The number of operations will rise more than threefold this year

In 2004, more than 60 people had stapling operations; while this year it will be more than 180.

The hospital is a specialist centre for patients from across the South West.

Surgeon Richard Wellbourne said although an operation may seem an extreme solution, it was often the most cost-effective treatment.

"We cure arthritis as well as high-cholesterol problems and we often find their lives are absolutely transformed once they've lost the weight," he said.

Janet Edmond, director of the British Obesity Society Patient Association, added: "The number of people with obesity has not increased.

"The reasons for the increase are twofold - people are more aware of surgery as an option and patients are reading more in the media and seeing more on TV and asking for referrals."