British mom's near-death experience after surgery abroad

A 23-year-old woman from the United Kingdom underwent a serious medical procedure. Chloe Quick pursued a stomach reduction operation at a clinic in Turkey. However, mere hours after the surgery, she suffered a hemorrhage that endangered her life significantly.

This young British mother chose to travel to Turkey not for tourism but to undergo a sleeve gastrectomy. This procedure involves reducing the stomach's size by removing approximately two-thirds of it, aiming to assist in weight loss.

Chloe Quick represents a segment of the British population that opts for such medical interventions abroad. Often, they do not qualify for these surgeries within their own country based on certain criteria. However, for a fee, private Turkish clinics welcome international patients seeking solutions for weight loss that aren't achievable through diet and exercise alone.

The 23-year-old mother paid around $1,800, which added up to nearly $9,600 due to complications. Initially, the operation seemed successful. Unfortunately, Chloe later suffered a hemorrhage, losing consciousness shortly thereafter.

An endoscopic examination revealed a rupture in the woman's spleen, necessitating immediate surgical intervention. Following this emergency surgery, Chloe was placed into a pharmacologically induced coma, with doctors giving her a 50 percent chance of survival. To the relief of her family and friends, they were later informed her condition had stabilized. Chloe is currently recovering from this harrowing ordeal, gradually regaining her strength.

The direct costs of the operation were manageable for Chloe, but the expenses for her post-operative care and the eventual journey home reached a hefty sum of $6,400, or approximately $32,400. Given these significant costs, her family initiated an online fundraiser to gather the necessary financial support.

Back in the United Kingdom, Chloe's 2-year-old son awaits his mother's return. Presently, she remains in Turkey under medical advice due to the risk of thrombosis. Chloe is a healthcare assistant at a hospital in Hereford under normal circumstances.

"They informed Chloe's father about her 50 percent survival chance, casting uncertainty on her prognosis. The following 24 hours were critical," shared one of Chloe’s closest friends with "The Sun." This friend had previously undergone the same procedure.

The family has chosen not to reveal the clinic's name responsible for the operation while Chloe is still in their care. As of May 1st, over $2,370 had been raised towards the costs, amounting to more than $10,200.