I’ve been overweight all my life. Up and down on various diets but nothing ever stuck. DH asked me to do IP with him and so we start this Wednesday. Any tips/recipes/ things to prepare for in starting this journey? Any help appreciated!!!

Welcome! I've been on and off IP for a few years. I'm rebooting today! My tip is to read through all the old threads. They are a wealth of information. The veterans are incredibly knowledgeable!

Get Janeva's cookbook. You may also want to join Facebook groups as they are more active than this board. Janeva has one as does Ideal Protein Phase 1 Support Group. I prefer this board but have joined those because they are more active.

I found it best to keep it simple for the first few weeks and then introduce new recipes slowly. Janeva's Phase 1 Cookbook is great but also here on 3Fat Chicks, I found some great recipes - do a search for - Rainbowsmiles - she's put together some fantastic cookbooks. A favourite is a Jicama and bell pepper salad with a lime dressing.
I've been on this diet from the end of July but phased off for a few big celebrations and a trip. Now I'm back on it. I'm down 30 lbs since I started and managed to even lose a little while I was 'celebrating'. My knees have been thanking me and I sleep much better at night.
The best purchase we made is a spiralizer, all our noodles are now zucchini and all our rice is cauliflower rice.
I look forward to rhubarb sweetened with 'Walden Farms' strawberry syrup and jam for my fourth vegetable cup of the day.
Good luck - I'm a bit of a cheater by nature !! but this diet I found to be very easy to follow and maintain.