BENJI'S HEART SURGERY 🫀 the journey before & after a major cardiac operation 💪

The revenue from this video is being donated to Wessex Heartbeat Charity, recommended and suggested by Benji's Surgeon, Mr Tsang. We think they are doing amazing work and will be making our own donation too. For more information, click here → www.heartbeat.co.uk/
We wanted to say a HUGE thank you for all the love, support, kindness and well wishes to Benji. This was a huge operation and so vulnerable of him to share it. He's making amazing progress each day and we are all so proud of him. We have the most gratitude and appreciation to Southampton Spire Hospital, and all the amazing people who cared for Benji during this, so extra thank you to them. We appreciate you watching and look forward to sharing new vlogs and adventures when Benji has recovered soon. Thanks again, Brogan & Benji xx
timestamps 🫀
0:00 🫶 Benji's tumour & surgery plans
4:07 🏥 Shaving his chest & pre-op hospital chat
6:14 🫀 The surgery day
8:50 🩺 Intensive therapy/care unit
12:25 2️⃣ days post-op
14:50 3️⃣ days post-op
16:42 4️⃣ days post-op
18:04 5️⃣ days post-op
19:23 7️⃣ days post-op leaving the hospital
20:34 🔟 days post-op chat with Benji
more resources:
British Heart Foundation → www.bhf.org.uk/
🫶 Brogan's Instagram • / brogantatexo
🤙 Benji's Instagram • / benjilever
📖 Goodreads • / brogan-tate
📧 Business Enquiries • [e-mail]
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📝 Blog • www.brogantatexo.co.uk/
#heartsurgery #surgeryvlog #heartsurgerysurvivor

[@brogantatexo]

Welcome back, everyone! Today's vlog is the before and after of Benji's surgery. This was a huge operation and so vulnerable of him to share it. He's making amazing progress each day and we're all so proud of him. ❤ We have the most gratitude and appreciation for Southampton Spire Hospital and all the amazing people who cared for Benji during this, so extra thank you to them. We appreciate you watching and look forward to sharing new vlogs and adventures when Benji has recovered soon! 😊 The revenue from this video is also being donated to Heartbeat Charity, recommended and suggested by Benji's Surgeon, Mr Tsang. We think they are doing amazing work and will be making our own donation too. 🫀 For more information, click here → www.heartbeat.co.uk/ Thanks again for all the love, support and kindness xxx ps. Home Vlog coming on Thursday!

[@gemmasmith6400]

Brogan how are you doing I know from when my husband got a very rear case of necrotizing fasciitis 2021 it was so hard to deal with everything that was going on have to make decisions for him as he was coma . Please talk about how you fill throughout all of whats gone on . I don't know if you felt the same with benji but we say we can't live with out them but I think it's thing like this we're you know you can't be with out them it's a strange fill to explain. Please remember to take care of you . Send you both all my love and support . Xxx

[@ellye5876]

You breaking down in the car crying really got to me, so real I could feel it. Love you Benji and wishing you the speediest recovery so you can get out there travelling again 😊

[@sandramcgrail]

I have only just seen this video about Benji’s heart operation. Wow you covered everything so well & Brogan you had me to tears when you got so upset in the car. It’s such a worrying time when people are in hospital having ops & you can’t be there with them & waiting for them to come around so you can actually go & see them. You are both so loving & caring to one another. ❤❤I’m so pleased that all went well for Benji. I watched your wedding cruise & a couple of your other cruises which are so informative well done. ❤❤xx

[@nicolebignell7269]

That was so overwhelming to watch, can only imagine how you all felt during that time. Your supporters and followers are rooting for you Benji! What a chapter in your life you can move forward with. Lots of love to Brogan and your family and wishing you well in your continued recovery xx

[@brogantatexo]

Thank you Nicole, that is so kind of you xx

[@jessicawhitehead4454]

