Billy Gardell's Health Journey
Actor Billy Gardell credits bariatric surgery and lifestyle changes for his 170-pound weight loss.
Anonymous
“Mike & Molly” star Billy Gardell says bariatric surgery in 2021 probably saved his life after he reached about 379 pounds and developed type 2 diabetes, cholesterol problems and heart concerns. He says his diabetes is gone and he no longer takes medication, while emphasizing that surgery was part of a broader health change involving diet and regular activity. Gardell says he can eat only about 12 ounces at a time and still manages cravings, but the weight loss has made everyday activities—including hiking with his wife—possible again. He has described the renewed mobility and other small freedoms as meaningful rewards of his health journey.
Key Points
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The COVID-19 pandemic was a wake-up call for Gardell: when he heard which conditions put people at higher risk, he realized he had many of them. In addition to diabetes and cholesterol concerns, Article 1 lists sleep apnea, asthma and high blood pressure among his health problems.
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A knee injury helped prompt Gardell to pursue surgery because it left him unable to walk for exercise. He recalled his doctor urging him, “You have to do something.”
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Gardell said his decision was motivated by his family, naming Patty Knight and William as his “motivating factors.” He said he did not want to go through everything he had survived and accomplished only to be unable to get out of a chair.
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Gardell said he had considered weight-loss surgery before but backed out of the decision more than once before ultimately undergoing the procedure in July 2021.
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