So sorry for all you've been through, Oberon. It sounds horrible.
Glad that you're making positive changes in your life, though. Being healthy for your kids and for yourself is so important! You might consider, if you can afford it, to see a doctor or nutritionist about your diet. If you've restricted your calories to a very tiny amount (even unintentionally), you may have messed with your metabolism to the extent that SBD won't work as well or the same way as it used to. It would be worth talking with a professional to see what they have to say about how to get your metabolism back on track. For example, your body may think that even though it's getting food now, it won't very soon, so it may hold on to your fat stores just in case. I just don't want you to feel frustrated if things don't go the same as they did last time.
That said, SBD is such a healthy way of eating that I'm sure you'll feel much better on it...and in time things should be much better as your body readjusts.
Glad to have you back!