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Billy Gardell Reveals Weight Loss Surgery Saved His Life
Confirmed
In Short: During a recent appearance on the "Breaking Bread" podcast, 57-year-old actor Billy Gardell revealed that his decision to undergo bariatric surgery 'probably saved his life.
Gardell, known for his role in the sitcom "Mike & Molly," detailed the health issues that prompted his surgery, including type 2 diabetes, high cholesterol, and heart concerns.
He explained that at his heaviest, he weighed 379 pounds and had been cycling through 30-pound weight fluctuations annually.
Since the surgery, Gardell has maintained his weight between 210 and 215 pounds through diet and exercise, and he no longer requires medication for his diabetes.
Gardell shared that the procedure allowed him to hike with his wife and purchase off-the-rack clothing, activities he previously could not enjoy.
You can’t outrun those," Gardell said, referring to his health problems. "So I got the surgery, and it’s been a couple years now and I probably saved my life.
Gardell's decision to undergo surgery came after years of struggling with his weight and health, with his doctor warning him that 'after 50, the warranties start running out.
What this adds
His story highlights the ongoing responsibility that comes with becoming a public weight loss success.
Fans and media outlets have noted the noticeable transformation in Gardell's appearance over the years.
Background
Brazil's President Lula announced a 15% increase in welfare payments and free weight-loss jabs, drawing criticism from opponents who see it as an electoral ploy.
Mike & Molly is an American television sitcom created by Mark Roberts for CBS. It aired from September 20, 2010 to May 16, 2016.
What's confirmed
- "Mike & Molly" star Billy Gardell is sharing how his dramatic weight loss after bariatric surgery in 2021 changed his life.
- During an interview with People in December 2025, the actor said he now maintains his weight through diet and exercise, noting, "I fluctuate between 210 and 215" pounds.
- Gardell rose to fame on the hit sitcom "Mike & Molly," playing Melissa McCarthy's husband on the show for six seasons from 2010 to 2016.
What's still developing
- During a recent appearance on the " Breaking Bread " podcast, the 57-year-old actor said his decision to undergo the surgery "probably saved my life" and described the circumstances that led to him deciding that was the right route for him.
- Aside from saving his life, the surgery and resulting weight loss also allowed him to do things he couldn't do before, including hiking with his wife and buying something "off the rack" when shopping at the mall.
- Throughout his life, Gardell said he would often fluctuate, losing and gaining 30 pounds every year, noting that, at his heaviest, he weighed 379 pounds.
- Ethan Suplee reflects on the ongoing responsibility that comes with becoming a public weight loss success story and explains why consistent support from like-minded people keeps him on track.
- The 57-year-old star of Mike & Molly and Bob Hearts Abishola opened up on the "Breaking Bread" podcast about the bariatric surgery he underwent in 2021, revealing that type 2 diabetes, high cholesterol, and heart concerns had pushed his health to a breaking point.
- Fans watched Billy Gardell through a number of shows over the years.
- Outside of acting, Gardell first hosted the game show Monopoly Millionaires’ Club in 2015.
- Over the years, fans have seen a noticeable transformation with Gardell, with him gradually boasting a slimmer figure towards the end of Bob Hearts Abishola.
- During a recent appearance on the Breaking Bread podcast, the actor opened up about how he dramatically lost weight following bariatric surgery in 2021.
- Fox News reported that Gardell, 57, discussed the decision during a recent appearance on comedian Tom Papa’s “Breaking Bread” podcast.
- He explained that while he had once been strong enough to carry the weight, eventually that stopped being enough.
- Gardell told the “Breaking Bread” podcast that losing the weight has allowed him to hike with his wife and walk into a store knowing he can buy clothes off the rack.