16 years - getting back - what I learned

So I had my sleeve 16 years ago - I lost over 100 pounds - had skin removal 15 years ago

I kept the majority of the weight off until about 5 years ago when we moved . In the past 5 years I have gained about 15 pounds .
Not horrible but I'm uncomfortable with it .
How did this happen ? Drinking alcohol - eating whatever I want lying to myself saying but I eat so little . Not weighing myself .
each time I tried to lose it I would last a couple weeks and the scale wouldn't budge so I would give up .
But not this time 5 weeks ago I weighed in 157 - I began by protein shakes for 2 days then added in 1 meal a day of protein and veggie no carbs . Sometimes when super hungry in the day I would grab a hard boiled egg . Took 2 and a half weeks before losing a pound . But I felt better . At week 3 it finally dropped one pound today at only 5 weeks I have lost 9 pounds weight 148 today .
So I know if I stick with it I'll get there wanted to get to 137 - 140

have a cheated at all of course I'm human I had a square of dark chocolate this week twice - I have had wine once a week with friends . I think what I have learned are carbs and sugar are the devil - that you can eat out making good choices - you can totally fail one day that's ok get right back to it - and when I get to maintaining I need to weigh daily don't let the pounds creep up on you easier to lose 2-5 than 15-20 . And have the things you love pizza cake whatever but only a little and only once a week . I can do this . Feeling pretty proud today for sticking with it this time ??

thanks for listening

Honestly, this was really inspiring to read. You've been through a long journey, and the fact that you caught yourself, made a plan, and actually stuck with it -- even google baseball when the scale didn't move at first -- says a lot about your determination. Those first few weeks are the hardest, and you pushed through anyway. The small "cheats" you mentioned are just normal life, not failure, and it's great that you're learning balance instead of falling into the all-or-nothing mindset. The way you're paying attention to what works for your body, especially with sugar, carbs, and daily weighing, shows real self-awareness. You've already made huge progress, and you're clearly back in control. You should be proud -- you're doing amazing.

Wow thanks so much for your response means so much to me ??