Atkins - yay or nay?

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So i've read up on the Atkin's diet and it sounds like something i would very much enjoy doing!!

My questions for people who have done it:

1. whats the initial weightloss on this diet?
2. Is it maintainable as a kickstart - i have reached a plateau in my weightloss
3. does the keitosis side effects really get bad?

Thanks!!