Well, aren't you lucky to have such a smart doctor!!? I'd stick with him!! I do believe that this will be the last "diet" you'll ever be on. While it's true that committing to this way of eating is a lifetime thing, it is by far the easiest and most satisfying way of getting at and STAYING at goal.
I"m not familiar with Dr. Clark's plan, but I have read Atkins, of course. Atkins is the most popular but there are others worth checking into. I started with Atkins, but went to Protein Power because they allow a few more carbs, caffeine and moderate wine
If you look over to your right, you'll see a link called "which plan is right for me?" .... some of the more popular plans are summarized there.
This really is a great way of life. I've been low-carbing since March and have lost 21 lbs. It has been SO easy ...and when I'm hungry, I eat! Beautiful, no? Although carb cravings can be tough to get through in the beginning stages and when TOM (our abbrev for "time of month") arrives, after a while you really won't miss the bread, pasta, sugar, rice, etc.... because you have so many other wonderful foods available to you, there really is no compelling reason to "cheat". Visit our recipes sub-forum and you'll find a million delicious recipes to keep you busy and happy for a long time!
As for the health concerns you might have, just keep reading. I think the more you read, the more confidence you'll have that this really IS the best approach. I've read COUNTLESS tales of people's deteriorating health be completely turned around by low-carbing....everything from high blood pressure to diabetes to fibromyalgia to allergies to high cholesterol.....and more.
Feel free to drop by my journal anytime....and consider starting one of your own. It's a great way to keep in touch with your LC buddies!!
Let us know how we can help. Best of luck to you!!
Oh, and WELCOME to the forum!