welcome back kes, glad you're alright.
As for the VLCD debate, I know for me it worked, I needed a break from 'food', clear rules I could follow and a time to look at myself and the reasons I over eat. I know I learnt a lot on lighter life and for the first time ever, actually hit my goal weight, so I will never say anything bad about that type of diet, and would never rule out doing it again.
That being said, this time I have chosen to do it this way, following healthy eating plan and learning as I make mistakes and moving on, I really want to hit goal again and know how wonderful being slim felt, so one way or another I will get there. For now this is the way I have chosen and for now it is working for me.