welcome here! I can say absolutely for sure this diet works! The 1st lesson--- dont treat this as a "diet" but as a way of life. In order for it to truely be effective U need to remain low-carb. Now having said that dont think that eventually U cant have "special" foods. BUT if U can try to get your mind set that U will eat this way the rest of your life the better off U will be. Eating low-carbs is a healthy choice. I have no idea why your co-workers say this diet wont work for U cause they are misinformed. Also because U dont have a lot to lose, your weight loss will be slower than some U will read on here. Dont get discouraged, base your success on how U feel. And last thing...drink WATER!!!! Good luck!