Tess’s mother worried she might have a hormone imbalance as she gained weight irregularly as a child and adolescent despite following a healthy diet and limiting sugars and carbohydrates. Her diagnosis revealed she had polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS). PCOS is a hormonal disorder where the ovaries produce an abnormal amount of androgens, and male sex hormones that are normally present in women in small amounts. PCOS often results in weight gain because the increased amounts of hormones causes insulin resistance, which is the process by which the body processes sugars. Many women who suffer from obesity often go undiagnosed with PCOS, and do not realize hormonal imbalance is the greater cause of their obesity.
By the time Tess graduated from High School she weighed 315 lbs. “I was depressed” she said. Tess hoped college would be a fresh start. But squeezing into the lecture hall room seating was uncomfortable and a constant reminder of her weight. “I was thinking I am stuck in this desk for the next hour and a half and I couldn’t breathe. Every day I got more discouraged..“ she said.
Tess decided to undergo Gastric Sleeve Surgery to help her lose weight. At the time of surgery she weighted 307 lbs. She tried to go the gym in the beginning but was so uncomfortable exercising because she was so heavy. Gastric Sleeve Surgery helped her to lose the initial weight that allowed her to get down to a weight where she could more comfortably and effectively exercise.
Over the past couple years Tess has lost the weight and is now down to her goal weight of 150 lbs. She provides very candid tips and videos on her Instagram in hopes of helping others such as herself achieve the same weight loss and life goals. Please click on the video below to hear her testimonial.
Before & After Photos
