J.Y.
The weight loss center I go to uses the medifast diets. Really it is a sensible diet. The drinks etc...that you use are just a means to help your body not loose muscel, which is a problem when dieting. I have found that when I use a product that cost money, I am more likely to stay on it cause I do not want to waste my money. I also have someone that helps keep me accountable when I go to the center and weigh in. That helps me a lot. If you are a person that is very self disiplined then perhaps you don't need this. I am not :( however I did with the help of this diet keep my weight off for 3 years, then life just got in the way and I got off of my disiplined eating and well needless to say I gained the weight back. I just did not eat right, and had little time for exercise.
But to answer your question, it DOES work. The first 11 days are the hardest and you will want to stop. DON'T
Good luck with what ever you do, loosing weight is hard for us women with busy lives.
J.