welcome aboard. genregirl...i understand what you are saying about venturing into clothing sizes you have never had to buy before. i was heading for an 18 misses when i decided it had to stop. I couldn't afford to go up another size and i didn't want to go up another size. so far, i have only really dropped on size and 30 pounds, but i hope to start toning up my midsection which i think is keeping me from getting down 2 sizes. my hips are vanishing but my midsection is being stubborn.
good luck on picking the best way for you to lose. just realize you have to do what works for you. i count calories and try to include some veggies into my diet. and i don't drink anything that isn't calorie free....well, except for my coffee in the morning which has creamers in it. (i really do need to stop doing that!!) anyways, good luck and definately come here as much as you can. everyone here is soooooo supportive.