 50. My mom is the only one left, and that reality weighs on me every single day.

When I had my daughter in 2021, everything shifted. I wanted to live, not just for her, but for me. And that meant doing something radically different this time.

Why Semaglutide? A Decision Rooted in Self-Love

Here’s the truth: I’ve lost weight before. I dropped 70 pounds naturally before getting pregnant. But after 40, nothing worked the same way. I was doing “everything right” and still felt stuck. That’s when I gave myself permission to try something new.

On January 20, I took my first Semaglutide injection. Not out of desperation, but out of self-respect. I paired it with real changes: drinking a gallon of water a day, intermittent fasting, a high-protein and low-carb lifestyle, and daily walks. I didn’t start big – just one mile, five times a week. But it was a start, and it mattered.

The Semaglutide Side Effects They Don’t Talk About Enough

Let’s be real: the side effects are rough. For me, it was nausea, cold sweats, appetite changes, headaches, exhaustion, and more. Sometimes I couldn’t eat. Other times I couldn’t stop running to the bathroom. Tuesdays after my shot day? Brutal.

But what helped was fueling my body with real food, tons of water, and enough protein. That, and the support of my medical team. Shout out to the crew at Xanadu Med Spa in Fort Collins – they treated me like a person, not just a patient.

Building a Sustainable Weight Loss Routine That Stuck

As my body changed, so did my habits. My one-mile walks turned into 3 to 5 miles, 4 to 6 times a week. I started listening to my body and trusting it again. My family encouraged me through every step, reminding me that this version of me, the one who didn’t give up, was worth fighting for.

Now I’m 131 pounds down. Just 19 pounds from the goal I originally set. But honestly? That number doesn’t mean nearly as much as how I feel: strong, happy, and finally at peace with myself.

My Top Tips for Real-Life Wellness

Here are a few things that helped me stay consistent, grounded, and sane:

What I Eat in a Typical Day

Let’s be real, food was one of the biggest shifts in my journey. But I didn’t count every calorie or follow some extreme plan. I focused on fueling my body with real, satisfying meals that supported my goals without making me miserable. Here’s a look at what a typical day of eating looks like for me, give or take a craving or two.

I don’t start eating until 10 am as part of my intermittent fasting. My meals will vary, but here is a pretty good outline of my schedule:

Breakfast (or first meal):

OPTION 1:

OPTION 2:

Lunch:

OPTION 1:

OPTION 2:

Dinner:

Snacks:

How Much Water Do I Drink Each Day?

Water was (and still is) a non-negotiable part of my routine. My goal was a gallon a day, and while I didn’t always hit that perfectly, I stayed as close as I could. It made a huge difference in managing side effects, curbing cravings, supporting digestion, and keeping my energy up.

If a gallon feels like too much at first, start smaller. Half your body weight in ounces is a great rule of thumb, then work your way up from there.

FAQs About My PCOS Weight Loss Journey

If you’re on a similar path or just curious about how I made it through the highs, lows, and in-betweens, I’ve got you.

These are the most common questions I get about Semaglutide, PCOS, and everything that came with my weight loss journey. Whether you’re skimming or deep-diving, I hope this gives you clarity, encouragement, and a few answers you’ve been looking for.

This Isn’t the End: It’s Just the Beginning

What I’ve gained through this process goes way beyond weight loss. I’ve gained self-worth, resilience, and the kind of strength that only comes from starting over – again and again. My daughter will grow up knowing her mama didn’t settle. She fought. She healed. And she learned to love herself through it all.