Susanna,

I've never tried the Atkins diet, but I did go on the Bernstein diet which I don't think is fundamentally different. I have found that you have to be quite regimented in what you eat and how you go about it. The benefit of going to Bernstein is that its medically supervised and there is very good instruction on what to eat.

You can definitely lose the weight quickly. Know what your going to eat before each day starts. Get your body in a rhythm. Stick to it as closely as possible on a consistent basis. You'll see results. When you have an urge for food, think of how good you'll look being thinner, do something else, go for a walk, have water and finally, eat sugar free jello.