UK Woman Dies from Septic Shock After Turkey Weight-Loss Surgery

_{The 20-year-old died days after undergoing the weight loss procedure. Photo credit: Morgan Maria Ribeiro / Facebook}

A 20-year-old woman from the UK, Morgan Maria Ribeiro, tragically died after undergoing weight loss surgery in Turkey. According to reports from Metro, Ribeiro, hailing from South London, traveled to Turkey earlier this month to have gastric sleeve surgery. Her partner, Jamie Brewster, accompanied her for the procedure.

The surgery took place on January 5, and after three days, Ribeiro received clearance to leave the clinic and fly back home. However, during her flight back to Gatwick Airport, she became seriously ill, prompting an emergency landing in Serbia. Hospital examination revealed that she was suffering from septic shock due to an infection. The infection was traced back to an incision in her small intestine during the gastric sleeve procedure.

Ribeiro suffered a heart attack on January 9 and was subsequently placed in an induced coma. Tragically, she passed away four days later on January 13 in Belgrade.

Prior to the surgery, Ribeiro had shared a TikTok video, captioned "My last post before weight loss surgery - see you on the other side."

Her mother, Erin Gibson, shared her heartbreak, expressing the desire to prevent similar incidents. Gibson mentioned that her daughter had faced bullying due to her weight throughout her life. She is now raising £10,000 for the funeral and to repatriate Ribeiro's body to the UK.

The incident follows another recent death of a British woman in Turkey after a Brazilian bum-lift operation. The woman had a heart attack while on her way for a post-procedure check-up.

In response to Ribeiro's case, a government spokesman emphasized their support for the family, urging caution for those considering medical procedures abroad. The statement emphasized reviewing travel advice and guidance from the NHS and professional bodies.

Gastric sleeve surgery is a procedure offered to clinically obese individuals to aid in weight loss. It involves removing a portion of the stomach to create a sleeve, reducing stomach size and curbing hunger.

The unfortunate incidents highlight the risks associated with medical procedures abroad and prompt a call for heightened awareness and caution.