Weight Loss Surgery Leaves Woman Paralyzed

A decade ago, Nadine Hatchett embarked on a weight loss journey at 18, opting for a gastric bypass after doctors warned of health risks. Weeks after the December 2015 procedure in the UK, Nadine experienced severe symptoms, including vision loss and leg numbness. Initially dismissed as dehydration, her condition worsened, leading to a diagnosis of Wernicke's encephalopathy, a severe vitamin B1 deficiency. This rare complication, typically seen in excessive drinkers, occurred in Nadine despite her not consuming alcohol. The condition caused progressive paralysis and organ shutdown, bringing her to the brink of death. After seven months in hospital, Nadine was left with permanent neurological damage and chronic pain. She required extensive care and significant adaptations to her home. Although she has lost 17 stone, weighing 11 stone now, her independence was severely compromised, and she is still learning to walk again 11 years later. Nadine claims the surgery may have been performed incorrectly, leading to nutrient deprivation, but legal action was unsuccessful. Despite these challenges, she remains hopeful for the future.