Chinese Man Weighing 130 Kg Dies After Gastric Bypass Surgery Meant to Impress Girlfriend’s Parents

According to reports, the man — identified under the pseudonym Li Jiang — was from Xinxiang in Henan and had long struggled with obesity. Standing 174 cm tall and weighing over 130 kilograms, Li had battled with eating control issues and health complications for years.

His family said that Li was in a promising relationship and had been preparing to meet his girlfriend’s parents. “Things were going well, so he wanted to slim down before meeting them. He did it because he was preparing for marriage,” his brother told reporters.

The Decision for Surgery and Sudden Decline

Li was admitted to the Ninth People’s Hospital in Zhengzhou on September 30 and underwent gastric bypass surgery on October 2. The initial procedure was reportedly successful, and he was moved from intensive care to a general ward the next day.

However, his condition unexpectedly deteriorated on October 4. Around 6:40 a.m., Li was found unresponsive and was rushed back to the ICU. Despite emergency efforts by doctors, he passed away on October 5 due to respiratory failure.

Health Conditions and Family Concerns

Medical records revealed that Li suffered from metabolic syndrome, hypertension, and fatty liver, in addition to experiencing loud snoring — possible symptoms of sleep apnea. These pre-existing conditions may have increased the risks associated with surgery and recovery.

Following his death, Li’s family questioned whether the hospital had sufficiently evaluated his health before approving the operation. They also expressed concern about how quickly his post-operative complications were identified and managed.

Hospital’s Response and Autopsy Request

In a statement to local media, the hospital maintained that Li met all clinical criteria for the procedure and that the medical team acted promptly once his condition worsened.

On October 10, Li’s family and hospital authorities jointly requested the local Health Commission to perform an autopsy to determine the precise cause of death.

“The final autopsy report will serve as the most authoritative basis for determining the cause of death,” the hospital said. “The hospital will take full responsibility in accordance with the findings and relevant laws.”

Broader Implications

Li’s death has renewed discussion in China about the growing popularity of weight-loss surgeries and the importance of thorough medical screening and psychological evaluation before such procedures. Experts emphasize that while bariatric surgeries can save lives for patients suffering from obesity-related conditions, they also carry serious risks if not carefully managed.