"Bachelor" Contestant Beverly Ortega Opens Up About Sudden Exit Due to Emergency Surgery
Beverly Ortega, a 30-year-old insurance salesperson from Howard Beach, New York, and a contestant on ABC’s The Bachelor, has revealed the reason behind her sudden and unexplained departure from the show. Fans were left wondering after Ortega exited during the February 10 episode, just before she was set to go on a one-on-one date with Bachelor Grant Ellis. In a recent interview on the Bachelor Happy Hour podcast, Ortega shared that her departure was due to a medical emergency—she was diagnosed with appendicitis and had to undergo emergency surgery to remove her appendix.
A Sudden and Scary Medical Emergency
Ortega’s departure from the show was abrupt, leaving viewers confused and concerned. She had been building a connection with Grant Ellis, and her exit seemed to come out of nowhere. On the Bachelor Happy Hour podcast, Ortega explained that her sudden health issues began when she woke up from a nap with severe stomach pain. She described the pain as “excruciating” and revealed that she vomited for 12 hours. Despite her initial belief that it might just be food poisoning or bad stomach pain, her condition quickly escalated, and she was taken to the hospital.
At the ER, doctors diagnosed Ortega with appendicitis, a condition where the appendix becomes inflamed. According to the National Institute of Health, appendicitis typically requires immediate surgical intervention to remove the inflamed organ. Ortega recalled the moment the doctor delivered the news: “So after three hours of being in the ER, the doctor came in and he’s like, ‘You have appendicitis and you’re going to need emergency surgery.’” She underwent the procedure in California, where The Bachelor is filmed, as it wasn’t safe for her to fly home for the surgery. Her mother later flew out to care for her and bring her home once she was cleared to travel.
A Stoic Response to a Scary Situation
Ortega, who describes herself as “a crier” and “emotional,” surprised even herself by remaining calm during the ordeal. She remembered thinking, “My family isn’t here. My friends aren’t here. I’m about to have major surgery on an organ.” This wasn’t her first experience with sudden surgery; in 2018, she had her gallbladder removed. Reflecting on the situation, she humorously remarked, “I already, in 2018, got my gallbladder removed. Now my appendix is being removed. I’m like, losing organs left and right.” Despite the gravity of the situation, Ortega remained strong, relying on her inner strength to get through the experience without breaking down.
Emotional Recovery After the Surgery
While Ortega physically recovered from the surgery, the emotional impact lingered. She revealed that it took her “a month and a half to recover emotionally” from the experience. The sudden interruption of her journey on The Bachelor left her with unanswered questions and a lingering sense of “what if.” She and Grant Ellis had been building a connection, and while viewers didn’t see many of their moments together, Ortega remembered the “cute little moments” they shared. She acknowledged that Ellis seemed to feel the same way, saying, “He saw and felt exactly what I was seeing and feeling.” The abrupt end to their potential relationship was difficult for her to process.
Reflecting on the Experience
Ortega’s sudden exit from The Bachelor shocked fans, but her openness about her experience has provided closure for both her and the audience. By sharing her story, she has shed light on the unexpected challenges that can arise during the filming of reality TV shows. Ortega’s resilience and strength in the face of a medical emergency are a testament to her character, and her willingness to speak candidly about her experience has earned her even more admiration from fans. As The Bachelor continues to unfold, Ortega’s story serves as a reminder that life’s unpredictability can affect even the most carefully planned moments.
Final Thoughts on the Journey
Though her time on The Bachelor was cut short, Beverly Ortega’s journey has left a lasting impression. Her honesty about her health scare and emotional recovery have humanized her experience, making it relatable to anyone who has faced unforeseen challenges. While fans may wonder what could have been between her and Grant Ellis, Ortega’s story is one of resilience and clarity. She listened to her body, prioritized her health, and emerged stronger on the other side. As the show continues, viewers will no doubt carry Ortega’s courage and grace in their minds, grateful for the glimpse into her unforgettable journey.
