An inquest has revealed that a man died four days after undergoing weight loss surgery at a private hospital. Phil Morris, an actor, writer, and university lecturer who was a founding member of Wales Arts Review, died at the Spire St. Anthony’s Hospital in Cheam, Surrey, in December 2021 after having sleeve gastrectomy surgery. It was hoped that Morris, who was diagnosed with diabetes in 1995 and with sleep apnoea in 2007, would return home two days after the surgery, but complications arose.
In South London Coroner’s Court, Morris’ wife, Dana, stated that her husband decided to go private due to waiting times for NHS treatment. Morris had initially been assessed for bariatric treatment in 2018, but he was unable to have the surgery then because his diabetes was not under control. The inquest heard that he had the procedure privately in 2021 due to NHS delays in treatment.
According to the NHS, the sleeve gastrectomy removes a large part of the stomach, making it much smaller, meaning individuals cannot eat as much and feel full sooner. Morris had difficulty swallowing and was short of breath in the hours after the surgery, and his condition deteriorated in the following days, according to his wife’s evidence. He passed away on December 10th, 2021, at the hospital.
The death of Phil Morris is a tragic reminder of the importance of careful consideration when opting for surgical weight loss procedures. It is vital to consult with doctors and thoroughly research the potential risks and complications of such operations. With that said, it is essential to recognize that any surgery performed carries certain risks and therefore, it is crucial to discuss with medical professionals whether it is a viable treatment option in the first instance
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