British woman, 28, dies while having gastric band surgery in Turkey as pals 'devastated'

A British woman has died while undergoing gastric band surgery in Turkey. Shannon Bowe, 28, from Denny, near Falkirk, tragically passed away during the procedure on Saturday, April 1. Pals say they are “devastated” with many sharing their memories of Shannon in picture tributes on social media.

A source close to Shannon said: “Everyone is totally devastated “Shannon was one of the kindest people I knew and she would do anything for anyone. “She was the life and soul of a party. It is so sad. “These operations obviously are risky, but it is so rare you hear of this happening.

“Everyone is finding it really hard to believe she is no longer with us. “She did not have any travel insurance and her family are now going to have to pay thousands of pounds to bring her back home.

A gastric band is a band that's placed around the stomach, creating a small pouch towards the top.

It takes less food to fill the pouch, so you do not need to eat as much before you feel full, according to the NHS.

Shannon’s boyfriend, Ross Stirling, has led tributes saying: “Sleep tight my angel, love you forever and always.

” A pal wrote: “Sad to see the news of Shannon Bowe thoughts with all friends and family.” Someone else posted:

“No words, absolutely devastated. Life is so cruel. You will be forever in our hearts Shannon Bowe.”

Shannon, who lived in Denny, travelled to the Middle Eastern country to undergo the surgery.

It is unclear where she received the operation or what complications led to her death on the weekend.

Gastric band surgery is a weight loss procedure in which a band is placed around the stomach to decrease food consumption.

The surgery itself is expected to last less than an hour, but the whole procedure - from anaesthesia to the patient waking up - should take between three to four hours.The NHS reports that only 1 in 100 patients suffer complications during gastric band surgery, while less than 1 in 1,000 are likely not to survive the procedure.

Her boyfriend Ross Stirling posted a devastating tribute online that read: "Sleep tight my angel, love you forever and always."

A pal of Shannon's said: “Everyone is totally devastated. Shannon was one of the kindest people I knew and she would do anything for anyone.

“She was the life and soul of a party. It is so sad.

Shannon Bowe died during the procedure, where a band is used to reduce the size of the stomach, on Saturday.

Tributes have been paid to the 28-year-old, who lived in Denny, on social media.

A Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office spokesman said they were supporting the family of a British national who died in Turkey.

Shannon's boyfriend, Ross Stirling, has led tributes on Facebook. He wrote: "Sleep tight my angel, love you forever and always."

Another friend wrote: "No words, absolutely devastated. Life is so cruel. You will be forever in our hearts Shannon Bowe."

A Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office spokesperson said:

"We are supporting the family of a British national who died in Turkey and are in contact with the local authorities."Another added:

“Rest in peace Shannon Bowe,” complete with two red love hearts.

“My heart is so sad Shannon. You were one of the purest most kindest souls I’ve ever met! “So grateful for the memories with you.

“Rest in peace beautiful girl. I’ll miss you xo,” commented another. A Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office spokesperson said:

“We are supporting the family of a British national who died in Turkey and are in contact with the local authorities.