You sounds like you have a really wonderful doctor!!! Cherish that...because my last experience with my "FORMER" doctor....was not so productive.
And also...I am on effexor XL!!! It is a very powerful drug...and I mean pwerful. I am very, very sensitive to it...and had all the freaking side effects that was listed...all of them. But, with that being said....it has been my savior! I stuck it out with the side effects, and they have all tappered off after 6 weeks or so....and I am on a super low dose....
Also....I am on the South Beach Diet plan and I am also working Dr. Phils 7 keys!!! The reason I meantion the SOBE diet...is because it is dubbed the "healthy Atkins" and I have had tremendous success with it in the last 6 weeks...check out my stats below!!!! And all you can eat fruit is allowed (so needed that) Anyhoo...ask me if you have any ?'s and check out the following:
I also have some of those South Beach website links that I have found helpful!!!
The basis of the south Beach diet
http://forums.prevention.com/thread....0&thread=41584
Basic Info
http://www.south-beach-diet-information.com/index.htm
South Beach Diet Plan for beginners
http://www.***************************/index.html
Some more basic info..
http://forums.prevention.com/thread....0&thread=40980
Hope this helps, and good for you for talking steps to making a healthier you and taking care of "momma"