A British woman’s pursuit of better health took a devastating turn after a weight loss surgery in Turkey went horribly wrong, drawing attention to the dangers of medical tourism for budget bariatric procedures.
A Grandmother’s Desperate Choice
Danielle Peebles, 42, from the UK, wanted to lose weight so she could keep up with her newborn grandson. At 28 stone (177 kg), she was facing a long seven-year wait for bariatric surgery through the National Health Service (NHS).
Frustrated, she decided to travel to Turkey in June 2023 for a gastric sleeve procedure. This popular surgery reduces the size of the stomach to limit food intake. Initially, everything seemed fine, and Danielle felt well after the operation. However, her recovery soon took a frightening turn.
From Recovery to Paralysis
Upon returning to the UK, Danielle started experiencing troubling symptoms. Despite losing 15 stone (95 kg), her health rapidly declined. She collapsed unexpectedly and was rushed to Salford Royal Hospital in Greater Manchester. There, doctors diagnosed her with nutritional neuropathy, a rare condition caused by severe vitamin deficiencies.
The condition left Danielle paralyzed from the neck down and caused excruciating nerve pain in her feet. Doctors feared she might never walk again. “I was paralyzed from the neck down, apart from the worst pain I’ve ever felt in my feet that flared up at the slightest touch,” Danielle recalled.
A Long Recovery Journey
Danielle spent five months in Salford Royal Hospital undergoing rehabilitation to regain nerve function. Slowly, she began to regain sensation in her limbs. With hard work and support from her medical team, she left the hospital using crutches.
Reflecting on her recovery, Danielle said, “It was devastating when I was told I might not walk again – it was a traumatic time for me and my family. To get where I am now, being a mum, a wife, and a nanna, it’s the best thing. I owe Salford Royal a lot of gratitude.”
The Hidden Dangers of Cheap Surgery Abroad
Danielle’s story highlights the growing risks associated with low-cost medical procedures abroad. While countries like Turkey offer more affordable options compared to private care in the UK, experts warn that these surgeries often lack proper post-operative monitoring and nutritional guidance, which are critical, especially for procedures like gastric sleeve surgeries.
After the surgery, patients often struggle with vitamin and mineral deficiencies due to the reduced stomach capacity. Without careful management, these deficiencies—especially in B vitamins—can lead to severe nerve damage, as seen in Danielle’s case.
Growing Pressure on the NHS
Danielle’s experience is not unique. Around 5,000 Britons travel abroad for obesity surgery each year, many of whom end up needing emergency treatment from the NHS due to lack of follow-up care. This puts further strain on already overburdened hospital resources, with some patients requiring long-term care and rehabilitation.
Medical professionals are calling for stricter regulations around overseas surgeries and better education for those considering these procedures. While the allure of affordable treatment abroad is tempting, the long-term risks to both individuals and the healthcare system are becoming increasingly evident. Danielle’s painful journey is a stark reminder that the cheapest option is not always the safest one.
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