'Weight loss op changed my life'

By Tory Scott
BBC News

Kristy Tenio struggled with infertility for years after being diagnosed with polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS).

But then she decided to pursue a radical treatment - weight loss surgery.

Kristy says she has never felt better

Kristy Tenio is a changed woman.

Looking at photos of her now - over 8st (51kg) lighter - it is almost impossible to tell that you are looking at the same person.

She says she has never felt better, despite the radical nature of the surgery.

"I was worried about the risks, but the benefits for me far outweighed the risks. By two weeks post-op I felt great.

"I was experiencing more energy than I had in years and was ready to go back to work after three weeks".

Kristy's decision to go under the knife was not driven simply out of a desire to be thinner. In fact, her doctor had told her that if she did not lose weight, the chances were she would never be able to have a baby.

Fertility

Although there are slim women with PCOS, many sufferers are overweight, and often find it extremely difficult to slim by normal means.

Doctors think this is because of the syndrome's link to insulin resistance, which has been shown to affect the levels of other hormones which are crucial for fertility. This means that women with PCOS often do not ovulate and struggle to conceive.

However, weight loss can reduce insulin resistance and bring hormones back on track - and this was Kristy's hope.

She felt that after years of dieting with little effect, surgery was her last option. And although weight-loss does not work for all PCOS sufferers, for her, the results were rapid.

THE SYNDROME's SYMPTOMS Amenorrhea (no menstrual period) Multiple, small cysts in the ovaries Weight gain Acne Excess hair Recurrent miscarriage Skin tags

"The weight came off for me very quickly, and at first I have to admit I was a little concerned that I would lose too much weight and look sickly, but that ended up not being the case at all.

"I had a total of 8st (51 kg) to lose to get to my surgeon's target weight of 10st (64kg) for my height of 5'3". I met the goal by my one-year check-up."

And as the weight came off, it became clear to Kristy that major changes were taking place in her body.

"I was very surprised to find out that I was 'normal'. I began having regular ovulatory cycles for the first time in my life. I also noticed that my acne was gone, too."

Ecstatic

After the operation four years ago, which was covered by husband's insurance, Kristy, 32, and Adam, 35, who live in the US, were advised to wait for a year before trying for a family again.

But once they did Kristy fell pregnant almost immediately. She was ecstatic.

"It was a whirlwind of emotions. At first I was in disbelief, after nine years and four months of trying to get pregnant it actually happened. Then I was elated. I was so excited to finally be the mother I've always dreamed of being."

Kristy says surgery alone is not enough, you must also change lifestyle

After a completely normal and healthy pregnancy, Kristy gave birth to a girl, Alice, who is now two.

And earlier this year, to her delight she discovered she was pregnant again, and is now pregnant with a second daughter, who she plans to call Amanda.

She says she has no regrets, but does think other people in her situation should think through the options carefully before committing to a very serious operation.

"If you decide that surgery is indeed for you, you must be committed to the lifestyle change that follows surgery, and you could potentially suffer life threatening side effects.

"Remember that surgery is a tool, not a cure".

Weight loss surgery is available under strict criteria in the UK.