Mother’s Plea After Daughter Dies Following Weight Loss Surgery Abroad

The tragic death of a young woman, Morgan Ribeiro, following weight loss surgery abroad has prompted her grieving mother to speak out and advocate for better regulations. Ribeiro, a 20-year-old from south London, had traveled to Turkey with her partner Jamie Brewster to undergo a gastric sleeve procedure. She had decided to pursue the surgery overseas due to the lengthy waiting list for such operations on the NHS.

However, during the flight back to Gatwick Airport, Ribeiro fell seriously ill and the plane was forced to make an emergency landing in Serbia. Rushed to the hospital, she was diagnosed with septic shock. Doctors there discovered that her small intestine had been cut during the surgery, resulting in an infection. Despite efforts, Ribeiro’s condition worsened, and she suffered a heart attack, ultimately passing away in an induced coma.

Erin Gibson, the grieving mother, revealed that Ribeiro had faced weight-related bullying throughout her life. Gibson had no knowledge of her daughter’s plans to undergo the procedure in Turkey until it was too late. Expressing her desire to prevent such tragedies from happening to others, Gibson highlighted the need for improved safeguards and stricter regulations surrounding weight loss surgeries.

Gastric sleeve surgery is a procedure offered to obese patients to aid in weight loss. It involves the removal of a portion of the stomach, reducing its size and limiting hunger. In September 2023, Ribeiro had a virtual consultation with a company that connects individuals seeking weight loss surgery with overseas medical facilities. She traveled to Turkey on 4 January 2024 and underwent the procedure the following day.

Despite medical company claims that Ribeiro did not follow post-surgery advice, her partner Brewster maintains that she diligently followed the instructions, including staying mobile to rebuild her strength. However, during the return flight, Ribeiro experienced extreme discomfort, difficulty breathing, and pain. Flight attendants and two doctors on board tried to provide assistance, but the severity of her condition necessitated an emergency landing in Serbia.

Unfortunately, Ribeiro’s tragic death is not an isolated incident. It echoes the case of Demi Agoglia, a 26-year-old British mother-of-three who also passed away following a cosmetic procedure in Turkey. Concerns have been raised over the lack of regulation in this aspect of health tourism in Turkey.

The Independent reached out to the Turkish and Serbian hospitals for comment but did not receive any responses. Wizz Air, the airline involved in the emergency landing, expressed their condolences and confirmed their commitment to passenger safety. The UK government stated that they are supporting Ribeiro’s family and urged anyone considering medical treatment abroad to review the relevant guidance and travel advice provided by the NHS and professional bodies.

The tragic event has sparked a plea for better regulation and safety measures surrounding weight loss surgeries abroad, particularly in countries like Turkey. The case highlights the disparities between the demand for such procedures and the limited capacity of the NHS to fulfill this need.

As the grieving mother mourns her daughter’s loss, she hopes to give Ribeiro a colorful and celebratory farewell. However, the estimated expense of repatriation and funeral costs exceeds £10,000, posing a significant burden on the family.

This heartbreaking incident sheds light on the risks associated with seeking weight loss surgeries overseas and underscores the necessity for robust regulations and proper safeguards to protect the lives of individuals seeking such procedures.