I came here for the Disney vlogs but over time I've come to really care for you both as individuals and a couple. I haven't been around too long so only heard about Benji's health problems in your most recent Disney trip but the way you both handled it publicly is outstanding. I'm so glad Benji finally had the surgery and that he's doing well, a big relief for you both and for all of us of course! Can't imagine how hard it's been, sending so much love

[@DanielleVenn-lloyd]

I recently started following you both during your wedding cruise and got fully invested. Your relationship and obvious love reminds me so much of me and my fiancé. So I’ve went back to watch older vlogs including this. It made me cry… a lot. At how brave Benji is and how scared but brave you were for him Brogan. Such a lovely couple with a great outlook on life. Never change! ❤

[@katybarnes6627]

This was such a vulnerable watch - thank you Brogan and Benji for sharing this raw and real part of life. I’m so pleased you are now at home recovering - I have donated directly to the charity mentioned and hope it goes a long way in helping others in Benji’s position. Lots of love to you both xx

[@brogantatexo]

That is so kind of you Katy - thank you so so much xxx

[@juliegorman9841]

Firstly let me just say I’m so grateful that Benji is doing so well. My husband of 30 years was hospitalized during Covid 2021. He ended up having a stroke. I was home with Covid as well and wasn’t allowed to visit, obviously. Those were a dark 12 days. My best friend saved me by taking care of me best she could from a distance. My oldest son stepped in the parent role making decisions for my husband. Long story short it was a blessing for us both to learn who we can rely on when we can’t rely on each other, and to be grateful for every moment together. We’re both thriving now. He’s 99% recovered with just a small visual loss. Watching you share your journey Brogan was incredible. I cried when you broke down. I understand that feeling of both fear and relief. You also need to accept your positive role in Benji’s recovery. You’re so important to each other. That bond can be a miracle in times of true darkness. Sorry this is so long, what I’m really wanting to say is thank you for sharing pieces of your lives with us. Wishing you many more wonderful adventures together.

[@marinamerch]

❤❤❤

[@thefabuloushannahh]

So so glad Benji's surgery went well and he's making a good recovery! This video brought back some incredibly raw emotions for me, my dad had open heart surgery a few years ago and watching you 'relief cry' after the phone call felt like watching myself!! It's a feeling like no other isn't it. Benji seems to have perked up so quickly, and you have been amazing with helping him too Brogan. So happy for you both xx

[@user-yu5mr8rf2f]

I’m sitting here with our 17 year old son who had his open heart surgery on March 28th. A big thank you to Benji for helping to explain the way he feels now that he’s at home! It is helpful to have that insight to maybe know how our son might be feeling as well. Sometimes it’s hard for a 17 year old to put into words how this experience has impacted him. Big hugs to you both!! Being their caretaker isn’t for the faint of heart either!❤

[@Plister1998]

You’re both so brave for sharing this, it’s so inspirational! I can’t believe how well Benji looked so soon after the surgery and Brogan your love for Benji just shines through. I hope your recovery is going well ❤️

[@brogantatexo]

Thank you Poppy! xx

[@abigray2352]

Love that Benji still uses his incredible humour even in testing times ❤ what an inspiration, wishing him well in his recovery

[@brogantatexo]

I know, I was so surprised, he is a trooper!! xx

[@llovelliveddream]

Glad Benji’s surgery went well. The fact that Benji can still crack a joke and stay kind and positive through all this - like wow! What an incredible person he is. Wishing him all the best.

[@jessicahauser1227]

My husband is about to have a heart transplant. I can't tell you how much I needed this video. Thank you for the vulnerability & Benji's willingness to share. It helped so much

[@charlotteedwards6219]

I’m 20 years old and have watched your videos for a long time, when I was 17 I experienced my first heart episode and ended up in resus having my heart stopped twice. Three years on I still struggle for answers/diagnosis, and one of my biggest fears that truly impacts my day to day life is that I will need a surgery like this. Watching this video has truly helped these nerves as I can see the miracle of modern medicine in real life. You will never know how much this video will help people and all I can say is thankyou so much, I’ll pray for your continued recovery!

