Pat, All my settings in VW preferences were properly set so that is not the issue.
Benson, That is very strange. I wouldnt think that it would self-correct, although it did self corrupt. I even saved the file and opened it on my other computer and it had the same issue.
I don't know if this makes a difference but the polygon VW is simplifying my cylinder to is actually an octagon not a decagon (as i originally posted).
Also, I don't know if this is related but at the same time as this started happening, my concrete and other exterior textures stopped rendering properly and now render as pure black. (this isn't a huge issue but thought I'd mention it in case if it could be related.
Perhaps reinstalling VW would be the best course of action?