Billy Gardell
ON THE RECORD · 12 verbatim quotes · every quote source-verified
“I fluctuate between 210 and 215”
Billy Gardell · said date not stated · reported 2026-09-26
During an interview with People in December 2025, Gardell said he maintains his weight between 210 and 215 pounds through diet and exercise.
“It's just those little freedoms that you go, 'Wow, man. I'm so grateful I can do this now,'”
Billy Gardell · said date not stated · reported 2026-09-26
Gardell expressed gratitude for new freedoms like hiking with his wife and shopping off the rack.
“I know those are simple, stupid things, but they mean the world to me.”
Billy Gardell · said date not stated · reported 2026-09-26
Gardell acknowledged the simple things he can now do mean the world to him after his weight loss.
“I got to the point where I hurt my knee and I couldn't even walk for exercise, and I was like, I have to do something drastic,”
Billy Gardell · said date not stated · reported 2026-09-26
Gardell explained that a knee injury prevented him from walking for exercise, prompting him to pursue surgery.
“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.”
Billy Gardell · said date not stated · reported 2026-09-26
Gardell explained why he believed he survived as long as he did despite his weight, citing genetics and youth sports.
“So I got the surgery, and it's been a couple years now and I probably saved my life. I'm not on any medication. Diabetes is gone.”
Billy Gardell · said date not stated · reported 2026-09-26
Gardell said the surgery eliminated his diabetes and he is no longer on any medication.
“the fat Hulk is still running around”
Billy Gardell · said date not stated · reported 2026-09-26
Gardell described the mental challenge of still wanting to overindulge despite his reduced stomach capacity.
“It was like I don't want to survive what I've survived, succeed where I succeeded, and then not be able to get out of a chair. So I had to look that in its face. And for anybody out there struggling, if I can do it, you can do it. And don't let nobody tell you different. Do whatever it takes.”
Billy Gardell · said date not stated · reported 2026-09-26
Gardell said he got healthy for himself, his wife Patty Knight, and their son William, and encouraged others struggling with weight to do whatever it takes.
“to be real selective”
Billy Gardell · said date not stated · reported 2026-09-26
Gardell explained he must be selective about what he eats after his bariatric surgery.
“some cholesterol stuff, some heart stuff,”
Billy Gardell · said date not stated · reported 2026-09-26
Gardell described the health issues he had developed, including type 2 diabetes, cholesterol problems, and heart issues.
“probably saved my life”
Billy Gardell · said date not stated · reported 2026-09-26
Gardell said on the "Breaking Bread" podcast that his decision to undergo bariatric surgery in 2021 probably saved his life.
“12 ounces to work with,”
Billy Gardell · said date not stated · reported 2026-09-26
Gardell said he only has 12 ounces of stomach capacity to work with after the surgery.