I piled on 12st because of a tumour ...but GP said I was a secret binge-eater
‘I was written off as a fat, lazy blob’
WHEN Natalie Stokes piled on 12stone in 18 months, her doctor accused of being a secret binge-eater.
The GP could not believe her claims that she ate only 1,000 calories a day and led an active life.
But it turned out that a rare brain tumour was to blame for the incredible weight gain which saw her balloon to 27stone.
After suffering for years, the 5ft 2in accounts administrator was eventually referred for an MRI scan, and the benign tumour was discovered.
The 12mm growth on her pituitary gland, a symptom of Cushing’s disease, caused her body to produce too much of the hormone cortisol, leading her to store huge amounts of fat on her body. The condition could have killed her if left undetected.
Miss Stokes, who has a young son, Charlie, was also told she had developed type 2 diabetes, and she experienced other symptoms, including memory loss, sickness, becoming highly emotional and growing facial hair. Now, after having the tumour surgically removed, she is thrilled that finally the weight is ‘melting away’.
Miss Stokes, 33, of Studley, Warwickshire, said: ‘I became so big I looked like the character Violet Beauregarde in Charlie and the Chocolate Factory when she blows up like a giant blueberry. I had skinny arms and legs and a huge round trunk and tummy.
‘I’d always been the curvy one among my friends, but I was very active. I kept horses and rode as often as I could, but the scales kept going up and up.’
Miss Stokes continued: ‘I was referred to dietitians, but then I started piling on weight even faster. Each time I went to the doctor I’d have put on a half a stone or more and finally he said, “You must be secretly eating as no-one puts on weight for no reason. Only you can help yourself. No-one else can do this
Putting on the weight: Natalie Stokes hit 27stone Losing it fast: She is now 15stone for you”. But I was adamant I but two years ago her GP agreed although I’m not completely honestly was not binge-eating. to refer her again to a specialist. well yet – my nausea and
‘After I gave birth I passed After a series of tests, Cushing’s emotional state still taunt me,’ 27stone. I’d go home and cry and disease was confirmed. In she said. ‘But I’m down to I’d tell my mum, “This is hopeless”. June last year, Miss Stokes had 15stone, and I’m still going down. I’m not sure at that stage an operation to remove the I was written off as being a fat, if my mum even believed me.’ tumour at the Queen Elizabeth lazy blob, but I wasn’t. I was sick
Miss Stokes had been turned Hospital in Birmingham. with an unusual disease. I hope down for an NHS gastric bypass, ‘The operation has been a success, to help others by speaking out.’