Chinese Man Dies After Weight-Loss Surgery He Underwent to Impress Girlfriend's Parents

A 36-year-old man from Henan province has died just days after undergoing gastric bypass surgery—a procedure he reportedly chose in hopes of making a better impression on his girlfriend's parents.

The man, known publicly under the alias Li Jiang, had struggled with obesity for years. At 174 cm tall and weighing more than 130 kg, he carried several related health issues, including high blood pressure, fatty liver disease and metabolic syndrome. Despite those risks, his older brother said Li's motivation was deeply personal: he wanted to appear healthier and more "presentable" before meeting his girlfriend's family as the couple prepared for marriage.

From Admission to Surgery

Li was admitted to Zhengzhou Ninth People's Hospital at the end of September. After initial examinations, doctors approved him for a gastric bypass—an operation designed to reduce stomach size and help patients lose weight rapidly. The procedure was performed on October 2, and at first, everything appeared to go smoothly. He was closely monitored in the ICU before being moved to a general ward for recovery.

Sudden Decline

However, the situation changed abruptly two days later. On the morning of October 4, nurses found Li struggling to breathe. He was quickly transferred back to the ICU as his condition deteriorated, and by the following day he had gone into respiratory failure. Despite emergency treatment, he passed away on October 5.

His death shocked his family, who say they were not prepared for such a tragic outcome from what they believed would be a straightforward, commonly performed surgery.

Family Questions Medical Judgment

Relatives have publicly expressed doubts about whether the procedure should have been approved given Li's complex health profile. They also questioned if the hospital responded quickly enough once his condition began worsening. According to the family, Li had long-standing issues with sleep-related breathing problems, something they believe should have been more carefully evaluated before surgery.

The hospital has stated that Li met the required clinical criteria and that the surgery was conducted by an experienced team following standard procedure.

Autopsy Requested

To determine the precise cause of death, the family has requested a full autopsy. The hospital agreed, stating that it would cooperate fully with the investigation.

A Cautionary Tale

Li's death has sparked discussions online in China about the pressures individuals face—especially in relationships—to modify their appearance in extreme ways. Many social media users called the incident heartbreaking, pointing out that the man's intention was simply to look better for the family he hoped to join.

The autopsy results are still pending, leaving unanswered questions about whether Li's death stemmed from surgical complications, preexisting health issues, or inadequate post-operative care.

Source:https://www.thestar.com.my/aseanplus/aseanplus-news/2025/11/14/130kg-chinese-man-dies-after-gastric-bypass-surgery-to-impress-girlfriends-parents