is this normal for Atkins?

Hi Liz. Initially, yes, because when you eat a diet high in carbs (ie the typical North American diet), excess sugar is stored in your muscles and liver in the form of glycogen. Glycogen requires a whole lot of water to be stored along with it. So when you go low carb and burn off your glycogen stores, you also release a lot of water. Several pounds worth, at least!

Good luck.

I did the same but it was ten days later that I finally lost another pound!