I've been doing it on my own. I lost 38 pounds so far by myself.
I try to eat a balanced diet but really watch my calorie intake. I also try to exercise 4-5 days a week. Writing things down helps a lot!! I carry a tiny notebook in my purse and keep track of what I eat.
I think the key to my success will be to do that even when I get to my goal weight.
I started 10 months ago on atkins for a month, sugarbusters for 2 months, and then went on my own. I've read every diet book I could check out at the library, and have been choosing foods I like and finding a way to incorporate them into a diet plan. Lots of exercise and limiting portion sizes of whatever I eat has been the key to my success. I've lost 58 pounds so far this year.