Billy Gardell Says Weight Loss Surgery Saved His Life, 160 Pounds Lost and Diabetes Gone Actor Billy Gardell says bariatric surgery in 2021 saved his life after developing diabetes and heart issues. He lost over 160 pounds and now maintains his weight between 210 and 215 pounds. Billy Gardell, star of the hit sitcom Mike & Molly, says his weight loss surgery probably saved his life. The 57-year-old actor underwent bariatric surgery in 2021 and lost over 160 pounds after the procedure. He shared his story on the Breaking Bread podcast. Gardell explained the health crisis that pushed him to act. He had developed type 2 diabetes along with some cholesterol stuff and some heart stuff. He joked that his doctor told him that after 50 the warranties start running out. You cannot outrun those conditions, he said.He credited decent genetics and playing sports when he was younger for helping him survive as long as he did. He described being a big fat guy but a pretty solid fat guy who could carry the weight for a long time. Eventually, you cannot outrun that, he said.Gardell said he got to the point where he hurt his knee and could not even walk for exercise. That was when he decided he had to do something drastic, so he got the surgery. Five years later, he said he has to be real selective about what he eats because he only has 12 ounces to work with.He admitted the fat Hulk is still running around in his mind wanting to overindulge. Despite that, he called the surgery life-saving. Gardell also noted that his diabetes is now gone and he is off all medication, a major health turnaround he credits to the surgery and his commitment to change.During an interview with People in December 2025, the actor said he now maintains his weight through diet and exercise. He noted, I fluctuate between 210 and 215 pounds. Beyond saving his life, the weight loss allowed Gardell to do things he could not do before.He now enjoys hiking with his wife and buying clothes off the rack when shopping at the mall. He called these simple freedoms things that mean the world to him. He said, I know those are simple, stupid things, but they mean the world to me. He is so grateful he can do them now.Gardell said he decided to get healthy not only for himself but also for his wife, Patty Knight, and their son, William, calling them my motivating factors. He explained he did not want to survive and succeed only to end up unable to get out of a chair.He faced that fear directly and now shares an encouraging message for anyone struggling. For anybody out there struggling, if I can do it, you can do it, Gardell said. He added, do not let nobody tell you different and do whatever it takes.Throughout his life, Gardell said his weight would fluctuate, and he would lose and gain 30 pounds every year. At his heaviest, he weighed 379 pounds. He tried diet and exercise, but the surgery gave him the tool he needed to finally get his health under control and keep the weight off for good.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. His career has included stand-up comedy and other television roles, but he is best known for that long-running CBS series and the character of Mike Biggs.Now, years after the surgery, Gardell is focused on maintaining his health and enjoying the new freedoms it has given him. He said the little things, like hiking and shopping, remind him why he made the choice. His story joins other celebrity weight loss journeys, including that of Remember the Titans star Ethan Suplee, who has also spoken about lasting weight loss.