I can relate! We can't free-feed Millie anymore, she peaked at 20 pounds at just one year old. She's been on a diet for several months now and has lost 2 pounds (with vet-prescription Purina OM) so it is gradually working. But our other 3 girls, we free-feed them. We've done it so long that they don't seem to pack on any extra pounds, so it works for them. But Cleo, she's a pig even though just 5 months old, and we didn't want a repeat of what happened with Millie. So about 2 months ago, for about a month, anytime we saw Cleo eating at the bowl, we'd let her eat for a minute or so and then take the bowl away until she left the room. We'd put it right back so the other girls could eat. It seemed to sink in with Cleo by doing that and now she eats moderately and does not have any weight issues. So this way we can still free-feed all but Millie (and the bowl is out of reach for Millie - she's too fat to get to where it is!!)