A 36-year-old man from China has died days after gastric bypass surgery he hoped would help him make a good impression on his girlfriend’s parents. The case sparked a strong reaction on Chinese social media, with many debating the risks associated with weight loss procedures South China Morning Post reported.
The man, identified by the pseudonym Li Jiang, was from Xinxiang in Henan province and reportedly weighed over 134kg. According to his older brother, Li had recently entered a permanent relationship and wanted to appear healthier before the couple formally introduced their families. “He wanted to lose weight before meeting his parents… He was preparing for his wedding,” his brother told local media.
Li was admitted to the Ninth People’s Hospital in Zhengzhou on September 30. The operation was performed on October 2, after which he was transferred to the ICU for monitoring and later to the general ward. However, his condition suddenly worsened on October 4. Around 6:40 a.m. he was found unresponsive and rushed back to the ICU. Li died the next day of respiratory failure.
Medical records showed that Li had rapidly gained weight over the past year and suffered from sleep-related breathing problems, hypertension, fatty liver and metabolic syndrome – conditions often associated with severe obesity.
The family has doubts whether the hospital properly assessed Li’s health before the operation and whether the response to the complications was timely. The hospital said in an interview with Jimu News that Li met the clinical criteria for gastric bypass and that its medical team immediately intervened when his condition worsened.
Both sides have asked the local health board to carry out an autopsy, with the hospital saying the findings will be the “most authoritative basis” to determine the exact cause of death. She added that she will accept full responsibility in accordance with the final report and applicable laws.
Li’s death sparked widespread discussion on Chinese social platforms, with some users warning that weight loss surgery carries inherent risks. “Doctors can do their best, but there are no guarantees,” wrote one user. Another added: “If you can lose weight naturally, do it instead.”
