I started Atkins in mid-March 2002 and have lost 61 lbs. When I began, I lost 15 lbs in the first week, but gained most of that back until my body was ready to drop it again. Spurts and stops characterizes the way losing has gone for me - until recently. In the past couple of months, I have lost a pound or two each week, pretty regularly. I, too, fear the stalls. But, even stalled, I'm healthier on the diet than off.