The weight loss and fitness community mourns the loss of Brazilian influencer Mila De Jesus, who passed away at the young age of 35 on Friday, January 12, from a suspected cardiac arrest. Mila was widely known for documenting her post-gastric bypass surgery journey on social media, inspiring many with her candid posts and body transformation.
A Tragic Loss
The news of Mila’s passing was shared on her Instagram page by her daughter, Anna Clara, who wrote: “I, Anna Clara, am posting this condolence note. We are very sad to hear of the passing of our beautiful mother. We appreciate all the prayers and condolences. Continue to pray for us. Thank you.”
In a touching tribute, Anna Clara requested respect for the family and friends during this painful time, acknowledging that Mila would be greatly missed. Mila's son, Pedro Marçal, also paid tribute to his late mother, writing: “Rest, mom. I love you so much and no one will ever love me like you. God bless you.”
Mila is survived by her husband, George Kowszik, whom she had just married, and four children from a previous marriage. George Kowszik expressed his grief on social media: "Your beautiful kind, caring and loving beautiful words and incredible inspiring PRAYERS… My wife loved me and believe in me through God which impacted my life and hers together," he continued. "I was short but often our lord has his own ways of his people. I will never ever forget what God has blessed me and my beautiful and her very wonderful children God has also blessed with me." He added, "I'm sorry I can't talk right now.. crying too much. forgive me."
Mila's Weight Loss Journey
Mila De Jesus's journey was marked by significant milestones, including undergoing bariatric surgery in 2017 and an abdominoplasty (a tummy tuck procedure) the following year. She openly shared her experiences with her nearly 60,000 followers on Instagram, providing inspiration and encouragement to those on similar paths.
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In November, just months before her passing, Mila reflected on her body transformation journey, posting before and after photos with the caption: "13 years between one picture… 6 years since a decision that changed my life in so many ways. On one side Mila aged 22 and on the other Mila aged 35, how much we change huh, how we grow and how we learn."
In 2021, Mila shared, "The Secret?? Don't give up. Persistence. Focused on the mission . What ever you focus on expands Focus on what you really want and enjoy your achievement."
Health Challenges
Mila had revealed to her followers in October that she had been suffering from psoriasis since July 2023, a skin disease that causes a rash with itchy, scaly patches. She wrote on social media: “It’s been three months dealing with this situation, 80% of my body is affected."
Gastric Bypass: A Life-Changing Decision
Mila's decision to undergo gastric bypass surgery played a significant role in her transformation. Gastric bypass, also called Roux-en-Y gastric bypass, is a type of weight-loss surgery that involves creating a small pouch from the stomach and connecting the newly created pouch directly to the small intestine. After gastric bypass, swallowed food will go into this small pouch of the stomach and then directly into the small intestine, thereby bypassing most of your stomach and the first section of your small intestine. Gastric bypass is one of the most commonly performed types of bariatric surgery. It is done when diet and exercise haven’t worked or when people have serious health problems because of their weight.
Cardiac Arrest: Potential Factors
While the exact cause of Mila's cardiac arrest remains unclear, several factors could potentially contribute to such events, especially in individuals who have undergone bariatric surgery. The study suggests that older age, male sex, cardiopulmonary co-morbidities, and fluid or electrolyte disorders are predictive of major adverse cardiac events.
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Tributes and Memories
Mila’s close friends and fans mourned her loss and thanked her for being an “inspiration.”
Close friends shared heartfelt messages, expressing their shock and sorrow. One friend wrote: "I can't believe you're gone, my friend, my life…my light! My dear friend, how hard it is to deal with this pain. So many dreams have yet to come true and many goals have yet to be achieved. We had everything lined up for 2024 / we had an action plan and you were giving me huge joy with all your evolution. We had such a productive end of the year conversation and you, as always, are an excellent listener. You and your various qualities! Ohhh my love…"
Mila celebrated her daughter's 15th birthday, calling the teen "my friend and often my coach" in a sweet social media tribute. "What a privilege to be your mother my love," she continued. "May God bless you and enlighten your life always. "
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