Gastric Surgery Almost Kills Man: Survives Near-Death Ordeal

In February 2024, Nate Johnson, 35, underwent laparoscopic gastric sleeve surgery with the hope of improving his lifestyle. However, shortly after the procedure on February 13, 2024, his wife Jackie noticed he was experiencing intense pain and struggling to recover from anesthesia.

His condition rapidly deteriorated, marked by fever and severe abdominal pain. Despite initial treatment and reassurances, Nate's symptoms escalated, leading Jackie to rush him to a hospital. There, scans revealed extensive portal and mesenteric vein thrombosis, with a large blood clot causing his bowel to die.

Doctors informed Jackie that Nate was in septic shock and just an hour from death, requiring emergency surgery. The procedure involved removing 12 feet of dead bowel, and Nate spent five days in intensive care. He has since recovered remarkably and returned to work, though he manages ongoing nutritional absorption issues.

Investigations revealed Nate has two genetic blood clotting mutations: Factor V Leiden and Factor II. These mutations significantly increase the risk of abnormal blood clots, and surgery is a major risk factor for individuals with compound heterozygosity. The gastric surgery likely exacerbated a pre-existing condition.