21 April 2023 , 15:45
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A university student tragically died after undergoing gastric band surgery.
Maria Paula Ruiz López, 23, died mere hours after experiencing the common procedure in Costa Rica.
Maria decided to have surgery because she felt she was overweight and wanted to pursue a healthier lifestyle, her family said.
Maria was a biology student at the National University of Costa Rica, and had the procedure at a private clinic in San José, the country's capital.
Her dad Jorge Ruiz claimed the surgeon showed up at the clinic over an hour late and presumed someone else started the procedure.
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At the clinic, a staff member soon informed him that there was a complication and the patient was subsequently transferred to the Hospital San Juan De Dios for emergency treatment.
He said his daughter went into shock and died in the hospital soon after.
Maria went into shock and died in the hospital soon after the procedure (Jam Press)Jorge said the problems started when an ambulance was delayed due to a lack of access for tall vehicles at the building.
Upon arrival at the hospital, a doctor informed him that his daughter was admitted in a very serious condition and that she had suffered ruptured blood vessels.
He said he was surprised by the seriousness of the matter as clinic personnel had assured him that everything was under control when she first fell ill.
Maria with her parents (Jam Press)According to the father, he was able to see his daughter briefly in the hospital but was informed of her death less than half an hour later.
Maria's family filed a complaint with the authorities on the same day of her passing.
Costa Rica’s Judicial Investigation Department confirmed it's opened an investigation into Maria's sudden death.
During a gastric band procedure, a band is placed around the stomach to that a person feels full more quickly when they have a meal.
Dad Jorge Ruiz claims the surgeon showed up at the clinic over an hour late (Jam Press)The NHS said it's a "major procedure" that "in most cases should only be considered after trying to lose weight through a healthy diet and exercise".
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It is different to a gastric bypass, in which the top part of the stomach is joined to the small intestine so that fewer calories are absorbed from food.
The health service said: "Speak to a GP if you think weight loss surgery may be an option for you. If you qualify for NHS treatment, they can refer you for an assessment to check surgery is suitable.
"You can also pay for surgery privately, although this can be expensive."