World's fattest man Paul Mason takes his first steps after excess flesh surgery

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Paul Mason, once 70 stone, is recovering in a New York hospital
Keeping his supporters up-to-date through social media channels
Former postman lost an amazing 45 stone after gastric band fitted
But NHS refused to remove excess skin over fears of possible weight gain

Published: 05:58 EST, 2 May 2015 | Updated: 08:25 EST, 2 May 2015

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The world's former fattest man - who once tipped the scale at 70 stone - has revealed how he has taken his first steps following surgery to remove three stone of excess flesh.

Paul Mason is keeping his supporters up-to-date with his progress as he recovers in hospital in New York after undergoing surgery to remove the overstretched skin on Tuesday.

The former postman was left with the folds of flesh after he lost a staggering 46 stone following a gastric band operation in February 2010.

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'A little further each day': Paul Mason shared a picture of himself with Dr Jennifer Capla just before he was wheeled into surgery at the Lennox Hill Hospital in New York

Weight problem: Mr Mason once weighed a staggering 70 stone, but managed to lose 45 after a gastric bypass

Former world's fattest man at the height of his weight gain

'Today was the first day I really noticed how different my legs feel,' Mr Mason wrote on his Facebook account today.

'Like thin wafers compared to big tree trunks.'

He took his first steps on Thursday.

'Was able to take a few steps today with the help of Dr. Capla and a nurse,' he revealed. 'A little further each day.'

Mr Mason, who is originally from Ipswich, has also shared pictures of himself with Dr Jennifer Capla, taken moments before he was wheeled into surgery at the Lennox Hill Hospital.

Dr Capla did the surgery for free after hearing about Mr Mason's plight: the 54-year-old had wanted the surgery done on the NHS, but his bid failed after health service bosses said he needed to prove that he could keep the weight off.

Dr Capla told The Mirror he was so 'delighted' with the results of the surgery, he cried.

'When he lay down or even stood his legs were outward rotated and could barely fit on the bed,' she explained.

'He couldn't put them together because of the excess skin.

'After surgery he said "my legs are straight, my knees are straight".'

Turned down by NHS: The 54-year-old wanted the surgery in England, but he was turned down

Road to recovery: Mr Mason, seen walking in hospital in Massachusetts, moved to the USA last year to live with his fiancee

The surgeon revealed Mr Mason had lost another three stone on her Facebook page.

Fiancee Rebecca Mountain, who is a slender eight stone, wrote on his fundraising page that Mr Mason would now be able to do simple things he had not been able to do before the procedure.

''There are no words to express how incredible this surgery will be for Paul,' she said.

'Everyday things most of us take for granted will now be possible for him, like getting into a car without a struggle and going to the movies and sitting in a regular seat.