**WARNING - GRAPHIC CONTENT** An Ipswich man who once held the title of the world’s fattest man has said his latest operation will change his life.
Paul Mason, who previously tipped the scales at 70 stone, managed to shed more than half his body weight after having a gastric bypass.
The 55-year-old is now recovering from his second round of surgery in New York – this time to remove 10lb of loose skin from his arms.
Speaking to the Ipswich Star, Mr Mason said: “My arms feel like feathers with the skin removed.
“I am feeling better each day and will take time but I will make this work.
“I also purchased a bike and look forward to riding that and getting back to gym and swimming.
“My next stage will be treatment for my arthritis which will make the above possible.
“Then it will be a 5k walk which I will do next year and raise money to help a charity.
“This is going to be life-changing for me just like my last surgery was but I suffered from depression. I’m on medication this time.”
After undergoing surgery to make his stomach smaller six years ago in the UK, Mr Mason lost 45 stone but was left with a constant reminder of the man he once was with around seven stone of excess skin around his body.
The former postman fought to have the skin removed on the NHS, but health bosses insisted he would not be eligible for an operation until he maintained a stable weight.
Touched by his story, plastic surgeon Dr Jennifer Capla, of Lenox Hill Hospital in New York City, contacted Mr Mason and made him an offer he couldn’t refuse: If he could get to the United States, she would perform the operation for free.
Delighted Mr Mason made the move overseas in September 2014 and hasn’t looked back since.
Last year cosmetic doctors took the knife to Mr Mason for nine hours and removed four stone of loose skin.
Mr Mason, who now lives in Athol, Massachusetts, said he had no plans to move back to Ipswich – but he may visit to see friends.
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