A 22-year-old plus-size model has died after undergoing “dream” weight-loss surgery.
Thaylana Cordeiro de Sousa Santos reportedly suffered complications during bariatric surgery.
She was admitted to Calixto Midlej Filho Hospital in Itabuna, Brazil, but died on Monday (1 June).
Neither the exact nature of the complications nor the official cause of death has been confirmed.
According to local media, Thaylana had told friends just hours before the procedure that she was about to fulfil a long-held dream and was excited to begin a new chapter in her life.
She had chosen to undergo the operation despite having become a role model for body acceptance, self-esteem and inclusion.
On Instagram, where she had just under 17,000 followers, she promoted various products and local businesses.
She also documented her fitness routine and was open about using medication to treat type 2 diabetes, as reported by Need To Know.
In one post from March, the fashion model reflected on how, during her teenage years, she “went from 50kg (7st 12lb) to 150kg (23st 8lb) in a short space of time” due to anxiety.
Alongside before-and-after photos, she wrote: “I wonder if I’ll ever get that little tummy back again?”
“2020 was my worst year – the year I lost my father and the year I destroyed my body.”
Thaylana was laid to rest in Itabuna yesterday (2 Jun).
One follower wrote: “Rest in peace, Thay. I’m glad I had the opportunity to hear your laugh and to know you.”
Bariatric surgery is a common and generally safe procedure.
However, potentially fatal complications can include blood clots that may travel to the lungs, internal leaks that can lead to serious infection or sepsis, severe infections, and rare cases of intestinal blockage that can cut off blood supply and become life-threatening.
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