I lost 7.5 stones on LL in 5 months. I then came off for Christmas and had operations and family ill health and general dramas for the last year which have kept me off LL. I did try the Cambridge inbetween but just managed to gain 20 pounds and not lose any, the product may be the same but the counselling is definitely not and you can buy in batches at Cambridge so you can go weeks without seeing a counsellor.
After the 20 pound gain (also due to my own op and having to be on a particular tablet) I am now back on LL (am on day 7) and am doing well.
I have spoken to my GP and my private consultant and both think LL is a fantastic diet. Obviously if you were able to do it by counting calories I'd say go for it, but you wouldn't be on this thread if you could!
Any side effects of this diet are nothing compared to being clinically obese.
Personally, for me, the counselling is invalueable; yes you may know a lot of it, but the group participation and peeing on a stick each week really do help! I eat due to emotional triggers and dodgy thought processes...none of which Cambridge could address, only LL are trained for CBT.
For what it's worth, it really is the best diet in the world in my opinion, the first 5 days are hell and then it's a joy and it really isn't that big a deal...management is actually the hardest part and i wouldn't suggest going on this if you don't intend to commit to management.
I really wish you all the best with it, you must be in the same place I was to be considering it so big hugs to you.
Joe (female 36)