A 36-year-old man from Henan, China, died after gastric bypass surgery aimed at improving his appearance before meeting his girlfriend’s parents. Identified as Li Jiang, he was 174 cm tall and weighed over 134 kg, struggling with obesity and poor eating habits. His brother said Li underwent the surgery on September 30 at Zhengzhou Ninth People’s Hospital to prepare for marriage.
The operation seemed successful, and Li was moved to a general ward after a brief ICU stay. But on October 4, his condition worsened—he was found unresponsive at 6:40 a.m. and later died from respiratory failure on October 5.
Li had metabolic syndrome, hypertension, and fatty liver disease. His family noted his recent weight gain and loud snoring, suggesting possible sleep apnea, and questioned whether the hospital properly assessed his health. The hospital stated Li met surgical criteria and responded quickly to his deterioration.
An autopsy requested by both parties will determine the official cause of death. The hospital pledged accountability based on findings. The case has sparked online debate about weight-loss surgery risks, with many arguing natural weight loss should be prioritized.
