Thanks for the welcome everyone, and the encouragement!
MikoMarcia, So interesting that WW didn't work for you either, it seems like everyone I know has been really successful on it. It's frustrating when you're doing everything right and it still doesn't work! I was nursing my son at the time and I think the extra points allowance was too much. I know they say breastfeeding helps you lose weight, but it didn't really seem to for me.
redsox33, Nice to meet another newbie!
I really liked the Dr. Oz plan at the beginning, I'm not sure why I didn't stick with it. I think it was partly because I got bored with the food choices, and partly because my loss slowed WAY down after the first couple of weeks and I got discouraged. I do love his show though, it always motivates me too.
I'm only on day 4 of South Beach, but so far so good - I'm down 3 lbs! I NEVER lose this quickly, so I'm excited about that. I haven't felt hungry and the cravings haven't been bad at all. Phase 1 is very restrictive (not really in portion sizes, but in what types of foods you can eat) but it only lasts 2 weeks, which for me is totally doable. The one issue I've had is some stomach upset from the diet changes (gas and bloating, ugh) but I'm told that will go away as my system adjusts to the way I'm eating now.