If you find that you are not ready for Maximum Weight Loss, then try the Regular program first.
I find that many people have better success with MWL when they are committed to, and have adapted to the McDougall (vegan) program.
Many obese people find that they lose a lot of weight on the regular program and then plateau. It's at that point that they can start being stricter and going to the MWL program.
The Mary's Mini is meant to be used for a short period because it is very restrictive and not something that most people could continue for very long and be satisfied. Mary's Mini is meant to be boring.
The idea with McDougalling is that you are learning a lifestyle that you will be living for the rest of your life. I would suggest that you get McDougall's DVDs about the program. In them the Dr. gives you the science/medicine behind the program but also graphically shows you how you can go out to dinner and not "blow it." Restaurants like "The Sizzler" (where they have salad bars and plain baked potatoes) are suggested. When I'm on the road I find that salads are just about all I end up eating at a "fancy" restaruant. My husband will go to Burger King and get a veggie burger, or to Taco del Mar and get a vegan burrito. Round Table pizza (and other pizza places) will make you a cheeseless pizza with lots of veggies. (I would suggest that you not make that a regular part of your diet because of the white bread crust.)
Experiment with new fruits and veggies. Try some you've never had before. Get comfortable with doing most of your shopping in the produce section, and don't even go near the bagged, boxed and overly-processed foods section (avoid the potato chip aisle!).
Get used to friends and family saying that you are weird for eating "vegitan" (or vegan). When you start losing weight, they will slow down the banter, but when you are getting healthier while they are getting sicker they will start coming to you for help.
I do a more restricted Program to maintain my weight & health. I have been McDougalling for about 30 years, with a long transition, until I finally accepted this lifestyle, stayed on Program and reached my goal back in 2006.