Health Risks of Weight Loss Surgery: A Cautionary Tale
A woman from England, 42 years old and a mother of five, has experienced devastating health consequences after undergoing gastric sleeve surgery in Turkey. The procedure, which was intended to help her lose weight, resulted in severe nerve damage, leaving her paralyzed from the neck down due to nutritional neuropathy—a rare but serious condition stemming from vitamin deficiencies.
Desperation for a Solution
Danielle Peebles struggled with her weight for many years, reaching 392 pounds. Facing a lengthy wait for bariatric surgery through the NHS, she sought an alternative option overseas. “I was absolutely desperate. I put on a lot of weight over the years,” Peebles shared with the Manchester Evening News. As her grandson awaited his arrival, she aimed to improve her health quickly to be a better mother and grandmother.
The Aftermath of Surgery
After undergoing the surgery in 2023, Peebles initially believed she had made the right choice. However, her situation rapidly deteriorated upon returning home. “From the moment I got home, I just couldn’t eat, I couldn’t keep anything down,” she explained, detailing her struggle with liquids and food over the following months.
Despite her attempts to contact the Turkish medical team, who advised her to seek emergency care, her symptoms were misattributed to dehydration. After a visit to the hospital and receiving fluids, she was discharged, only to worsen in January 2024, leading to her collapse and subsequent numbness in her legs.
A Life-Changing Diagnosis
The diagnosis was nutritional neuropathy, attributed to significant nerve damage caused by deficiencies in her diet post-surgery. Peebles expressed her astonishment, stating, “You don’t hear that you can get nutritional neuropathy from not eating. You’re not told about these side effects because they’re so rare.” The news that she might never regain her mobility forced her to reconsider her decision to have the surgery.
Long Road to Recovery
Following an extended hospital stay of five months, Peebles began to regain sensation in her limbs due to diligent effort and medical support. Finally, she was able to leave the hospital without crutches, marking the beginning of her recovery journey.
Understanding the Risks
Data indicates that neurological issues following bariatric surgery can affect 5% to 10% of patients. A notable condition, known as peripheral neuropathy, might develop within weeks to years after surgery, particularly when linked to a lack of vitamin B1. This specific form of the condition is referred to as “bariatric beriberi,” primarily impacting the lower limbs and affecting both sensory and motor functions.
For anyone considering weight loss surgery, especially abroad, it is crucial to weigh the potential health risks alongside the benefits and to remain informed about possible complications.