Personally - i don't think they work - well they never did for me, ive never felt "full" or not hungry after them so have thought it must all be in your head IFYKWIM. I also don't think they are a good idea cause they are not teaching you anything in regards to good eating etc.... and once u go off them u might be likley to put it all back on, if they work for u to start off with!
But thats just my opionion! and other prob like them!
I think the fact that u are getting back into exercise is much better, and along with healthy eating u will lose those annoying last kg's! good on you for having the motivation - thats always a great start - send some my way hehehehe

I like calorie counting - i lost heaps of weight doing that and recording in a diary! can be a bit annoying to do but once u get into a routine its fine!