Notre Dame Coach Set for Malpractice Suit over Near-Fatal Surgery

By Daniel Hawn

Published on February 09, 2007

Weis, 50, whose father died of a heart attack at 56, has been overweight all his life. After trying unsucessfully to slim down through dieting, he decided to undergo gastric bypass surgery to treat his condition. The surgery, which involves reducing the volume of the patient’s stomach to control food intake, is considered a major procedure appropriate only for a high-risk population of morbidly obese individuals.

In Weis’ case, the surgery was nearly fatal. Shortly after the procedure was complete, Weis started bleeding internally. He was eventually placed on a ventilator and moved into intensive care. After a follow-up surgery, he spent almost two weeks in a coma.

According to a report completed by a surgeon for Weis’ legal team, Drs. Charles Ferguson and Richard Hodin provided substandard care that led to a variety of serious conditions, including excessive bleeding, septic shock, and respiratory distress. Ferguson and Hodin have each settled a malpractice case in the last 10 years, though neither case involved gastric bypass surgery. According to the lawsuit, Weis continues to suffer from pain and debilitation stemming from the surgery.

The trial is set to begin Feb. 12. New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady, a close friend who was present throughout the ordeal, is expected to testify.

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