World's heaviest man recovering from "successful" weight-loss surgery in Mexico

The world's heaviest man underwent a "successful" weight-loss operation in west-central Mexico and is recovering in the hospital, local media reported on Wednesday.

On Tuesday, doctors operated on Juan Pedro Franco, who at his heaviest tipped the scales at 595 kilos, removing part of his stomach.

"The surgery was a total success," Dr. Jose Antonio Castaneda told reporters at a press conference in the western city of Guadalajara, according to news website SIPSE.

"Now we have to see how he responds," Castaneda added.

Franco, 32, went on a three-month diet to prepare for the operation, shedding 175 kilos at the special weight-loss clinic where he was operated on.

The native of Aguascalientes, in north-central Mexico, made headlines in November, when he checked himself into the clinic after seeing an online ad for its weight-loss treatments.

A specially-adapted van transported him from his hometown to the clinic, where doctors said he had to be stabilized before starting treatment.

At the time, Castaneda said his obesity and related conditions, including diabetes, made an immediate operation impossible.

Franco, who said he spent the past six years lying in bed due to his massive weight, hopes to one day move about and lead a normal life.

Franco is expected to undergo a second operation after he recovers and loses more weight. Endit