Billy Gardell Says Weight Loss Surgery Likely Saved His Life
The 'Mike & Molly' star details how bariatric surgery reversed his Type 2 diabetes and improved his health.
Billy Gardell, known for his role in the sitcom "Mike & Molly," recently shared on the "Breaking Bread" podcast that undergoing bariatric surgery in 2021 was a pivotal decision that "probably saved my life." The procedure helped him shed a significant amount of weight and address serious health issues.
Gardell, 57, revealed that before the surgery, he was dealing with Type 2 diabetes, high cholesterol, and heart-related concerns. He described his doctor's warning that after age 50, health "warranties start running out." While he credited decent genetics and past athletic activity for enabling him to carry extra weight for a long time, he acknowledged that eventually, he could no longer outrun the health consequences.
At his heaviest, Gardell weighed 379 pounds. He explained that a knee injury made exercise difficult, prompting him to seek a more drastic solution. Following the surgery, he has been able to eliminate all medication and has seen his diabetes go into remission.
While Gardell must now be mindful of his food intake, managing his portions to fit his stomach's capacity of about 12 ounces, he admitted to still battling the mental urge to overeat. Despite this, the surgery and subsequent weight loss have brought him new freedoms, allowing him to enjoy activities like hiking with his wife and shopping for clothes "off the rack."
He cited his wife, Patty Knight, and their son, William, as his primary motivators for seeking better health, expressing a desire to avoid being unable to participate in life due to physical limitations. Gardell encouraged others facing similar struggles to "do whatever it takes."
Gardell previously struggled with significant weight fluctuations, losing and regaining about 30 pounds annually. He told People in December 2025 that he now maintains a weight between 210 and 215 pounds through diet and exercise.
Gardell gained widespread recognition for his role as the husband of Melissa McCarthy's character in the popular sitcom "Mike & Molly," which aired for six seasons from 2010 to 2016.
