Hi, I did IP with alternative products for my first week and shed 4.6 pounds. Then I took 2 weeks off to maintain that because I'm close to my goal. This week I started up with Atkins to work on the next 5 pounds. I find that I really prefer Atkins so I'm using up my packets slowly and only 1 a day, or none. I use protein shakes, made from powder with high protein and low carbs, Quest Bars when I want a quick meal, Protein pudding from Bodytech because it's higher in protein and lower in carbs than the IP products, Protein crisp cereal which is only a couple of carbs. I track all my food in myfitnesspal .com so that I can see my calories/carbs/fiber/protein and fat. My fat is still low relatively low. I eat bacon only once a week and on that day I don't see a loss the next day. I've done well this week letting go of three more pounds.
Atkins is much less expensive than IP because it's real food. I also like that it's not as much sodium.
IP doesn't encourage exercise. I think it's important and try to get in an hour of exercise 4-6x a week.
Good luck with your decision on what to do!