Gastric Sleeve Surgery Nightmare: Woman Suffers 9-Year Ordeal After Botched Procedure

In November 2025, Melissa Schloemer's harrowing 9-year ordeal after a botched gastric sleeve surgery is coming to light. Schloemer, a 38-year-old New Jersey native, underwent the weight loss procedure in 2016 and initially saw great success, losing 150 lbs in the first year. However, about a year after the surgery, she began experiencing severe symptoms, including nausea, discomfort, and vomiting.

Despite seeing numerous doctors over the next 9 years, Schloemer's condition was repeatedly dismissed as "all in her head" or an autoimmune disorder. She was even prescribed chemotherapy drugs, though she did not have cancer. During this time, Schloemer's weight ballooned back up to 311 lbs as her health deteriorated and her diet and exercise plan was derailed.

It was not until 2024 that Schloemer finally received the correct diagnosis - a life-threatening hole the size of a deck of cards at the top of her stomach, which had been left open by the surgeon during the initial procedure. This allowed the contents of her stomach to spill into her abdomen, causing her debilitating symptoms.

After getting the hole surgically repaired, Schloemer's health has improved, and she has now lost 166 lbs, regaining her life. She hopes her story will inspire others to advocate for themselves and not give up, even in the face of dismissive doctors.