Mom Lives Without Stomach After Botched Surgery

Eighteen years ago, Mayra del Villar of Venezuela underwent a weight loss surgery that went disastrously wrong. The procedure caused severe damage, including injuring her pancreas and diaphragm, and removing vital organs. She suffered two cardiorespiratory arrests during a subsequent operation, leading to organ failure and a critical condition where her family prepared for her death.

Miraculously, del Villar survived and spent two years in recovery, including hospital stays and wheelchair use. She relocated to the US for better medical care, where doctors discovered her stomach had been displaced behind her heart. After further surgeries, her stomach was completely removed, leaving her to live without it.

Today, del Villar navigates daily life with significant health challenges, including dietary restrictions and fatigue. She openly shares her journey with a large online following, emphasizing the importance of self-love and cautioning others against cosmetic surgery driven by societal pressures, advocating for certified professionals and health-focused decisions.