Orla N who suffers from hypothyroidism lost over 150 lbs in two years following Gastric Sleeve Surgery.  Suffering with severe hypothyroidism, a condition which can increase the risk of obesity, the devoted teacher struggled with her weight for years, despite living an active and healthy lifestyle. “I’ve actually had hypothyroidism my whole life. I put on a significant amount of weight then and it was very difficult to get rid of the weight. I’ve always been heavier, and my hypothyroidism makes it even harder to lose weight.”
 
Two years prior to surgery, Orla lost a close friend that took a very large emotional toll on her.  This event triggered a change in her to improve her health and to lose weight once and for all.  Orla began frequenting the gym, running, and even competed in a mini marathon.  However despite her hardest efforts she wasn’t losing any weight.   While discussing her weight in conversation with her sister, an anaesthetist; she commented, ‘You’re so healthy and you are doing a great job, but would you ever consider surgery?”  While her sister was very kind, and they were very close – it was a very sensitive subject.  I said “no” and then two minutes later I asked “What would it entail?'”  
 
After committing to Gastric Sleeve Surgery, the operation surpassed Orla’s wildest expectations.  “My doctor expected me to lose 70 lbs in two years.  So for me to be down twice that amount in two years is an indescribable feeling” Orla says. 
 
“I am incredibly proud of my old self because she is the one that made the decision, and she is the one that persisted. I always refer to her as another person because she is the one who endured hard times – it is very difficult being overweight because people do look and people do comment.  It has been absolutely life-changing. I have never bought more clothes in my life, I had my 30th birthday this month and I have never wanted to take more full-length photos.
 
Since dropping the weight, Orla is still discovering her new body.   “It was like I was carrying a whole extra person,” she explains. “I used to be on two blood pressure medications and now I am on absolutely nothing. That has been huge. ”  “Sometimes I look at myself and say, ‘Who is that?’ Orla has lost over 16 dress sizes.