No one knew why a dad couldn’t eat. Then a surgeon took a second look.

November 7, 2026 / 8:00 AM EST / CBS News

Richard Satin was sure he was dying.

Things had been fine until the fall of 2025. He had enjoyed the summer with his wife and 8-year-old daughter, including taking a trip to Disney. But in October, he woke up in the middle of the night in agony.

When his wife, Farrah, rushed him to a Long Island hospital, tests showed his blood sugar was spiking. Doctors found he had developed diabetes. They also identified a blood clot in his portal vein, which connects the gastrointestinal tract to the liver. They treated the clot and stabilized his diabetes. He was discharged a week later with the new diagnosis.

But it was the start of a vicious cycle. Within days, Satin was in pain again and returned to the hospital. Doctors had few answers. During one visit, a doctor recommended a high-fiber diet. Another visit came with a recommendation for a liquid diet. Nothing helped.

Soon, Satin lost all appetite. Eating a bowl of Jell-O became an achievement. His daughter became frightened by his appearance. His favorite hobby, golf, was impossible. By mid-December, he had lost 70 pounds. His wife was at…

Original source: https://www.cbsnews.com/healthwatch/