An Ipswich man who was once dubbed the world’s fattest could be in line for an operation to remove folds of excess skin, after a US plastic surgeon offered to take on the procedure.

Paul Mason, who once tipped the scales at 70st, was told that a decision has yet to be made but if they feel he is a suitable candidate for surgery, New York-based doctor, Jennifer Capla, has offered to give her time for nothing to perform the operation.

Mr Mason, who had a gastric bypass operation to tackle his weight, described an operation to remove skin as “his most important yet” and claims that it will completely turn his life around.

He said: “The bypass operation is something I have wanted for 13 years and I knew once I got help that I could do the rest.

“This next operation is so important so I was chuffed when Jennifer said she was prepared to help me.

“At the moment I am no further forward than I was before, because I feel trapped by the skin. If I am not in bed I am in my wheelchair – the excess skin does hold me back.

“If this doesn’t go right then I shall be using a wheelchair for the rest of my life, which is why it is so important to me.”

The 52-year-old has also been told that even though surgeons are willing to donate their time for the operation, he will still need to raise funds for flights, aftercare and hospital stays in the US.

Dr Capla has confirmed she has offered to help Mr Mason lose his excess skin.

She added: “My specialist training is in treating patients after massive weight loss.

“I think they have come so far and they just can’t get their life back.

I’m still trying to learn more about Mr Mason’s full medical history. I’ve read his records but I’ve never met him in person.

“A lot of what we’re doing is getting him to a state where he can move and walk and get him his life back.”

At his height, the former postman was eating up to 20,000 calories every day, nearly 10 times the recommended limit – but as of January, he had lost 46st.

Since losing the weight, Mr Mason has also found love in the form of Rebecca Mountain, who lives near Boston in Massachusetts.

The duo initially started talking online but their friendship quickly blossomed. Mr Mason hopes if he is able to get the surgery, it will making seeing Miss Mountain in person much easier.