If you’ve ever watched Mike & Molly, then you know Billy Gardell as the lovable, funny guy who played the charming yet larger-than-life character, Mike. But beyond the laughs and sitcom scenarios, Gardell’s personal life has taken a dramatic turn. In recent years, he’s undergone one of the most impressive weight loss transformations in Hollywood. His journey, which includes losing over 150 pounds, has been nothing short of inspiring.
How did he do it? Was it just surgery, or was there more to it? Let’s dive into his story, filled with setbacks, realizations, and eventually, triumph.
A Rocky Start: The Weight That Held Him Back
Billy Gardell, now 54, has always been a big guy. For years, he struggled with his weight, a battle that seemed to be part of his identity. At his heaviest, he weighed around 370 pounds—a number that seemed almost impossible to believe for fans who knew him only from the small screen. But behind the camera, Gardell was facing a reality many can relate to: chronic health issues, low energy, and a growing frustration with his body.
In a candid interview, he explained, “I was at a point where it wasn’t about looking good anymore. It was about surviving. My health was in jeopardy, and I knew something had to change.”
The decision to make that change didn’t come overnight. Gardell had been told by his doctors for years that he was at a high risk for complications like heart disease and diabetes. But like many, the motivation to act wasn’t always there—until it became a matter of life or death.
The Turning Point: Bariatric Surgery
In 2021, during the chaos of the COVID-19 pandemic, Billy decided to take the drastic step of undergoing bariatric surgery. The surgery, a gastric bypass procedure, was recommended to him after a series of consultations with his doctors, and it was a decision that changed his life. Gardell was upfront about the fact that surgery wasn’t the only solution, but it was the starting point. “It wasn’t magic, and it wasn’t an easy fix. It was just the beginning,” he said in a 2024 interview.
This is where Gardell’s weight loss journey really started to gain momentum. But there’s an important detail to mention here: bariatric surgery is not a quick fix. It requires immense dedication to lifestyle changes, especially when it comes to diet and exercise. While the surgery gave him a jumpstart, Gardell would have to work hard to maintain the weight loss.
The Emotional Rollercoaster: Weight Loss Isn’t Easy
Anyone who’s tried to lose weight knows it’s not all sunshine and rainbows. Gardell, for instance, went through periods of self-doubt and frustration. “There were days I wanted to quit. When you’ve been big for so long, it’s not just about changing your body—it’s about changing how you think about yourself,” he admits.
Gardell’s routine post-surgery included following a strict eating plan. His meals became smaller, more nutritious, and focused on high-protein, low-carb options. Additionally, he started incorporating regular exercise into his daily routine. And no, it wasn’t just a few quick treadmill sessions here and there. Gardell took on serious fitness training, working with a personal trainer who helped him build strength and stamina as he shed the pounds.
The Numbers: How Much Weight Has Billy Gardell Lost?
By early 2024, Gardell was celebrating a 170-pound weight loss. “I can’t believe I’m down to 207 pounds. That’s a whole person I’ve lost,” Gardell remarked. But the physical transformation is only part of the story. His health has improved drastically—his blood pressure is now in the normal range, and his cholesterol levels are much lower. Even his energy levels have skyrocketed. In a recent social media post, he shared a picture of himself from the old days next to a recent shot, with the caption: “From 370 to 207. And I feel better than ever.”
While the weight loss is impressive, Gardell stresses that his focus is on maintaining a healthy lifestyle, not just dropping pounds. He uses a small dose of Ozempic as part of his weight management plan, but he’s quick to note that it’s not the magic bullet. “It’s part of a bigger plan,” he says. “Exercise, eating right, and making sure I’m mentally and emotionally in a good place—that’s the key to success.”
Maintaining the Transformation: The Hard Part
While many people focus on the initial weight loss, the real challenge often lies in maintaining that loss long-term. For Gardell, staying on track is a constant battle. “You can’t let your guard down,” he says. “I’ve got to be diligent every day about what I eat, how much I move, and how I feel. I’m not perfect, and I don’t expect anyone else to be either.”
Gardell has been transparent about how he’s struggled with food addiction and the temptations of his old lifestyle. “Some days, I want to sit down with a pizza and eat the whole thing,” he admits. But he’s learned to manage those cravings with the help of his nutritionist and support from his family. “I don’t deprive myself,” he says, “but I’ve learned how to be mindful of what I put in my body.”
His Family’s Role: Support System
Gardell credits much of his success to his family, especially his wife, Patty, who has been by his side through thick and thin (literally). He often speaks about how her unwavering support has been crucial in his journey. “She’s my rock,” he says. “She’s there for me no matter what. And that’s been huge.”
His transformation also helped his relationship with his son, who is now a teenager. “It feels good to set an example for him,” Billy shares. “I want him to know that taking care of your health is a lifelong commitment.”
The Bigger Picture: What Does Billy Gardell’s Journey Teach Us?
Gardell’s story isn’t just about losing weight—it’s about reclaiming control over his health and life. His journey reminds us that taking care of our bodies is an ongoing process that requires patience, dedication, and hard work. For Billy, the transformation is not just physical; it’s mental and emotional, too. “I had to change my mindset,” he explains. “It wasn’t just about losing weight—it was about rediscovering who I am and what I want from life.”
He also emphasizes that his success is a result of multiple factors working together: surgery, diet, exercise, and mindset. And while he’s lost 150 pounds, he’s not stopping anytime soon. “The journey continues,” he says with a smile. “I’m just getting started.”
Billy Gardell Weight Loss FAQs
1. How much weight has Billy Gardell lost?
Billy Gardell has lost over 170 pounds since undergoing bariatric surgery in 2021.
2. What kind of surgery did Billy Gardell have?
Billy had gastric bypass surgery, which helped him kickstart his weight loss journey.
3. Does Billy Gardell use Ozempic?
Yes, Gardell uses a small dose of Ozempic to assist with weight management, but it’s part of a larger plan that includes diet and exercise.
4. What has been the hardest part of Billy Gardell’s weight loss?
Maintaining the weight loss and making lifestyle changes have been the hardest parts, according to Billy. He stresses the importance of consistency.
5. How does Billy Gardell stay motivated?
Gardell stays motivated through his family support, regular exercise, and maintaining a healthy relationship with food.
6. Has Billy Gardell’s health improved with weight loss?
Yes, his blood pressure and cholesterol levels have improved significantly, and he now has much more energy.
7. What advice does Billy Gardell have for others on a weight loss journey?
Gardell advises others to take things one step at a time, stay consistent, and seek support when needed. “You’re not alone in this,” he says.