A Journey That Was Worth Every Step
For years, I lived in a body that didn’t feel like mine. At 78 kg, despite endless gym sessions and strict diets, my weight barely budged. I’d wake up determined, give my best at workouts, say no to the foods I loved… but the results were painfully slow.
It was like running on a treadmill — moving, sweating, trying — yet staying in the same place.
The Physical and Emotional Weight I Was Carrying
Physically, I was slowing down.
Climbing stairs left me breathless. My knees ached often. Running felt uncomfortable, and the stiffness in my joints reminded me constantly that my body wasn’t coping well with the extra weight.
Emotionally, the weight felt even heavier.
My wardrobe stopped feeling like “me.” I’d avoid fitted clothes. I’d avoid photos. I would stare at my own photos from the good old ’56 kg’ days. I’d snack at odd hours for tiny bursts of happiness — those dopamine kicks that filled emotional gaps more than hunger.
And beneath all of this was a quiet frustration…
Why was I trying so hard, but nothing was changing?
As a dermatologist, I saw patients struggle with confidence daily — yet here I was, silently fighting my own battle.
The Decision to Start Semaglutide Injectables
After repeated attempts, and after discussing my options thoroughly, I decided to start a medically supervised injectable treatment — specifically with Semaglutide. It wasn’t impulsive; it came after a thorough discussion with my medical consultant, followed by blood work, evaluation, and understanding the science behind it.
I knew it wasn’t a “shortcut.”
I knew it wouldn’t be easy.
But I also knew I needed help beyond gym and diet charts.
The Early Weeks: When Even Water Felt Heavy
Let me be honest — the treatment experience was far from smooth.
The first few weeks were the toughest. My body was adjusting, and it made its discomfort loud and clear.
- Persistent nausea: sometimes a background hum, sometimes a full wave that forced me to lie down.
- Vomiting: especially after meals that were even slightly heavy or oily or that combined foods that go well together.
- Diarrhea: unpredictable days where my digestive system felt like it was on overdrive.
- Loss of appetite: but not the pleasant “oh I’m just not hungry.” It was more like my body rejecting the idea of food.
I remember sitting in front of a meal and feeling exhausted just looking at it. Foods I once enjoyed suddenly felt too rich. Even water felt heavy some days.
This phase taught me a strange kind of mindfulness — listening to my body not because I wanted to, but because I had no choice.
Learning My Body All Over Again: Food, Hunger, and New Patterns
Slowly, I began developing patterns and understanding what worked for me.
- Milk after meals? Absolutely not. It caused bloating and discomfort.
- Heavy carbs? My body protested immediately.
- Chicken? I reintroduced it after years (ever since my pregnancy, I had stopped). Surprisingly, my body responded well — it became one of my most reliable protein sources.
- Smaller portions: not because of discipline, but because my hunger cues recalibrated.
- Nuts and seeds based protein bars became my go-to for energy without upsetting my stomach.
Over time, I stopped eating emotionally. Snacks weren’t rewards anymore; they became nourishment.
My relationship with food transformed from “What will make me feel good instantly?”
to
“What will make my body and mind feel good and get nourished in the long run?”
This shift in mindset was just as significant as the physical changes — and it set the foundation for everything that followed.
Protecting Skin and Hair During Rapid Weight Loss: A Dermatologist's Proactive Approach
One thing many people ignore during rapid weight loss is the impact on hair and skin. Being a dermatologist, I have seen this happen with many who go on crash or fad diets. Nutritional deficiencies badly affect skin and hair. I didn’t want to reach my target weight but lose confidence in other aspects, so I was proactive:
- Started supportive hair treatments to reduce shedding. Treatments included oral as well as IV supplementation.
- Focused on scalp health.
- Took preventive steps to avoid “Ozempic face” — like Skin Boosters, hydrating treatments, and maintaining overall skin elasticity.
This self-care wasn’t vanity — it was part of staying healthy and balanced while my body went through a major shift.
The Emotional Rollercoaster: Doubt, Pride, and Small Victories
There were days I felt proud, days I felt doubtful, and days I wondered if the discomfort was worth it.
But every time my clothes felt a little looser…
Every time I could climb stairs without pausing…
Every time my knees didn’t ache as much…
I felt a tiny spark that kept me going.
The Result: A Body That Finally Feels Like Mine Again
Reaching 58 kg was surreal, and now at 56 kg it is a dream come true.
A full 20–22 kg lighter.
I tried on dresses that I had once pushed to the back of my wardrobe. They fit.
I wore my 10-year-old wedding saree — and it felt like reclaiming a part of myself.
I looked in the mirror and saw confidence instead of frustration.
My energy improved. I moved with ease. My mind felt lighter.
The best part?
I finally felt like I was living in sync with my body, not fighting against it.
Looking Back: What This Journey Really Taught Me
If I had to sum up my experience:
- It was difficult at the beginning.
- Messy, confusing, and uncomfortable in the middle.
- But absolutely gorgeous at the end.
This wasn’t just weight loss.
It was self-awareness, discipline, science, patience, and resilience — all woven together.
And today, I’m proud.
Proud that I didn’t give up.
Proud that I chose health.
Proud that I kept going even through the nauseous mornings, the tough food adjustments, and the emotional lows.
If you’re someone struggling with weight… know this:
The journey may not be pretty, but transformations are usually messy.
But when you reach the other side — it’s worth every step.
Dr. Sharvari Pandit
MBBS, DDV (Skin & VD), MD (SEY )Meet the Doctor
Dermatologist, Venereologist & Trichologist
Dr. Sharvari Pandit is a Consultant Dermatologist, Venereologist & Trichologist at Pandit Clinic. She has an experience of more than 10 years and acts as a visiting consultant at MMF’s Joshi Hospital, Ramkrishna Math Polyclinic, Skin Solutions clinic, Sanjeevan Hospital, Police Hospital, Pune and SRPF’s Hospital, Pune. Dr. Sharvari’s areas of special interest include aesthetic surgeries, Laser hair reduction, skin and facial rejuvenation, anti-ageing treatments (like HA Fillers and Botulinum Toxin) and hair fall treatments.
Dr. Sharvari Pandit
MBBS, DDV (Skin & VD), MD (SEY )Meet the Doctor
Dermatologist, Venereologist & Trichologist
Dr. Sharvari Pandit is a Consultant Dermatologist, Venereologist & Trichologist at Pandit Clinic. She has an experience of more than 10 years and acts as a visiting consultant at MMF’s Joshi Hospital, Ramkrishna Math Polyclinic, Skin Solutions clinic, Sanjeevan Hospital, Police Hospital, Pune and SRPF’s Hospital, Pune. Dr. Sharvari’s areas of special interest include aesthetic surgeries, Laser hair reduction, skin and facial rejuvenation, anti-ageing treatments (like HA Fillers and Botulinum Toxin) and hair fall treatments.