[@Beyondthelens26]

My dad had a open heart surgery in Southampton hospital in 2019. Their cardiac and intensive care team is absolutely incredible ❤️

[@sissilia449]

Brogan getting the good news in the car did me in, I ugly sobbed. I hope you are feeling so much better now Benji, hell of a thing to go through! Love you guys so much (not in a weird stalker way just a friend way :) that it hurt to see you hurt. Big hugs and lots of good healing xx

[@brogantatexo]

Thank you so so much, we really appreciate the love and support! xx

[@lesley4429]

Aww I have just watched this blog, I’m new here, and yes I was in tears when you broke down in the car. I think as women, wife’s, mothers, parents we take a lot on ourselves to remain positive, and strong. But you were real and raw with your emotions. I’m so glad Benji is on the mend now, and congratulations on your married, loving g your vlogs 👍🇬🇧

[@JenEatsTheWorld]

I’m so happy Benji’s surgery was a success. I’ve had 8 surgeries myself, and one was an open abdominal surgery, so I understand how hard everything is. The best advice I can give to Benji is to listen to your body. It can do more than you think it can, but if you feel like you can’t, don’t. And try another day. And cheers to Brogan for all that she does. This is a struggle for both of you, and as always, positive vibes your way. 💚

[@Beyondthelens26]

Oh god I’ve just watched this. Mr Sangh is the same surgeon who did my dads heart surgery, he’s a great man. He saved my dads life too

[@MariaMedeiros]

Benji sending prayers and love to you and may you have a positive recovery. sending both of you love and positivity! stay strong and take it one day at a time. I am beyond happy you are okay and got through this surgery. Doctors and nurses are Angels. I have had four surgeries and it takes time to heal. sending my prayers to you both. 🙏

[@alisonridout]

Hope you're feeling better Benji. Ali xx

[@JessicaChelsey]

Omg Brogan you've got me crying 😭 I can't explain how happy I am for you both that it went so well!!! Sending all the healing vibes ❤

[@alexisbk9576]

Brogan and Benji, you both are so amazingly brave and strong. Thank God that Benji’s surgery went well. Brogan, when you got the call in the car that Benji was out of surgery and doing well… your reaction, the overwhelming wave of relief coming over you that you couldn’t contain, was so pure. My husband and I cried along with you. You and Benji are in our prayers. Much love and respect

[@toobydude41]

I so want to give the two of you a huge hug. The courage Benji has shown, along with yourself, is nothing short of remarkable. When you lost it in the car, well you were not alone. I'm still sniffling as I type this. That's a birthday you won't soon forget huh Brogan LOL. Happy belated by the way! I know it's so late. Thank goodness Benj is doing ok and making progress. I'm extending my heartfelt wishes for a continued full recovery. I appreciate you sharing all this. So proud of him and you too. Never far from my thoughts. Sending my love💌💌💌🤗🤗🤗🤗🤗

[@janis17656haris]

glad its going well Benji take care xx

[@jomacmo8090]

What an incredible guy Benji is. Huge life moment and so glad to hear all has gone well. Take it easy, Benji and heal well. Hope you are ok too Brogan. So hard to watch the person you love go through this xx

[@bevmartin2275]

You can see that he looks better and better each day that we see him post op. It’s reassuring for us as viewers even though we haven’t met

[@xHilaryCubiex]

So glad to see Benji’s surgery went well and he is getting stronger day after day. Very brave of him to share his story and show the clips of him in hospital. hope this video is able to educate people.

[@amylauren2146]

Congratulations benj (and brogan) for getting through such a traumatic time! As a physiotherapist myself, I can appreciate what benj has been through as I have helped many recover from the same surgery. I know you’ve still got lots of recovering to do but you should be really proud of yourself! Hope your both doing well both physically and mentally. All the best and thank you for the video! Would be a great video for other patients to watch xx

[@jackiesparham2482]

How emotional, so lovely to see Benji in recovery. Take it easy xx

[@timhunter9705]

so happy for you both glad Benji's okay take care of each other Liz xxxxxxxxx

[@perle13930]

