We can hardly believe that September is coming to a close already. The leaves are beginning to fall from trees, Halloween is just around the corner and the Operation Transformation call out has rolled around once again.
Yesterday morning, we caught up with presenter Kathryn Thomas along with former leaders David Cryan, Felicity Moroney, Mary Diamond, Sarah O’Callaghan and Wayne O’Donnell.
The 2018 leaders are the most successful to date with a collective weight loss of 15 and a half stone. We wanted to find out what happens when the cameras stop rolling and get their top tips for future applicants.
David Cryan
This Guard broke records on Operation Transformation when he lost over a stone in one week. He credits his daughter as his main inspiration for joining the show.
David lives with his wife Siobhan and their two children, six-year-old Dylan and four-year-old Zoe. While David is a Community Sergeant for an Garda Síochána, Siobhan is a full-time carer to their daughter who has cerebral palsy, a chronic lung disease and has to be fed through a tube.
His advice to future applicants?
"Just do it. When I signed up, I didn't tell anyone. I was nineteen and a half stone and I needed to do something. I was always thought I was fairly fit because I used to play football but I wasn't fit. I needed that [OT plan] and it's just changed my lifestyle and my mindset completely."
"Anyone who is going for it, I couldn't recommend it highly enough. It is just absolutely brilliant."
- Starting weight in January 2018: 19st 5.5lb
- Weight at the end of the show: 16st 1lb
- Current weight: 15st 8lb and happy at this weight
- Overall weight loss: 3st 11.5lb
Mary Diamond
This Mayo woman was a chocolate fiend who had to work hard to break her Cream Egg habit. She credits her son Gary as her motivation for joining the show.
Mary runs a Montessori in her back garden and lives with her husband Joe and their three sons Gary, Robbie and Paul. While her own health was a concern, it was her son Gary - who has Down syndrome - that inspired her to take part in OT as she felt that his weight was creeping up along with hers.
Since becoming a leader, Mary says her confidence has soared and she's even got herself a new look.
"I never really thought about getting a tattoo. I always liked them though. Then my son booked me in for one as a present and I thought it has to be a butterfly because that’s what I feel like. I feel I was a caterpillar and Operation Transformation helped me to become that butterfly. I feel like I am 21 again," she said.
- Starting weight in January 2018: 12st 10.5lb (178.5 lbs)
- Weight at the end of the show: 11st 3lb
- Current weight: 10st (140lbs)
- Overall weight loss: 2st 10.5lb
Felicity Moroney
This busy working mum started the year with the fitness level of an 80-year-old and a 55-inch waist. After being told that she was "level 3 obese", Felicity knew it was time for a change.
The interior designer lives with her partner Des and their daughter Lauren and is on the hunt for a wedding dress since Des popped the question in August.
Although she would like to lose a further three stone before she walks down the aisle in two years time, her main goal is to be able to shop for a dress she loves rather than a dress that will flatter her.
Her advice to future applicants?
"It's not easy. It's really not easy, it's really tough, it's really intense. There are highs and there are lows, it does work but know that it's harder than it looks but if you stick to it, it will work."
- Starting weight in January 2018:18st 9lb
- Weight at the end of the show: 16st 8lb
- Current weight: 14st 3lb
- Overall weight loss: 4st 6lb
Sarah O’Callaghan
This Cavan woman gained a stone in three weeks after completing her treatment for breast cancer. She said that the diagnosis changed her life radically and led to rapid weight gain which she was determined to lose.
Sarah lives with her husband Gary and their daughter Amelia. Since the show, she has gained a heap of confidence and is now working with Cavan Sports Partnership and runs their Couch to 5k challenges. She also runs four to five times a week herself.
"I stand in front of the mirror now and actually feel good about myself. I have a feeling of self-worth again now and a passion for life. I didn’t have that for a very long time," she said.
- Starting weight in January 2018: 12st 6lb (174lbs)
- Weight at the end of the show: 10st 13lb
- Current weight: 9st 12lb (138lbs)
- Overall weight loss: 2st 8lb
Wayne O’Donnell
Wayne was living at home with his parents, Ann and Liam, in Mallow, Co. Cork when he started Operation Transformation but, unfortunately, his dad died earlier this year after an illness.
While the twenty-nine-year-old has undoubtedly struggled with his grief, he believes that his time with Dr Eddie helped him cope better than he would have before the show. Understandably, his diet went a bit askew this year but he is now back on track and more determined than ever.
His advice to future applicants?
"There are so many people that are going to apply and only five get through. I've been lucky enough to stay in contact with some other applicants and there have been some extraordinary results from people who didn't make the show.
"What I would say is that if you apply for it, you're making that step to change your life and change your health so keep going even if you don't get through to the show. For those who do get through the show, grab it with both hands and just keep going because there are so many people who want to be in your position."
His advice for anyone for future applicants?
- Starting weight in January 2018: 17st 13.5lb
- Weight at the end of the show: 15st 6lb
- Current weight: 16st
- Overall weight loss: 1st 13.5lb
To apply online go to www.rte.ie/ot and follow the instructions there. If you have any questions or if you would like an application form sent to you in the post, please call Helen, Elisha or Yvonne on 01 864 1444 or email ot@vipmg.tv
