British woman's perilous recovery after weight-loss surgery in Turkey

Chloe, a young mother and UK resident embarked on a journey to Turkey not for sightseeing but for a sleeve gastrectomy, which involves reducing the stomach's size by nearly two-thirds. This choice is common among many from the British Isles who cannot meet the criteria for such surgery in their own country. For a fee, private Turkish clinics welcome patients from all over the globe who struggle to lose weight through conventional methods of diet and exercise.

The procedure cost Chloe approximately £1,300, which unexpectedly ballooned to about £7,000 due to her ordeal. Although the surgery initially seemed successful, Chloe soon suffered a hemorrhage and lost consciousness. An urgent endoscopy revealed a ruptured spleen, necessitating immediate surgery. Following this emergency operation, Chloe was placed into a medically induced coma, with her family being informed she had a 50% chance of survival. Fortunately, Chloe's condition has stabilized, and she is currently on the mend, gathering strength after this harrowing experience.

The cost of Chloe's unforeseen post-surgery treatment and her journey back home soared to roughly £4,600 (around £23,300), prompting her loved ones to initiate an online fundraising campaign to help cover the expenses. Chloe, a healthcare assistant in Hereford, has a 2-year-old son waiting for her return to the UK. However, she remains in Turkey as doctors assess the risk of thrombosis.

“They told Chloe's dad that she only had a 50 percent chance of survival. It was uncertain if she would make it through. The next 24 hours are crucial,” shared Chloe's closest friend with "The Sun," a friend who had undergone the same surgery.

Out of respect for Chloe's ongoing care, her family has chosen not to disclose the name of the clinic where the surgery took place. As of May 1st, more than £1,700 had been raised, translating to over £7,400.