Is it okay to remove stripes before starting back again after 2.5 years?

This may be a stupid question. I got my 4th stripe on my white belt 2.5 years ago. Since then, I am in the worst shape of my life and gained 30 pounds. I feel uncomfortable going back to a new gym with 4 stripes. My question is, can I just start with a blank white belt, or is that a bad thing to do?