Welcome!!!
Here's a link to the south beach diet area:
http://www.3fatchicks.com/forum/south-beach-diet-110/
As for me, I lost the weight using calorie counting...worked for me because I could eat pretty much what I wanted, but it had a limit on it, which for me was set in stone in my mind, so I rarely went over and it really got results for me. I hear you on wanting to buy regular sized clothing, clothes were (are) one of my biggest motivators...first being able to get into them, and now being able to STAY in them!
I've always been large (since my pre-teen years) and being able to shop in any store is mind blowing to me, I don't know if the excitement of that will ever go away!
Anyways welcome and I look forward to seeing you around!