I have just started watching your lovely journey ❤ not in order, then i came upon this video. You both are so couragous. Sending love from France. ❤

[@Crazyfi1]

Glad Benji is feeling a lot better. I found this a really interesting watch, I work as a scrub nurse in a cardiac theatre so it was nice to see things from the other side x

[@chlotoni1714]

The strength of you both is so admirable. So pleased to see Benji on the mend, what a bloomin trooper. Big love to you both ❤

[@rachaelkirkwood359]

Incredible video

[@debbieblincoe9880]

Benji from one cardiology appt - Boy so impressed, in ICU less than 24 hours and able to get out of bed and into your seat even before moving wards! Proud of you buddy! Brogan sending you the biggest hugs ever!

[@beccad1028]

Such strength shown in this video, from you both. Seeing Benji in that much pain was heartbreaking, praying your hardest days are now over. Sending love & strength to you both xx

[@orlylane6275]

Love to Benji, he coped so well

[@meganmeikle7735]

Wow this is an incredible vlog! I cried pretty much the whole way through this. You are both incredibly strong and brave. What a team ❤ Sending all the well wishes to Benji too xx

[@anasky00]

It's so brave of you two to share all this!! Sending ❤️

[@jessicanorris6214]

This was such a vulnerable, inspirational watch. Your love for eachother really shines through. I can’t believe how quickly Benji progressed so soon after surgery, what a trooper! Brogan you were so strong too, watching you break down with relief got to me! So happy it went well and that you’re both taking it easy. Thank you for sharing 💛

[@disneyloveratheart6562]

I stumbled upon your channel about a month or two ago and I am so glad I did. You two are such an inspiration. Brogan, your strength and love for Benji shines through and through. I cried with you and could feel your relief that Benji's surgery went good and was successful. I pray Benji continues to heal with no set backs and can't wait for more videos. ❤

[@lisaroseuk]

Dearest Benji and Brogan. I've been one of your silent supporters/lurkers for quite a few years now and I just wanted to send my love to you both (and Bonnie of course). Benji, take each day as it comes, baby steps (literally). You're doing so great and there's no rush, these are the building blocks for your future health ... rest (you've got a good excuse). Brogan, you are a warrior! I know it's Benji that's had the surgery but in reality you've had it worse... watching someone you love suffer and not being able to take their pain away is horrendous. Thank you for sharing your journey with us, your online 'family'. I look forward to seeing you going from strength to strength. Sending you both healing thoughts and positivity xxx

[@laurarunshappy5867]

Such wonderful news! Cheers to you both 🎉

[@lynnscakeaway]

Oh Brogan, I cried with relief along with you! So brave of you to share all of this and I hope benji keeps recovering at top speed. Sending you all lots of love xx

[@Lorna.R]

Such a brave and honest blog from you both. So brave to share warts and all. Good luck on your recovery Benji x

[@daisytravels9406]

Good to see you doing so well benji. Sending you all good wishes for a speedy recovery and happy healthy rest of 2023. X

[@hollymc2629]

Thank you so much to you and Benji for sharing something so raw! I’m glad benji okay! And hope he has a speedy recovery!

[@kateysaunders4567]

Thank you for sharing...the generosity, bravery and spirit of you both is so wonderful to witness. Looking forward to your full recovery and your life continuing on as it should. Xx

[@phelon83]

Thankyou so much to you both for sharing this and being so vulnerable. You are both so brave for sharing all this! Sending so much love to you both and I hope the rest of recovery is good for you both xxx

[@BudgetBelle]

When you broke down from relief I started crying with you! I have been in a similar position to you, my now fiance had a heart attack at 26 and we didnt know what the future would hold, but the relief I felt when I found out he was going to be ok was the most emotional I've ever been in my life ❤️ I thought it was funny how you kept trying to correct him that he had done this by himself and he kept insisting that he couldn't do it without you as my fiance says the same thing. When you're a partnership everything you go through, you go through together, good or bad. I'm so glad Benji is doing so well, I hope the rest of his recovery goes smoothly. ❤

