Hi
Lynn and
I did a clean Phase once and have made it my priority not to eat so poorly as to ever revisit a full 2 weeks again. I occasionally have off plan meals but get right back on track. I did not eat anything off plan during my first 6 months on SBD and lost the most weight during that time. I occasionally had a week or two where I didn't lose pounds but kept with it as my body readjusted. I would highly suggest starting in P1, mostly because you are saying you have not done well with your eating the past week.
I did not count anything for almost 1-1/2 yrs. on SB. I decided mid February this year to count calories while eating OP. It has helped me lose 11# since I started. I really enjoyed the freedom of losing without counting and would suggest trying that first. Even with counting my calories I don't target any particular number regarding carbs I just follow SBD guidelines and keep my carb choices healthy ones.
In February, I did the month trial at the SB official website. I was looking for help with online menu planning. I chose livestrong instead, because the menu function at SB.com only allowed menu planning with recipes they had on their site and I found it to be of no assistance. At livestrong I track calories, exercise and weight while having the ability to build my favorite recipes into a recipe box where I can access them for tracking purposes. I haven't joined any of the forums there; I find all the support I need right here.
My suggestion, before you ever considered WL surgery, would be to commit to 6 mos. totally OP and see where your at then. Believe me, things can change radically in 6 mos. I feel better than I've ever felt.
If I could give one piece of solid advice it would be to jump into these threads and post every single day. Don't be intimidated-just hop on in. The reason we already know each other so well is because we come here every day. We all started not knowing anyone. Personals are not required! What every day check ins have done for me is give me an every day accountability to do the best I can do for me and to get right back on track if I take a "detour".
Best wishes!