Heres a nice story I want to share ..
I went to my doc and got some professional advice on weight loss, from a diet sheet to an exercise programme. She put me on a high fibre, low GI diet, and made me keep a food diary. I took 2 types of tablets, one an appetite suppressant and another a high fibre supplement. I was brisk walking 4 times a week, for 45 minutes on average and sticking quite strictly to my programme. The meds gave me a boost in my energy levels, and also helped suppress my appetite, lost 5 kg in 2 months, which was reasonable, and that included eating my favourite dessert (ice-cream) at the weekends. I could cheat a bit, so it didn't feel like I was some on some healthfreak, crazed starvation diet, and didn't get the mood swings as one does on the Atkin's diet. I was gradually taken off the meds and now try to eat 4 small meals a day, with no carbs after 7pm. It feels a lot more natural, and it's easier now, especially with a food diary. I also got Thermage for my tummy, which helped melt about 2.5 inches off my love-handles. It's a non-surgical body contouring procedure that is FDA approved, and it's a one time thing, and over the last 6 months, I saw a nice result.
I stilll see my personal trainer once a week, between my brisk walks and the occasional swim, just to keep myself in check. Got 1-2 more kgs to lose, but I am now within a healthy BMI range.
The ultimate long term solution is still exercise and a healthy diet.. get a personal trainer if you need a bit of a nudge for the motivation. It helps. Very Happy