A woman who gained 120lbs as a side effect of her polycystic ovary syndrome ( PCOS ) , a hormonal disorder , started shedding the weight after running her first half marathon - and has since lost 135lbs . Michelle Stiglitz , from Staten Island , New York , struggled with her weight her entire life before she was diagnosed with PCOS in 2000 . Six years later she managed to slim down by following a grueling diet and exercise plan - but her restricting regimen was n't sustainable and she soon began piling the pounds back on , gaining 120lbs . In 2013 however , she underwent lap band surgery to help control her weight , and was soon inspired to start running . ' I was always drawn to that finish-line feeling , but I never thought running was possible for me , ' she told Woman 's Day . Shocking transformation : Michelle Stiglitz , from Staten Island , New York , lost 135lbs after having lap band surgery in 2013 . Starting out : Before she lost the weight ( L ) , Michelle joined a running team and began training for her first half marathon . She finished her second New York City Half Marathon this month ( R ) 'It was difficult and painful when I was heavier , ' she recalled . 'But I was so motivated by my friend 's story of how exciting her race was . I knew I wanted to try it . ' Michelle completed both the 2014 and 2015 New York City Half Marathons , and now she is training to run a whopping 26.2 miles during the New York City Marathon this November . Her training plan , which includes spin classes , bootcamp classes and weight lifting , as well as running , has helped her lose 135lbs . And now that she has slimmed down , Michelle is slowly but surely gaining her confidence back . New woman : Michelle put on 120lbs as a side effect of her polycystic ovary syndrome , a hormonal disorder that causes weight gain ( L ) . After her weight loss surgery , she learned how to control her portions ( R ) Not easy : Even though Michelle struggled to run when she was heavier , she stuck with it . ' I used to hate dating and think I 'd have to settle for just anybody , but I do n't feel that way anymore , ' she said . 'The most important change is I accept myself . ' Michelle noted that although she still has excess skin on her arms and legs , she is finally happy with herself . But getting to this point was far from easy for Michelle , who had tried almost everything to control her weight . Before she was diagnosed with PCOS in her senior year of high school , Michelle had rapidly put on pounds and was starting to lose her hair . Big smile : Michelle can be seen snapping an action selfie during her most recent race . More confident : Michelle said she has gained her confidence back after her weightloss transformation . PCOS made her insulin-resistant , so it was nearly impossible for her to lose weight . She was given various medications and shots - including prescription diet pills - but nothing worked . Michelle eventually hired a personal trainer and followed a strict diet plan that was created for her by a nutritionist . She managed to lose 120lbs over the course of a year , but working out two hours per day and living on a diet of only vegetables and protein left her with little to no social life . When the weight slowly crept back onto her frame , she finally considered lap band surgery , which is intended to reduce the quantity of food consumed . The procedure involves an inflatable device being placed around the top portion of the stomach to create a smaller stomach pouch , essentially shrinking stomach capacity . Amazing fete : Michelle posed in a black dress ( L ) before she lost 115lbs and 42.5 inches off her frame ( R ) Personal win : Michelle can be seen holding the medal she received after she completed the New York City Half Marathon . Michelle noted that she did n't want people to think she had 'taken the easy way out ' , but she quickly learned it was a 'tool , not a miracle ' . She still had to learn how to control her portions and make healthy choices , while maintaining a regular workout schedule . Michelle proudly showed her fifth grade students her completion medal after she completed her first half marathon . And when one of her students congratulated her for winning the race , Michelle did n't correct her , explaining that , in a way , she felt like she had won after overcoming such adversity in order to achieve her goals .
Michelle Stiglitz , from Staten Island , New York , was diagnosed with polycystic ovary syndrome ( PCOS ) in 2000 . She had lap band surgery to combat her weight gain in November . Since her surgery , she has completed two half marathons and is now training to run 26.2 miles at the New York City Marathon in 2013 .