Hi all,

I started this journey at 252 lbs. Today I am at 197. That is 55lbs. lost in 3.5 months. I am loving that!

The main reasons for me getting VSG were:

- of course, inability to lose weight on my own

-severe joint pain

-muscle weakness/fatigue

-depression

-zero energy

I went into this extremely excited that once the lbs started to come off, I would start to feel human again and enjoy life. And for the most part, this is true. However...

The above mentioned symptoms were always dismissed by my MD as "just a side effect of your weight". No investigative tests were done to rule out other underlying issues.Now that I have lost a significant amount of weight, I notice that I still have severe pain in my joints, muscle fatigue to point of failure 2-3 times daily, zero energy , and now fevers off and on every few weeks which ends in fever blisters on my lips, etc. I have also developed a new rash on my face, across my nose .

Moving on....I went to a new PCP and she ran lots of labs. Turns out, I fit the clinical criteria to a "T" for SLE or otherwise known as systemic lupus.

I have been referred to Rheumatology and I see them on Monday. Ive been started on Tramadol for pain, and Ritalin for Adult ADD/Fatigue as well as Ambien for sleep. I refuse to take the Ambien as it makes me feel like a zombie.

I guess my whole point in this post is.....what the heck is next? Im feeling little discouraged.

Sorry to hear about your struggle. I think it was smart that you went to another doctor. Glad you were able to get diagnosed and hopefully these new meds will help you feel better. Sounds like your other doctor needs to educate himself a little more. I hate when docs blame everything on weight- seems like an easy out (not that being overweight doesn't cause issues- I think we all know that it can/does). And congrats on your weight lost- you've done great!!! Good luck to you as you begin these new meds- I hope you feel better each day!

Thank you for the response. As far as the meds, I really don't want to take them. I hate any kind of medicated feeling. When I go for my Rheumatology appt on Monday, maybe I will get some answers.

Sorry to hear about your struggle. I think it was smart that you went to another doctor. Glad you were able to get diagnosed and hopefully these new meds will help you feel better. Sounds like your other doctor needs to educate himself a little more. I hate when docs blame everything on weight- seems like an easy out (not that being overweight doesn't cause issues- I think we all know that it can/does). And congrats on your weight lost- you've done great!!! Good luck to you as you begin these new meds- I hope you feel better each day!

Hi Michelle Lee-

I am so sorry for the continued struggles. As you were describing your symptoms early in the post I was wondering if you'd been tested for lupus and you confirmed it later in the post. My stepmother has been living with Lupus since 1993. She has had struggles at times but for the most part she is able to manage the condition and have a full and happy life. She lost about 80 pounds five years ago and I know that once her body adjusted to the weight loss she suffered many less complications.

Every person reacts differently and I am not suggesting that your condition is or will be the same, but I thought I would offer you a positive example of someone living successfully and happy with the disease. Best wishes as you tackle this!

Amanda

Thank you for the encouraging words Amanda.

I started on Plaquenil yesturday. That is one nasty drug. Hopefully it helps.