Kayleigh Cooper, from Birstall, Leics., first started putting on weight around the age of 16 and went from a size 14 to a size 22 in a matter of months

A woman who battled with her weight for years claims surgery in Turkey "transformed her life" - enabling her to drop nine stone.

Kayleigh Cooper, from Birstall, Leicestershire, initially began gaining weight at around 16 years old.

She ballooned from a size 14 to a size 22 within months and was subsequently diagnosed with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) - a condition which impacts how a woman's ovaries function and can result in weight gain.

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She explained: "I really struggled with the weight gain and it caused a lot of issues. I had anxiety, depression, and a lack of self-confidence. I didn't like leaving the house.

"I also had physical health problems like breathlessness, struggling to walk, and joint pain."

Kayleigh attempted to shed the weight through fitness and dieting but her endeavours proved futile.

She enrolled with Slimming World and was even given medication by her GP - but still "nothing seemed to work".

At 25 years old, Kayleigh underwent gastric band surgery at a private clinic in the UK.

Nevertheless, she describes the "dreadful" experience left her hospitalised, unable to consume food or liquids, and only assisted her in losing a maximum of two stone.

By 33 years old, Kayleigh weighed over 18 stone and had become confined to her home.

She revealed: "I knew I couldn't carry on. I had to do something.

"I did lots of research and I learnt about gastric sleeve surgery. I knew people were going to Turkey to get it done.

"You do hear the horror stories. The week before I went a girl around my age died. I was worried. I knew the risks. I didn't go in blind.

"But I also knew what the risks were if I didn't go. I could have had a heart attack if I continued the way that I was."

Two years after her operation, Kayleigh, now 35, weighs a mere nine stone and feels healthier than she's ever been.

She began experiencing regular menstrual cycles - something she hadn't experienced since her PCOS diagnosis - and her hormones have stabilised.

Kayleigh, who previously worked as a care manager but now devotes her time to caring for her grandad, shared: "Apparently, I now no longer have PCOS.

"So this really has been life-changing.

"Obviously, surgery is a big step, so I did a lot of research.

"When I had the gastric band in 2015 it didn't help in the way I was hoping it would.

"I had no aftercare and it was just horrendous.

"So I did a lot of research into gastric sleeve surgery. I joined a lot of weight loss groups and spoke to people who had had the procedure successfully - and then managed to keep all the weight off after.

"I ended up finding a clinic called Apera Healthcare Group in Turkey. They were so helpful - putting me in touch with other people who had had the surgery. And they weren't pushy at all.

"But of course it was still nerve-wracking.

"The week before I flew out to Turkey with my mum there was news of a girl around the same age as me who died from a similar procedure.

"So I was sitting there in that hospital biting my nails, worried sick.

"But I decided to still go ahead with it and thankfully everything went well.

"I was walking around just hours after the surgery and the recovery has been amazing.

"I never even dreamt I would lose this weight."

Kayleigh explains the procedure wasn't a complete "cure" for her struggles - but instead a lifelong aid that will continue supporting her.

She explained: "If anyone is considering doing something similar I would of course say that you have to understand the risks.

"You have to do what feels right for you.

"But personally I can't advocate enough for the experience I had. For me, the benefits have outweighed the risks.

"I wish I had done it sooner.

"Of course this isn't the only solution to a weight problem. There are other ways of losing weight - and you may achieve it that way.

"But life happens. For me I've lost weight in the past and then just put it all back on.

"This wasn't a short term fix. It was a long-term tool that will help me for life."