Welcome Keri
Here at 3FC, we don't support HCG diets because they can be dangerous and the methods used are questionable. I'm glad you are here and looking for a permanent lifestyle change
I think what really worked for me in losing was to change the foods I was eating. I initially used South Beach Diet as a guidelines for my eating habits but then I branched off and developed my own eating habits. I also recommend looking at eating what we call 'whole foods', which basically means non processed, close to nature, etc, etc.
I know it can be overwhelming but if you look around the forums here, you may get an idea of what has worked for others and what may work for you. Remember you can always change along the way so even if you pick one thing to work on, it doesn't mean you are stuck with it forever.