Billy Gardell says weight loss surgery likely saved his life after diabetes diagnosis

"Mike & Molly" star Billy Gardell said his dramatic weight loss journey not only changed his life but likely saved it.

In a Sept. 22 episode of the "Breaking Bread" podcast, the "Bob Hearts Abishola" actor, 57, opened up about the 2021 bariatric surgery that he said "probably saved my life." He shared that he developed Type 2 diabetes, as well as concerns about his "cholesterol" and "heart."

"You can't outrun those. I think the only reason I was able to survive as long as I did is one, I got decent genetics, and two was I played some sports when I was younger. So I was a big fat guy, but I was a pretty solid fat guy, and I could carry the weight for a long time, but eventually you can't outrun that," he told podcast cohost Tom Papa.

The comedian said his weight often fluctuated, losing and gaining 30 pounds year after year.

During "Mike & Molly," which aired from 2010 to 2016, his weight rose to 375 pounds; during "Bob Hearts Abishola," which aired from 2021 to 2024, his weight dropped to 275. He quipped that his doctor told him that "after 50, the warranties start…

Original source: https://www.usatoday.com/entertainment/