Tough first week for Laois Operation Transformation leader Andrea Daly

The first week of Operation Transformation 2023 on RTÉ One has been a difficult one for the Laois leader Andrea Daly.

Andrea from Portlaoise, married to Joe from Rathdowney, is mother to three children, but this week the couple faced the fourth anniversary of the death of their oldest son Dylan, 13, who had severe disabilities.

Brave Andrea who put herself forward as a leader to try and regain her happiness and confidence, not only had the emotional anniversary causing a tearful week, but health and food problems too.

"Every day is a tough day but I still get up, I get dressed, I get the kids sorted. I'm here on Operation Transformation and I'm proud of myself - when I finish crying," Andrea said.

In her first week review on RTÉ One on Wednesday night, January 11, GP Dr Sumi Dunne noted that during Andrea's monthly cycle over last week, "the pain really floored you" and said this is a pattern of endometriosis which can be helped with hormone treatment.

Meanwhile Andrea's children were coping with chicken pox and flu. 

The Arklow native was pure Midlands in her attitude to eating fish. Andrea had to try salmon for the first time.

"I don't like the smell of it, the texture of it, anything. Like, that came from the sea," she said.

She is "a winner" already according to dietician Sophie Pratt, who told a relieved Andrea that she can get the same nutrients - Omega 3 fatty acids which are good for brain and heart health - from nuts and seeds instead.

Andrea's family are backing her every step along her journey, including running and walking with her around Portlaoise and Rathdowney.

Supportive husband Joe told her that the first ever soup she made this week was "actually nicer than the carton" and little Masey told her she was "the best mammy".

Andrea dropped her weight from 14'9 to 14.5 despite her tough first week in the eight week programme.

"I'm delighted, I can't believe it. I feel different even today, I just feel warm," she said.

Dr Eddie told her "your family are amazing," and said that her words "moving forward" will lead her to growth and healing.

This week's Ad Break Challenge was filmed in Vicarstown with a huge crowd coming out, led by local runner, Ad Break Hero Paddy O'Loughlin.

Andrea's family joined in, but Andrea had done her bit earlier in the day and was resting sore muscles. 

The show is based in Laois for the whole eight episodes.

On Friday January 13, the Ad Break Challenge will be filmed in Portlaose. See below. 

RTÉ Operation Transformation cameras coming to Portlaoise

See Operation Transformation episodes on RTÉ Player, and follow Andrea's plan on the ot.ret.ie