What meds are you taking for your lupus? I was on planquinel and methotrexate. The methotrexate caused me to have the same symptoms you described. Felt like I was in menopause!! I quit both meds 2 weeks before surgery Sept 4th and have not taken anything since! Feel amazing! Weight is comin off slow... I've only lost 40.5. But I'm thrilled to be off the meds and feeling good. I was lower BMI so I expected to be a slower loser.