Abby Lee Miller says 'Dance Moms' producers kept her overweight

April 25 (UPI) -- Abby Lee Miller says Dance Moms producers kept her overweight during her time on the show.

The 50-year-old reality star said in an interview with Entertainment Tonight that she underwent gastric sleeve surgery as "payback" after leaving the Lifetime series.

"If I was trying to be vegan, [my co-workers] would hand me a hoagie sandwich or Italian sub from somewhere," Miller claimed. "I'm like, 'What is this, lunch meat? I can't eat this!'"

"I hate what I look like on TV and I want to look better and nothing makes the mothers more jealous," she said. "There's your motivation. Payback's a [expletive]."

Miller had her drastic weight-loss surgery Friday in Newport Beach, Calif. She told ET she's feeling "freer" and more in control of her life since having the procedure.

"I felt for seven seasons that someone else was in control of my life -- telling me when I could eat and what I could eat," the star said. "When you're so busy shooting 12 hours a day, you just eat what someone sticks in front of you."

"I think this is a good thing, and hopefully I'll be in the best shape of my life," she added. "That's what I'm looking for."

Miller quit Dance Moms in March, and later told People producers will treat incoming star Cheryl Burke "a hell of a lot better." She thanked her doctor and fans Monday on Instagram in the wake of her surgery.

"Thanks to all who made this day a little less painful with a little laughter! Always the best medicine," she wrote.