[@Dan-gv8js]

I’m so glad everything went well, wishing Benji a speedy recovery

[@lnicolaison]

Sending lots of love to you and Benji. He’s so brave for sharing his surgery journey with others and we are all cheering him on through recovery! ❤

[@beverleydavies9109]

So glad to see you recovering well you’ve been through a lot I was in tears watching here’s to a speedy recovery ❤

[@louisewhiddon]

Wishing you a speedy recovery Benji! You got this! X

[@karenmyring5478]

So glad to see Benji recovering so well. What a difficult experience for you both. Sending lots of love and a speedy recovery x

[@lisacowap5689]

So glad to hear Benji's on the mend! ❤

[@lisestomphorst4861]

I think you two are so, so brave. Wishing Benji a lot of strength and a smooth recovery!

[@mirelleisreading]

This video was so open, honest and brave. I hope Benji has a good further recovery and thank you for sharing this with us! Love to you both ❤

[@GemmaThompson-xw5fb]

What a hard hitting watch! Very brave to share- wishing Benji all the love and health xxx

[@AmyWare]

What an absolute rollercoaster of a year for you both. Thank you for sharing this, I’m sure that it wasn’t easy for either of you. Sending you both love and I hope that Benji’s recovery goes smoothly x

[@wendyb4154]

Thank you for the update. I’m so glad Benji is doing well. It was interesting to see the journey. Sending lots of love x

[@imchristinac]

Delighted to hear that Benji is doing well. I’ll be keeping both of you in my thoughts and wishing for a speedy full recovery ❤

[@rieh5416]

An emotional watch! Well done Benji, good to see you smashing recovery. I’m quite a new viewer but loving your videos and the two of you. Such a special couple! Lots of love xxx

[@daniellebaker8186]

Such a vulnerable and brave vlog. Glad all went well ❤ Wishing for a speedy recovery Benji and Happy Birthday Brogan xx

[@emmahartley5056]

So so pleased for benji, you have both been so brave through this time, get well soon benji… your in safe hands with brogan ❤

[@annac2190]

What an insight you have been given us. Incredible video. Wishing you a speedy recovery. To any NHS staff reading this - thank you! You serve us at our most vulnerable moments and we are so grateful to you x

[@lilyellens1796]

Well done to you both for this video - very brave if you to share such a scary and vulnerable time. So glad to see Benji is recovering so well and keeping positive! Recovery may feel long but remember each day is a step in the right direction 💖

[@irulp]

Big hugs your way!! Soo good seeing yoi up again!!! xxxxx

[@emruth33]

This was an emotional watch. You are both so incredibly brave. Brogan, I can't imagine the wait and the emotion until you heard how it all went. Benji, I wish you a speedy recovery, as it seems you are recovering so well already and to a healthy future ahead of you!

[@sarahdaly4373]

So brave, wishing you a speedy recovery benji x

[@Judymontel]

Thank you, thank you, thank you for being willing to share this. I've been thinking about you guys, sending good vibes, thinking good thoughts your way for the past several months, wondering and holding thumbs!!

[@reneejohnson2048]

It is SO brave of the two of you to take such a difficult moment in your lives and share it with the world. I'm certain this video will help others. I'm sending you and your family's my best wishes for your continued recovery. Looking forward to many more years of great content from you both.

[@sevenkidsandcrazy5524]

Wow such an emotional video, I was crying with you! It's so good to see Benji on the mend x

[@morganpreiss5449]

So unbelievably brave and vulnerable of BOTH of you to share this experience. We love you both so much and feel grateful that you continue to share your life with all of us ❣️❣️❣️

[@doodles3075]

Only Benji could worry about his Candy Crush bonus while facing major heart surgery! Our health care is fantastic, years ago you would have still been in there for months, being told not to move! Wow what a roller coaster of emotions. Sending big hugs from our mad household xxx

[@sharongadegast64]

Wow, thank you for sharing such a vulnerable video. I absolutely cried along with you Brogan! I'm so glad that everything went well & that Benji is well on the road to recovery.

