It would be unusual for us to have it before the US. Australia's small population makes it far less economical for it to be released here first, as a rule.
I've been pleasantly surprised at the lack of side effects. I do need to see my GP to get my BiPolar (BP) checked - I saw her about a week after I started it, I'm due back there on Tuesday. I'll make sure she checks my BiPolar (BP).
I did have raised BiPolar (BP) about six months ago and she was going to put me on blood pressure pills. My BiPolar (BP) had been climbing for a year, finally went up to 170 over 95, and I'm usually 110 over 65. But I don't like taking pills after more pills, so I asked if it could be related to the HRT I was taking. So I went off the HRT (had to wean off slowly) and the BiPolar (BP) began to come back down again.
Not sure if that's a factor for you to consider? Not HRT necessarily, but any hormonal treatment. Sometimes a change in the Pill can make a difference in BiPolar (BP). Fat in the body is oestrogenic, it could be pushing your hormone levels higher than you really need.
Your comments about the Xenical - that's one big reason why I didn't want it, either. I don't have IBS (not diagnosed, anyway) but I do have similar problems, especially if I have fat in my diet.
Talk to the doctor, see if it's an option for you.
One thing about Reductil - I did find the company is very protective of its product information. I had to check the ingredients list (because of my allergies). The info was almost impossible to get, I had to ring the company and explain why I needed the list of inactive ingredients, and then discuss it with them. A good thing I did - I'm allergic to the artificial colouring they put in the gelatine capsule, so I have to transfer the Reductil into a clear capsule, every morning. But it's possible, and for a wonder I'm having absolutely no problem with it, when I usually have problems with almost EVERYTHING!
Talk to the doctor. Find out:
1) if it's available; and
2) if the risk of taking it (BiPolar (BP)-wise) is greater or less than the risk of surgery.
Don't blame yourself. There are many reasons why we have problems in this area. Being female puts us behind the weight-loss 8 ball for a start.
I just had a look online - good news. It IS available in the US, but under the name Meridia.
Here is a link -
http://www.inhousepharmacy.com/weight-loss/meridia.html
Maybe, if your doctor thinks it's worth a go, you could try it but monitor BiPolar (BP) to see if it is going to have any effect? You'll have to be guided by the doctor in this, I'm not a doctor and I don't know your full history. But when I looked at the list of possible side effects, it says not everyone has side effects, they're generally only noticed to begin with then they ease off.
I also had to laugh - they say one of the side effects is loss of appetite. I haven't had that one, either!
Anyway, good luck, whatever you decide.
Marg