I'm embarressed to say this is my third go around with low carb.
The first time I had great success, but had a kidney stone. I had people who convined me it was caused by the extra stress the protein was putting on my kidneys, so stopped...and gained back every pound.

The second time I enjoyed great success, dropped 40+ pound and won $300 from our work weight loss contest. I started allowing myself to "cheat" on weekends. Weekends turned to weeks... and I gained it all back again. Truthfully I never noticed the weight returning...

This time I set very agressive goals through 14 months. I obsessively weigh myself, 2 times per day. I calculate body fat% and lean mass weight and track this via spreadsheet. I actually find the losing to be a little slower this time, but I definately have found a balanced way of eating which allows me to lose weight, but not be hungry. Step two of my new program starts in the next 2 months when I purchase my home gym and add heavy resistance training! Good times are ahead...