Couple Gets Engaged After Losing 135 Kg Following Bariatric Surgery

About a year ago, Kainer Ofek (35) and Shay Nachmani (39) underwent bariatric surgeries in adjacent operating rooms at the same hospital, unaware that the person next door would become their life partner. Exactly one year later, on the same date, Shay proposed to Kainer, who accepted. Both sought surgery to improve their health, confidence, and quality of life under the care of Dr. Ilanit Meller. Shay's surgery was initially scheduled for a different time but was postponed, resulting in their consecutive operations.

Weeks after surgery, they each joined the "Day After" workshop at the Yarden Clinic, a support program for post-bariatric patients. When the war with Iran broke out, meetings shifted to Zoom, and they repeatedly found themselves in the same breakout rooms. Shay reached out to Kainer to maintain contact, and their conversations evolved from weight loss and nutrition to a deep emotional connection. By late February, they moved in together, immediately facing the challenges of living under frequent air raid sirens and sheltering in a protected room.

On April 10, Shay surprised Kainer with a candlelit path leading to his marriage proposal, marking a full year since their surgeries. They plan to marry in October. Together, they have lost approximately 135 kilograms but emphasize that their transformation goes beyond physical changes. They bonded over shared experiences, fears, and successes, finding mutual understanding that transcended words. They view the surgery as a gateway to a new life, including building a family together.

Research published in JAMA Surgery supports their experience, showing that bariatric surgery patients who were single at the time have higher chances of entering relationships or marriage afterward, due to improved health, self-confidence, and life quality. Dr. Meller highlighted the importance of psychological adjustment alongside physical changes and praised the couple for embracing the necessary mindset shifts early on. She stressed the ongoing need for professional support throughout the journey.

Kainer reflected, "I once thought the surgery would save my health; today I know it gave me a new life, including the person with whom I will build a family."