Comedian Billy Gardell has opened up about his health journey, revealing that undergoing bariatric surgery was a life-saving decision following a diagnosis of Type 2 diabetes. Reflecting on his past struggles with weight, Gardell explained to podcast cohost Tom Papa that while he once relied on his athletic background and genetics to manage his size, he eventually realized he could no longer sustain that lifestyle.
Throughout his career, Gardell experienced significant weight fluctuations, often gaining and losing 30 pounds annually. During his time on the hit sitcom "Mike & Molly," which ran from 2010 to 2016, his weight climbed to 375 pounds. By the time he starred in "Bob Hearts Abishola" between 2021 and 2024, he had managed to bring his weight down to 275 pounds. He humorously noted that his doctor once reminded him that "after 50, the warranties start running out."
The actor identified his children as a primary motivator for his decision to seek medical intervention. He expressed a deep desire to enjoy his life and remain active, stating, "I don't want to survive what I've survived, succeed what I've succeeded and then not be able to get out of a chair." Gardell acknowledged that the surgery came with certain "downsides," yet he remains satisfied with the outcome, specifically highlighting the ability to participate in family vacations and activities like snorkeling without feeling limited by his physical condition.
Gardell also shared his experience with Ozempic, noting that he used the drug for a year to treat his Type 2 diabetes before it was widely recognized for weight loss. While he was a spokesperson for the medication, he eventually opted for surgery to achieve a more permanent change. He admitted that had he known about the drug's weight-loss potential at the time, he might have continued with it longer. Ultimately, he offered encouragement to others facing similar struggles, telling them, "If I can do it, you can do it and don't let nobody tell you differently. Do whatever it takes."
"Overall, the gift of being able to go on vacation with the family, you know, and if we're on a boat and they're going to go snorkeling … I used to have to say, 'Well, tell me how it is,' if I went in the ocean the fish would swim the other way," he said.
