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I tried it years ago, and I didn't like it. I felt hungry all the time, didn't lose any weight and all the sugar free stuff gave me horrible gas. Like I was at a bar with friends and had to leave cause it was so bad and embrassing.

I don't know anyone else that tried it and had success.

I haven't tried south beach but I have had small success with a book titled "how the rich get thin." I loosely followed it (applied its general principles) and noticed a difference instantly. My mom swears by it as well, and she has tried everything from south beach to gluten free to everything in between.

Didn't exactly do South beach, but lost 30 lbs in 2.5 months cutting all carbs and sugar. Lots of protein, veggies, fruits and nuts. I'm about to start again after the new year to get my mummy tummy to go away. Last week of freedom.

My dad doesn't follow it exactly, but he does his own version and has lost a lot of weight.

As others have said, I think South Beach follows some really good general principles for how to generally eat healthier that will also lead to weight loss, like cutting processed carbs (bread, wraps, etc) and sugar. A LOT of diets follow this rule (Paleo, gluten-free, etc) for good reason. Plus South Beach isn't like Atkins where it says to eat whatever you want, as long as it's not carbs. I second what someone else said about skipping Phase 1 if it's too strict (I don't think you get any fruit) and going right to stage 2, it should still work for you. I've never "followed" it per se, but I have the South Beach Quick and Easy Cookbook and it's part of my regular rotation since as a general rule I try not to eat refined carbs.

My best friend does SB whenever she feels she needs a "quick fix" weight loss solution, as she will drop a bunch of weight right away from not eating carbs. She always puts it right back on, with friends.
I do not feel it is a long term solution for anyone.
My friends and family members who have done weight watchers have had much better success and long term results, primarily because it teaches you portion control (which I think most of us who have weight to lose need to learn) and lets you eat like a normal person.
Remember, no matter what "diet" you pick, if you're looking for long term results, you are talking about a lIFESTYLE change, so whatever you pick, it needs to be something you can live with long term.

I haven't done it, but my SIL swears by it.