This was discussed in another thread but I think reading the South Beach book is good start. While I don't completely agree with some of the methodology used, the general principle of regulating your blood chemistry by eating essentially less simple sugar works.
I know people (mainly competative athletes) who have done all sorts of crazy crap, ephedra and hot rox, month long liquid diets, high protein, high carb, and even and I shit you not high calorie diets to lose weight. While it might work, it's not sustainable, and that is what you need to do if you want to be able to maintain a certain weight.