A WOMAN who was told she was too heavy for IVF has lost five stone and is now expecting her first baby.

Nurse Anna Rodrigues, 34, would cover up in cardigans and leggings after a diet of shop-bought sandwiches and takeaways saw her weight balloon to 15 stone.

The final straw came in February 2017 when she was struggling to fall pregnant- and doctors told her she had to shed the pounds to be considered for IVF.

Anna, who had polycystic ovarian syndrome, was told to cut out carbohydrates, so after some research she found the Cambridge Weight Plan and Tewkesbury consultant Sarah Hall.

"I poured out my heart to her in a really long message," said Anna.

"I had to lose weight to be considered for IVF. I was nearly 15 stone and a size 18.

"I always struggled with my size but I didn't realise I had polycystic ovaries which was holding me back. I would eat all the wrong things- a wrap, crisps and chocolate bar for lunch and takeaways for tea.

"I was determined to change so I could have a baby, it has always been my dream."

Anna and husband of four years Elvio (corr), from Andoversford, Glos., wanted children, especially as he comes from a big family.

Sarah gave Anna a personalised weight plan as part of their nutritionally balanced programmes ranging from 450 to 1500 calories.

A typical day involved drinking a vanilla shake for breakfast, a microwave meal such as chicken tikka for lunch and a sachet of porridge for dinner.

Anna found the weight was dropping off and within four months she had lost three stone.

She had to introduce homemade cooked meals by April and joined the David Lloyd gym in Gloucester.

Last September, Anna returned to her consultant who was amazed by her transformation, as she got down to 10st 2lb.

Anna added: "She couldn't believe how much weight I had lost in a few months. But I was so determined. I wanted to get the ball rolling and I was delighted they put us forward for IVF."

Soon after, Anna fell pregnant but it did not come without a few nervy moments.

A week before Easter, she went for a scan which didn't show the baby's heartbeat. Devastated, she had to wait a week for more news.

"The lady said she could see her heart fluttering. She said she was like a little avocado.

"Me and Elvio couldn't stop crying. We are so excited now we can't wait."

Anna's little baby girl is due on November 12, a day before consultant Sarah's birthday.

Sarah said: "This will be my first Cambridge Weight Plan baby. Anna was a perfect advert for what we are trying to achieve. She turned her life around.

"She was very determined and lost her weight quickly. After each stone she was elated.

"I have the same condition as her and needed IVF too, I lost six stone. We have been through it together and will always be friends."