[@TheMrmouse4]

Bless you both ❤️❤️

[@JustifiedJJ]

Thank you for sharing your story Benji, and Brogan for creating such a lovely video. Wishing Benji a speedy recovery, hopefully you’ll both be back travelling and living life to the fullest again soon ❤

[@bethmacdonald7117]

Overwhelming watch this one, so brave of you both to share. I shed some tears with you, and I'm wishing Benji as speedy recovery. Lots of love xxx

[@nicolachristie766]

What an emotional video, i was in tears a few times.Thank you for sharing. So glad to see Benji recovering well after such a huge operation. Love to you both ❤️

[@TheMaddy102]

What a raw emotional video, so brave of you to share this journey ❤ sending you all the well wishes on your recovery Benji ❤️

[@opheliahawkeswood]

Benji is so brave and so brave for sharing this, sending love to you both!! ❤

[@stayunique1]

Thank you for sharing your experience and being so honest. Good luck with the recovery Benji and well done Brogan for being a great support for him you are a superhero!

[@tulipsandlavender]

Thank you for documenting this difficult journey. It must have been such a hard experience for Benji but also you of course. ❤ All the best for the two of you and a swift recovery for Benji. 💐

[@claireainley421]

Such a personal journey for you both and keeping it real. Thank you for sharing this with us all and lovely to see Benji recovering so well with your care and support x

[@patriciarowley7195]

Glad to see you're getting better everyday Benji you have a great support team around you. Rest and recover! 💜

[@jackierj]

It so nice to see Benji in good spirits! Hope all recovery is going well. Sending lots good vibes to the both of you! Thank you for an update 💖

[@bethpiper2438]

So thankful that Benji’s surgery was successful, and that he is doing so well!! Thank you for sharing this journey with us. You both are inspirations, in how to navigate rough waters together, and how to support one another through it all. Sending wishes for happy, healthy, and sunshiny days, filled with love…and Bonnie snuggles too!! 💕

[@heatherreece4033]

Sending you both big hugs. Love your channel Brogan and watching this journey has been emotional. All the best for the future Benji. Thank you for sharing your story❤xx

[@sarakeeling3916]

So great to see you on the mend Benji - these are the moments in life that make you appreciate all the great things that are to come!

[@ameliajavanmardi1276]

This was incredibly gut wrenching and vulnerable. Thank you for sharing. Brogan I cried when you cried in your car. I am in awe of both of you, your courage and strength is inspiring. Benji rest up and I wish you all the speediest recovery, brogan you are amazing and so real. You are both salt of the earth and we are so privileged to be able to see some of your most private moments. It’s not lost on any of us who adore and support you from afar xxxx

[@HelenReynolds-ho6iz]

I’m so glad the surgery went well! This was such an emotional one to watch and I’m really full of admiration for how amazingly you both dealt with going through this. I hope Benji’s recovery continues to go well ✨♥️

[@Hello2U23]

Thank you for sharing this journey, I’m sure it wasn’t easy. Happy to see Benji doing better!! Sending all the healing thoughts his way!

[@sarahmartine]

Thank you both for sharing this video with us. It's such an emotional roller coaster. I've cried and felt so relieved that everything went well for Benji's surgery right along with you. And even had a chuckle, especially at the end there when Benji signed off. Sending the very best to you both and wishing Benji a speedy recovery 💛 Now to get a cuppa and catch up on your other wonderful vlogs xx

[@Eden-ur2nk]

So pleased for you both! ♥️

[@donnamatthews1964]

Wow what an emotional watch. Thank you both for sharing something that is so personal for you both. Such strong characters and Benji your recovery is so amazing. Wishing you a speedy recover and hopefully see you out and about on a flog soon.

[@CloBurnley]

Wow, this was an incredibly emotional watch. I’m so proud of you both! Wishing Benji the speediest recovery & sending so much love to you both❤

[@EmmaRafferty]

You both rule so much!! And you are both so brave to be going through this so young. Such an inspiration!!