I was told by a friend to have only a meal replacement shake four times a day for the first six days. He said that it would be a good jumpstart and as a detox method for the first few days of fat loss. I've been on a strict diet with only 500 calories before and I got so hungry that I barely made it. I lost 20lbs but I'm gaining it back. I know that I need to discipline myself even more but I'm just looking for a good jumpstart to the rest of my life.
I haven't tried them but my cousin started with some detox first and he made some great results, he actually seemed to enjoy the detox process as well. I don't remember much about the details except for the curious oxygen colon cleanse which is a six or seven day cleanse using distilled water, organic/raw apple cider vinegar, aloe vera juice oxy-powder and a pro-biotic supplement.
I have never tried any of those detox methods, but I really am a firm believer in the good old diet and exercise, and not really into these newer trends. I believe that if you cut your food intake and double your exercise routine, you will lose weight regularly and consistently. But yes, why not try it, if he thinks it will help. Remember, it's all about the mind, and if you think you can lose weight faster with it, then go ahead.
I know these things are really popular, but I'm skeptical of them. I think a lot of it just a scam for the makers of these drinks to make money. I think they contribute to yo-yo dieting which is really unhealthy long term, and since you said you have already done this and gained it all back, that sounds like it could happen to you. I have tried these and drastic low calorie diets as a "jumpstart" before, and I feel it is not a healthy approach. The best thing for me was to take a long-term perspective.