BBC EastEnders star shares weight loss regret after ditching 7st through surgery: 'I had too much money to buy food!'

However, reflecting on her decision, Ms Stanley said she would now take a different approach if given the chance again.

“I think, in hindsight, I wish I had just done it with diet and exercise, because ultimately, anytime I’m not in a happy place, I could just start eating and I could put it back on. So I’ve had to change my whole mindset,” she said.

Ms Stanley added she would “100 per cent” have chosen conventional weight-loss methods over surgical intervention.

The operation, carried out at a private London clinic, involved removing around 75 to 80 per cent of her stomach.

At the time, Ms Stanley described the procedure as “hands-down the best thing I’ve ever done” for herself and her family.

Her view has since become more nuanced, with the actress acknowledging that surgery alone did not provide the long-term solution she had expected.

While the gastric sleeve kick-started her physical transformation, Ms Stanley has since said sustainable weight loss required far more than the initial operation.

She has spoken candidly about the importance of addressing underlying habits, explaining that without a shift in mindset she could easily regain weight during difficult periods by returning to old eating patterns.

Ms Stanley also attributed weight gain during her years on EastEnders to the financial stability the role provided, suggesting a regular income enabled unhealthy food choices.

“I think I had too much money,” she told The Sun. “It’s better not working, because I haven’t got the money to eat out every day.”

Since leaving the show in 2024, Ms Stanley has overhauled her lifestyle, working with a nutritionist and fitness coach to support her ongoing health journey.

She has made significant changes to her diet and has completely given up alcohol as part of her commitment to maintaining her weight loss.

Before opting for surgery, Ms Stanley had tried weight-loss injections but said they eventually stopped being effective.

She has since stressed that lasting change has come from reshaping her daily routines and relationship with food, rather than relying on surgery alone.

Ms Stanley’s career spans more than two decades, with early television roles in Casualty, Holby City and Call the Midwife before she secured her breakthrough role in EastEnders.

Her portrayal of Karen Taylor earned her the Best Newcomer award at the British Soap Awards in 2018.

Her film credits include London to Brighton, Made in Dagenham and Legend, where she starred alongside Tom Hardy.

Following her departure from EastEnders, Ms Stanley shared photographs of her transformation on Instagram, drawing praise from former co-stars.

James Bye commented: “Look at you skinny minny,” while Kellie Shirley added: “Gorgeous inside and out!”