Bipolar, money issues and complications after bariatric surgery. What can I do?

Bi-Polar also comes with compulsive problems. My cousin has it and we think so did my sister. It think it comes with the manic part of Bi-Polar.

I would be calling your doctor concerning the swelling of your legs and feet. Your weight gain maybe water. Don't wait. Something is wrong.

Call your Office of Aging to see if they have someone to help you with learning to budget your money.

Compulsive behavior is what led you to need bariatric weight loss surgery in the first place. And WLS doesn't cure the compulsive behavior that leads to eating when a person is not hungry, which is why you're gaining weight once again. A person who's given WLS w/o a lot of therapy for why they gained all that weight to begin with is bound to fail, long term. Because the issues were not addressed and the surgery isn't going to fix a doggone thing. Sad but true.

Compulsive behavior covers not only eating, but spending and other things like smoking, drinking, drugs and sex too. When one behavior is under control, another one tends to take it's place. If you're not eating, then you may be spending to compensate. If you're not eating or spending, then you may take up smoking or drinking instead. Compulsive behavior is a vicious cycle and causes you to feel driven and COMPELLED to do something you don't even WANT to do. You just feel like you HAVE to do it. Know what I mean?

The food isn't the problem. Neither is the stuff you're buying. It's the 'why' behind the actions you're taking.

No, this isn't the right forum for such a matter. But I just wanted to say "I get it." I feel your pain. I have fought compulsive behavior my whole life, and I'm 65 in July. It's one of the hardest things in life to overcome. I think it takes total commitment to the cause 24/7 365, with no days off. You need a solid plan and the commitment to stick to that plan every day, one day at a time. The key word is 'commitment' and 'abstinence' to whatever your drug of choice is. You just avoid that drug like the plague, whether it's food or booze or cigarettes or shopping or X Y Z. It's all the same 'drug of choice'.

Maybe join a 12 Step program like Overeaters Anonymous, which is a great first step to admitting you have a problem that's bigger than you; more powerful than you, and one that you need help with.

Wishing you the very best of luck conquering your demon, one day at a time.

http://www.spenders.org and a follow up appointment with your bariatric surgeon.

This isn't the right place for you. This is a support group for caregivers.
Call your bariatric doctor and go see him. He will sort you out.
As for the compulsive spending. Grow up and take some responsibility for your own life.
I just gave you the best advice you can get and it's free.

Best regards.

I know of several people who have had good experiences with their local NAMI.org resources.

Please continue to educate yourself and seek assistance where you can.

I hope you have seen your doctor about the swelling since it can be sign of serious illness.

This is not a psychiatric forum. I'm sorry I can't offer any suggestions.